Getting US Dollars for Your Trip to America
The United States is one of the most visited destinations , 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 abroad - 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
- Fee-free travel cards (Wise, Revolut) - Best option. Pay by card with no foreign transaction fees and withdraw cash from ATMs at excellent rates.
- 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.
- Online currency order - Order dollars online for home delivery if you prefer to arrive with cash. Better rates than the high street.
- Post Office / Travelex - Convenient but middling rates. Order online rather than walking in.
- 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).
Best Exchange Options for USD
Top providers by category:
Charles Schwab
No foreign ATM fees worldwide. Open account before travel.
Bank of America
Large ATM network. Partner with global banks for lower fees.
Chase Bank
Wide coverage, accepts most foreign cards.
Currency Exchange Intl
Good rates at major airports and cities.
Hotel/Casino Exchanges
Very poor rates. Use bank ATM instead.
Compare USD Exchange Rates
See what you'd receive from providers local to you
Frequently Asked Questions
Land first, then withdraw dollars from a US bank ATM such as Chase, Bank of America or Wells Fargo with a travel card free of foreign transaction fees, and use the same card in shops. To arrive with notes in hand, order online for delivery to your home; Post Office and Travelex rates are only middling and airports at either end are a last resort.
Tipping is not optional in America; it is how many service workers make their living, so add 18-20% to the prices you see when budgeting. Sit-down restaurants expect 18-20% of the pre-tax bill (15% reads as poor service), bars $1-2 a drink, taxis and Uber or Lyft 15-20%, bellhops $2-5 a bag, housekeeping $2-5 a night and tour guides $5-10 a person. Fast food needs no tip.
Often, but not everywhere. Tap to pay has spread and is accepted at most chains and at newer terminals, yet it is not as universal as in the UK, so do not rely on it alone. Chip-and-PIN is standard and some older terminals still ask for a signature, so carry your physical card even if you prefer paying by phone.
Some, mainly for tips, which many workers prefer in cash. Cards are taken almost everywhere, from restaurants and bars to Walmart, supermarkets, hotels and pay-at-pump fuel (enter 00000 if asked for a ZIP code), and Uber and Lyft are card only. Keep a few dollars for food trucks and farmers' markets, some of which are cash-only, and for rural diners and yellow cabs, which may prefer cash.
Bank ATMs attached to branches (Wells Fargo, Chase, Bank of America) are free to use, though your own bank may still charge; CVS and Walgreens pharmacy ATMs usually cost less than standalone machines, and supermarket ones often little or nothing. Avoid casino ATMs, often 5% or more, and tourist-area standalone machines charging $3-5 or more. Wise and Revolut often refund machine fees up to monthly limits.
No, and this catches out UK visitors. The price on the shelf or menu is before tax; sales tax is added at the checkout and varies by state, from nothing in a few states to over 10% in others, so a $10 item might come to $10.90. Only Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon have no sales tax.
Nearby Destinations
Planning to visit multiple countries? Check out exchange guides for nearby destinations:
Canada
Mexico
Brazil