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Travel money guide: USA
Explore the land of stars and stripes and discover how you can access your cash in the USA.
The dollar is one of the world’s most stable currencies and is the only currency accepted in the US. If you’re traveling to the states, you’ll have no problem using your credit card. Banks are common and ATMs are inside most corner stores as well.
Read on to find out which cards will work cheapest in the United States of America.
Why you’ll need a combination of travel money options
Use a combination of travel money products which don’t charge for currency conversion and have low or no international ATM withdrawal fees. A travel card or debit card combined with a travel friendly credit card will give you a cost effective way to make both over the counter purchases and ATM withdrawals in the USA.
Compare travel money options and apply for a card you can use to spend for less in America to avoid throwing money at your bank while you’re visiting the United States of America.
Our pick for use in USA
Compare travel cards for USA
Updated September 15th, 2019
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Why we like: Travelex Money Card
Load GBP, EUR, CAD, AUD, JPY or MXN onto this prepaid travel money card and use it at millions of locations worldwide.
- Not linked to your bank account for safety.
- Convert currency with a 5.50% Foreign Exchange Fee
- Contactless payments
- Reload, withdraw, or replace your card for free.
How many dollars do I need to bring to the U.S.?
There’s an old saying first coined in the Reader’s Digest, once you’re finished packing your suitcase, take out half the clothes and take double the money. Ultimately, how you take your money is up to you. Someone couch-surfing in San Francisco will have a different budget to someone on a New York shopping holiday.
| New York | Budget | Mid | Top |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Hostel $30 to $60 per night |
Hotel or motel $150 per night |
5-star hotel or luxury suite $350 per night |
 |
Food truck $5 to $10 |
Restaurant $20 to $40 |
5-Michelin star restaurant $50 a plate |
 |
Free festivals year round in American cities | Guggenheim Museum $25 |
Broadway Musical $200 to $800 |
*Prices are approximate and subject to change
How to send money to USATravel card, debit card, or credit card?
You’ll find most Americans rely on their credit card or debit card to make purchases as much as cash. There are times when you’ll need to pay cash — if your buying a drink at a small bar or a hotdog from a food truck.
However, you’ll see that most merchants in American cities are set up to handle card, contactless and mobile payments.
Travel money options for USA at a glance
| Travel money option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Debit cards for travel |
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| Prepaid travel money cards |
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| Credit cards for travel |
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| Traveler’s checks |
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| Cash |
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This table is a general summary of the travel money products in the market. Features and benefits can vary between cards.
How travel money products work in the United States
Using debit cards
You can use any Mastercard or Visa branded debit card in the United States. The Visa or Mastercard exchange rate applies to foreign currency transactions. This rate is as close to the market rate you can get using a travel product overseas.
Using prepaid travel cards
Although Visa, Mastercard and American Express are accepted everywhere, not all prepaid cards have your name printed on the front, which may cause the merchant to reject them. These instances may be limited to smaller shops. You may be better off using a credit or debit card instead.
Using credit cards
America is a society of credit and any card you use will likely be accepted if the retailer can handle card payments. Contactless payment terminals are common at places like Walmart, Target, Kmart and other major retailers.
- Tip: Rewards credit cards which also don’t charge for currency conversion can be a good way to rack up the points in the US.
Using traveler’s checks
Traveler’s checks were once a staple for any overseas trip. In recent times, card acceptance and security have made these travel money products a burden.
Paying with cash in the USA and tipping etiquette
Dollar bills can give you the impression your wallet is fatter than it actually is. And although you can get by using your card for most purchases, there are times when you’re going to need cash. The US has a culture of tipping, it’s a substitute for low wages. You’ll likely need cash to tip, especially if you’re at a bar, restaurant, club or hotel.
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Tip: There are no rules about how much or little you should tip. But be aware that many service staff in the United States are underpaid and rely on tips to make up their income. You don’t have to tip big, but don’t be stingy unless you’ve received genuinely bad service.
Where? How much should I tip? Restaurant Waiters should get anywhere between 18% to 20% of the bill. Some restaurants will add tips onto the final bill (more common in tourist areas), if this is the case, you don’t need to leave a tip. Bar Drinks are pretty cheap. It’s good form to tip $1 per drink. You may even get a free one from the bartender if you tip a $5. Hotel Tip the porter $2 to $5 for a big bag and an extra $1 for every other bag. Tip housekeepers anywhere from $5 to $10 a day. Taxis Tip 10% to 20% of the fare. Cafe The barista making your coffee doesn’t necessarily need a tip unless he or she has done something special.
A guide to deciphering American banknotes – The Greenback
Have you ever found yourself in the country with a wad of foreign cash? It can be all too easy to give a fifty instead of a five. Don’t get ripped off. Familiarize yourself with US currency before you leave.
Did you know?
In addition to the standard $1 to $100 bills, America also has notes to cover larger denominations.
- Grover Cleveland, the 22nd and 24th U.S president had a $1,000 note named after him.
- James Madison, the 4th U.S President had a $5,000 note named after him.
- Salmon P Chase, the 6th U.S Chief Justice had a $10,000 note named after him.
- Woodrow Wilson, the 28th U.S President had a $100,000 note named after him.
Get travel insurance quotes for your holiday in USA
While the USA is a pretty safe travel destination, accidents can happen anywhere. Don’t leave yourself with a large bill for out of pocket medical expenses.
Protect yourself financially with travel insurance. Travel insurance can cover you for:
- Emergency medical and dental
- Evacuation
- Lost luggage
- Stolen travel documents
- Personal liability
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