The American system of sizes and measurement is different from that in India. Most of the shops in the U.S. are the equivalents of super markets in India. You can go around the shop, buy what you want and pay at the counter. The important difference you will notice is, the shops are driven by customer service. So if you don't like anything that you bought or it doesn't fit you properly you may return it within a certain period allowed. You should inquire about the return policy when you buy returnable goods.

Ofcourse you need to preserve the receipt of the purchase. Most of the time they won't even ask you why you want to return the goods. When you buy shoes, the size should be 1/2 more than your size in India. For example, if you buy size 9 in India, you should buy size 9 1/2 in the US.(Or approximate it to the nearest round figure).

Following measurement chart will help you in converting between American system and metric system.

Metric Conversion Chart

millimeters x 0.04 = inches(in)
centimeters x 0.4 = inches(in)
meters x 3.3 = feet
kilometers x 1.1 = yards

inches x 2.5 = centimeters
feet x 30 = centimeters
yards x 0.9 = meters
miles x 1.6 = kilometers
grams x 0.035 = ounces
kilograms x 2.2 = pounds

ounces x 28 = grams
pounds x 0.45 = kilograms

milliliters x 0.3 = fluid ounces
liters x 1.06 = quarts
liters x 0.26 = gallons

fluid ounces x 30 = milliliters
quarts x 0.95 = liters
gallons x 3.8 = liters

Discount Stores

There are many different types of discount stores in the USA. Several of them are major chains having stores all over the country. Two well known chains are Wal-Mart and K-Mart. Many smaller stores exist. Nearly anyone can tell you what stores exist in your immediate area. Usually these stores carry a wide assortment of items that may help you get settled into your new living quarters; such as clothes, cooking and eating utensils, bed linens, some food items, plus many more. Some stores carry specific line of merchandise, like furniture or linens.

Indian Grocery Stores

Most American cities have one or more Indian Grocery stores. These are usually well stocked with food items you are used to cooking with and eating.