f 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.


  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 .


    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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