🇺🇸 United States · USD
The United States is overwhelmingly card-based, and you can travel comfortably with little or no cash. Tipping, however, is a significant and expected part of the cost of many services, so budget for it as a real expense.
The US dollar has 100 cents, with common banknotes of $1, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. Coins are the penny (1c), nickel (5c), dime (10c) and quarter (25c), with the quarter being the most useful. All bills are the same size and color, so check denominations carefully; $50 and $100 notes can be awkward for small purchases.
Cards and contactless are accepted almost everywhere, and many places now prefer or even require cards. Cash is still handy for tips, small vendors, food trucks, laundromats and some taxis. Carry a few small bills for tipping even if you put most spending on a card.
Exchanging foreign cash inside the US is often inconvenient and poorly priced, since standalone exchange bureaus are uncommon outside major cities and airports. The simplest approach is to skip cash exchange entirely and withdraw dollars from an ATM or pay by card. If you must exchange, banks generally beat airport kiosks but may serve customers only.
US airport currency kiosks offer some of the worst rates and highest fees you'll find. Because cards work nearly everywhere, you rarely need to exchange cash on arrival at all. Use a bank ATM in the terminal or in town for a far better rate than a currency desk.
ATMs are everywhere, but standalone machines in shops, bars and casinos charge steep surcharges. Use ATMs attached to major banks to minimize fees, and decline dynamic currency conversion so you're charged in dollars. Note that fees stack: the ATM operator's surcharge plus your home bank's foreign-withdrawal fee.
Tipping is expected and culturally significant. In sit-down restaurants, 18-20% is standard, and tips are also expected for bartenders, taxi/rideshare drivers, hairdressers, hotel housekeeping and porters. Many card terminals now prompt for tips even at counters; you can decline where no table service is provided.
The biggest budget surprise is that posted prices usually exclude sales tax, which is added at checkout and varies by state and city. Restaurant bills may also include an automatic service charge or 'gratuity included' for larger groups, so check before tipping again. Watch for DCC prompts and skimming devices on standalone ATMs.
You can get by with very little cash, but carry a modest amount of small bills for tips and minor purchases. There's little reason to carry large sums, given how universally cards are accepted. Top up from a bank ATM if you run low rather than exchanging big amounts in advance.
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