United States of America - Money
Currency & Money
The currency of the United States is the U.S. Dollar (USD; symbol $), which is divided into 100 cents. Banknotes are in denominations of $100, 50, 20, 10, 5, and 2. While the $2 bill does exist, it is rare and not commonly seen in circulation. Coins are in denominations of $1 (often gold-coloured), 50 cents (half dollar, also uncommon), 25 cents (quarter), 10 cents (dime), 5 cents (nickel), and 1 cent (penny).
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout the United States, including in hotels, restaurants, shops, petrol stations, and even taxis and food trucks. The most commonly accepted cards are Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, although smaller businesses may not take Amex due to higher fees.
Contactless payments (using cards or mobile wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay) are also increasingly common. However, some small vendors or rural areas may still prefer cash, so it's wise to carry a small amount for tips, snacks, or local transport.
ATMs are easily found across the country. Most ATMs accept international bank cards but may charge a transaction fee, typically between $2 and $5. Your home bank may also add fees or currency conversion charges. Look for machines from major banks (e.g. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo) for reliability.
There are no strict limits on the amount of money you can bring into or take out of the United States. However, if you're carrying $10,000 USD or more in cash or equivalent monetary instruments, you must declare it to U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon entry or exit. Failure to do so can result in fines or confiscation.
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