United States travel money tips
Heading to United States? Here's a quick rundown of how to handle money on the ground — tipping etiquette, when to use cards versus cash, the best ATMs to use, and the most common pitfalls travelers run into. The local currency is the US Dollar (USD, $).
Tipping
Mandatory in practice. 18–22% in restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, 15–20% for taxis and rideshares, $2–5 per bag for porters.
Cards vs cash
Cards everywhere — even most food trucks. Carry $20–40 cash for tips and small vendors.
Payment methods accepted
ATMs & cash tip
In-network bank ATMs are usually free with foreign cards; standalone 'cash machines' in bars and gas stations charge $4–6.
Heads-up
- Sales tax (5–10%) is added at the register, not on the menu price.
- Some restaurants now auto-add 18–20% gratuity for large groups — check before tipping again.
About the US Dollar (USD)
The US Dollar (USD, symbol $) is the official currency of United States. Knowing the live USD rate against your home currency helps you sanity-check menu prices, taxi fares, and souvenir markups while traveling.
More travel tips
See all country tips →Tips are general guidance for travelers, not legal or financial advice. Customs vary — confirm with local sources for important plans.