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Bookmark & shareIf you can't use your credit card in the US then you probably can't use it anywhere. ATMs are hard to miss, well networked and offer an even cheaper option if your card is set up to use them. Otherwise travellers cheques are almost as good as cash; you'll save yourself hassle and expense if they are in US dollars.
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Currency
- Name
- US Dollar
- Symbol
- US$
American banknotes (bills) often confuse visitors: they're all the same size and the same colour. Be especially careful not to hand over too much cash, and always check your change carefully. Be careful not to accept incomplete or severely torn notes, as they can be refused; small rips are usually not a problem. Bills come in denominations of 1, 2 (rare), 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars.
Coins come in 1 (penny), 5 (nickel), 10 (dime), 25 (quarter) cent and 50 cent denominations; there is also a dollar coin.
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Changing Your Money
Major credit and debit cards, including the Visa Cash Passport Card, are widely accepted. You can also access your bank account using US ATMs which are ubiquitous. Travellers cheques are easily converted to cash at any bank. You'll probably need to take your passport along to prove your identity.
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Money Tips
If you camp or stay in hostels, catch buses and cook your own food, you could feasibly explore the country on around US$50 a day. Staying in motels and eating at modest cafes will mean you'll hit the US$100 mark, and enjoying the convenience of a rental car will push your daily budget up to US$150 .
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Sample Price Guide
- souvenir t-shirt
- US$ 10.00
- small bottle of beer
- US$ 0.95
- litre bottled water
- US$ 0.95
- loaf of whole wheat bread
- US$ 1.45
- liter of gas
- US$ 1.55
- New York hot dog
- US$ 1.50
- hotel double room
- US$ 70.00-100.00
- restaurant meal
- US$ 25.00-40.00
- printing a roll of film
- US$ 5.00
- 1lb ground beef
- US$ 1.85
- Broadway show
- US$ 100-250
- bottle of wine
- US$ 7-9
- gallon of milk
- US$ 3.50
- Internet access per hour
- US$ 3-5
- pound of apples
- US$ 1.20
Average Room Prices
Low Mid High Deluxe US$12-60 US$60-100 US$100-180 US$180+ Average Meal Prices
Low Mid High Deluxe US$3-10 US$10-15 US$15-20 US$20+ -
Tipping
Tipping is expected in cafes, restaurants and better hotels. The going rate in restaurants is 15% or more of the bill; never tip in a fast-food or self-service environment. Taxi drivers, bartenders and hairdressers depend on similar-sized gratuities. Sales taxes vary from state to state but are typically 5-8%, though some states have no sales taxes at all. Top-end accommodation also often attracts a bed tax, which can be as high as 15%. It's worth checking whether quoted prices for lodging include all relevant taxes.
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Disclaimer: We've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety, customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before you travel.
