Preferred Form

If 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.

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.

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.

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$50.00 a day. Staying in motels and eating at modest cafes will mean you'll hit the US$100.00 mark, and enjoying the convenience of a rental car will push your daily budget up to US$150.00.

Currency Notes

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. Notes with even small rips can be refused; be careful not to accept torn or incomplete notes. Bills come in denominations of 1, 2 (rare), 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars.

Currency Coins

Coins come in 1 (penny), 5 (nickel), 10 (dime)and 25 (quarter) cent denominations; there is also a dollar coin.