Getting US Dollars for Your Trip to America

The United States is one of the most visited destinations for UK travellers, from the skyscrapers of New York to the beaches of Florida and the national parks of the West. Managing money in the USA is straightforward, but there are some important differences from the UK — especially when it comes to tipping.

The US Dollar ($) is universally accepted, and cards work almost everywhere. However, the American tipping culture means you'll need cash more often than you might expect, and your budget should account for adding 18-20% to almost every meal and service.

Key insight for 2026: Contactless payment has grown in the USA but isn't as universal as in the UK. Chip-and-PIN is standard, but some older terminals still request signatures. Always carry your card as a backup even if you prefer phone payments.

Best Ways to Get US Dollars

1. Fee-free travel cards (Wise, Revolut) — Best option. Pay by card with no foreign transaction fees and withdraw cash from ATMs at excellent rates.
2. US bank ATMs — Withdraw dollars upon arrival using your fee-free card. Bank ATMs (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo) are free from many fees.
3. Online currency order — Order dollars online for home delivery if you prefer to arrive with cash. Better rates than the high street.
4. Post Office / Travelex — Convenient but middling rates. Order online rather than walking in.
5. Airport exchange — Poor rates at both UK and US airports. Last resort only.

Understanding Tipping in the USA

This is crucial: Tipping in America isn't optional — it's how many service workers earn their living. Budget an extra 18-20% on top of prices you see.

Tipping Guide

• Restaurants (sit-down) — 18-20% of pre-tax bill. 15% is considered minimum/poor service.
• Bars — $1-2 per drink, or 15-20% of tab
• Coffee shops — $1 or tip jar, not always expected
• Taxis/Uber/Lyft — 15-20% of fare
• Hotel bellhops — $2-5 per bag
• Hotel housekeeping — $2-5 per night, left daily
• Valet parking — $2-5 when car returned
• Hairdressers/spas — 15-20%
• Tour guides — $5-10 per person
• Fast food — No tip expected

Pro tip: Restaurant bills don't include service. The "total" you see doesn't include tip. Many restaurants now add suggested tip amounts (18%, 20%, 22%) on receipts — these are calculated on the post-tax amount which is technically higher than necessary, but most people just pick one.

Using Cards in the USA

Cards are accepted almost everywhere in America:

Where Cards Work

• Restaurants and bars — Universally accepted
• Hotels — All accept cards (often require card on file)
• Shops — From Walmart to boutiques
• Supermarkets — All accept cards
• Gas stations — Pay at pump with card (may ask for ZIP code — use 00000)
• Uber/Lyft — Card only, no cash

Where You Might Need Cash

• Tips — Cash tips are preferred by many workers
• Food trucks — Some are cash-only
• Small diners — Some rural places prefer cash
• Farmers markets — Variable, some cash-only
• Some taxis — Yellow cabs often prefer cash

Note on contactless: "Tap to pay" works at most chain stores and newer terminals, but isn't as universal as in the UK. Don't rely on it exclusively.

ATMs in the USA

ATMs are plentiful across America. Here's how to use them wisely:

Best ATMs

• Bank ATMs — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank ATMs attached to branches are free for withdrawals (your bank's fees may still apply)
• CVS/Walgreens — Pharmacies have ATMs, usually lower fees than standalone machines
• Supermarket ATMs — Often no fee or low fee

ATMs to Avoid

• Casino ATMs — High fees, often 5%+
• Standalone machines in tourist areas — Often charge $3-5+ per transaction
• Non-bank ATMs — Check fees before confirming

Tip: With a Wise or Revolut card, ATM fees charged by the machine are often reimbursed up to monthly limits, making any ATM effectively free.

Prices and Sales Tax

One surprise for UK visitors: prices shown don't include tax. Sales tax varies by state (0% in some states, up to 10%+ in others) and is added at checkout.

So a $10 item might cost $10.90 when you pay. This applies to shops, restaurants, and most purchases. Only some states have no sales tax (Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon).