Ultimate Travel Guide to the United States of America

Currency information

Coins

Cents - 1c, 5c, 10c, 25c, 50c

Banknotes

Dollars - $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100

Welcome to America!

Ah, ‘Murica! No matter how far you roam across its widespread plains, you’ll find a unique collection of people, places and culture in every corner. See a different Broadway show every night in NYC, experience the Boho lifestyle in San Francisco, or eat Mexican food for every meal in San Antonio. Everyone really does say y’all there. You should too.

ATM access

5/5 stars – In all the main cities and popular spots, ATMs will be as easy to find as Starbucks. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to have a few Abraham Lincolns on you for quick-tipping cash.

Tipping

Tipping is customary, greatly appreciated, and mandatory in some circumstances.

Taxi drivers: 10-15% of the fare
Restaurant waiters: 15-20% of the bill (25% is polite if dining with a group of more than 4 people)
Bartenders: US$1-$2 per drink
Hotel staff: A dollar or 2 for porters, about US$5 for room cleaners, 10-15% of the bill for room service, up to US$5 for valets, and various amounts for the concierge based on how much effort they have gone to in assisting you.

Safety Rating

4.5/5 stars – With a smartly planned route, travelling in the US of A is safe and stress-free. There’s no harm in storing your money in a few different places though.

Phone and Internet Access

Readily accessible, with free Wi-Fi often available in hotels and at cafés.

Daily Cost

A general guide for your daily goods. Keep in mind prices may vary across the states.

Coffee: AU$3.45 (an espresso)

Water: AU$1.75 (a 330mL bottle)

Beer: AU$7.55 (a pint in a pub)

Food: AU$16 (for a Chicago-style pizza)

Taxi: AU$84 (J.F.K. – Times Square)

Big Mac: AU$6.40 (Macca’s heartland!)

Daily Budget

Budget: Around AU$80/day (2x cheap meals, supermarket snacks, entry to American Museum of Natural History)

Moderate: Around AU$150/day (2x cheap meals, supermarket snacks, train ticket & entry to the Sky Deck, Chicago)

Luxury: Around AU$200/day (2x restaurant meals, supermarket snacks and entry to Disney World)

Let's talk money

Travelling in a predominately English-speaking country sure makes managing the money easier. US dollar notes are simple enough to understand, though those nickels, dimes and quarters might be a tad puzzling to work out when you go for your first snack run at Trader Joe’s.

• A 20% tip is standard in restaurants

• Tips make up most of a waiter’s wages

• You don’t have to tip if you’re given poor service

• Sales tax isn’t added until at the cash register

• Most restaurants deliver for cheap

• Every night is late-night shopping night in the US

• Airport security is tight, so get there 1.5-2 hours early

• Americans love Aussies for our easy-going attitudes and exotic accents

Must do

Broadway show in New York City

Download the ‘TodayTix’ app for cheap seats and visit M&M’s World in Times Square to fill up on chocolatey snacks beforehand.

A basketball, baseball, hockey or football game

Even if sport isn’t your thing, there’s nothing quite like the patriotic atmosphere of a USA game.

Biking the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco

Cycle into the charming town of Sausalito among the beautiful scenery of SF. Once you cross the bridge, it’s mostly downhill from there.

A live show in Las Vegas

There are plenty of incredible entertainers to choose from. And be sure to combine your night with one of the casinos’ all-you-can-eat buffets.

French Quarter in New Orleans

Home to the iconic Bourbon Street, the celebrations never stop here. Enjoy the live jazz and delicious food, and don’t leave without trying the Hurricane cocktail from Pat O’Brien’s!

Travel Money Trivia

Folding phenomenon

A dollar bill can be folded at least 8,000 times. (second only to France).

Money doesn’t grow on trees

US ‘paper money’ is in fact made up of cotton and linen.

Stole a pizza my heart

Americans eat approximately 100 acres of pizza every day.

Find a Penny, pick it up…

Americans throw away around $62 million each year in loose change.

Signed, sealed and delivered

Mules are still used for delivering mail in Supai, Arizona!

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Travel Money Oz has sought to ensure that the information is true and correct at the time of publication. Prices, details and services are subject to change without notice, and Travel Money Oz accepts no responsibility or liability for any such changes, including any loss resulting from any action taken or reliance made by you on any information provided. Daily Cost: All prices are approximations. Your costs may differ depending on where you go, where you shop, and their individual factors. Daily Budget: Costs are estimated per person and do not include accommodation.