How to Get US Dollars at the Best Rate

Are you planning a trip to the United States and looking to exchange your currency for USD? Although most transactions can be made by card, having cash on hand remains very useful to be independent in any situation.

In this article, we explain everything you need to know about the US dollar, situations where we recommend having cash, and we provide our tips for obtaining USD at the best rate.

 

Key takeaways:

• The US dollar (USD) is the official currency in the United States; cards are widely accepted, but cash is still useful for certain expenses.
• Cash is recommended for tips (10–20%), taxis, hotels, restaurants, food trucks, parking, public toilets, or areas with poor network coverage.
• It is preferable to exchange your currency before departure, as exchange offices are rare in the US and often apply unfavourable rates.
• The most economical solution is to book your dollars online to benefit from a preferential rate, with no commission, and either collect in-branch or have them delivered to your home.
• It is advisable to have dollars upon arrival, plan for around $50–$200 per day in cash, and declare any amount exceeding $10,000 to customs.

 

The official currency in the United States is the US dollar, also called USD.

The banknotes are:

• $1
• $2
• $5
• $10
• $20
• $50
• $100

Coins are:

• 1 cent (penny)
• 5 cents (nickel)
• 10 cents (dime)
• 25 cents (quarter)
• 50 cents (half dollar)
• $1 (less common than the banknote)

In the United States, cards are accepted almost everywhere, so you should have no difficulty making digital payments at hotels, restaurants, shops, and transport. Contactless payments are also very common.

However, it remains very useful to have cash on a daily basis for certain expenses.

Even though cards are widely accepted, we recommend carrying cash daily, as some payments are much better accepted in cash.

This is particularly true for tipping, which is an important part of American culture. While this practice may not be common in some countries, it is advisable to respect it during your stay in the United States.

Although there is no legal obligation, failing to tip is considered very poor etiquette in certain establishments, such as:

• Restaurants
• Cafés
• Bars
• Taxis
• Hairdressers
• Hotels

Generally, the rule is to tip 10–20% of the total amount, ideally in cash. The tip amount also depends on the quality of service. If service is exceptional, tipping 20% more shows your satisfaction. Conversely, poor service justifies a tip of only 10%.

Read also: How to Handle Tipping Abroad?

Depending on your itinerary, cash may also vary in importance: in more remote areas, card payments can be difficult or even impossible due to poor network coverage. Additionally, if you plan to visit Las Vegas for its many casinos, make sure you have enough cash with you.

Some businesses may also prefer cash payments, such as food trucks or market stalls.
Finally, you will need cash to pay for certain parking lots, public toilets, or laundry machines.

Between city or airport exchange offices, on-site withdrawals, or online currency exchange services, there are several ways to obtain USD for a trip to the US.

First, make sure to exchange your currency before departure for several reasons:

• Exchange offices are rare in the United States, usually only found in airports or highly touristic areas.
• Exchange rates are often less favourable, typically much further from the interbank rate, with high margins and sometimes additional fixed fees.
• Some US banks may refuse to exchange currency, reserving this service for their own clients.

Conversely, by exchanging your currency before departure, you benefit from better rates and have more time to compare offers and choose the best one.

The most economical and convenient solution is to reserve your currency online. This way, you benefit from a preferential exchange rate and zero commission. You therefore receive more USD than through your bank or a traditional exchange office. You also know the exact amount of USD you will receive before the transaction, helping you control your travel budget.

Once your reservation is confirmed, you can collect it free of charge at one of our UK branches.

Read also: 

• Is last-minute travel more cost-effective?
• Why Planning Your Currency Exchange in Advance Can Save You Money
• How to Get Cash Before Travelling Abroad
• When is the Best Time to Exchange Currency?

You will most likely need cash as soon as you arrive in the United States, for tipping your taxi or making a small purchase, for example. Having USD immediately is therefore highly recommended.

If you plan to carry a large amount of cash, note that the limit is $10,000 without declaration. Any amount above this must be declared to customs to avoid issues upon entry.

Depending on your travel style and expected expenses, we recommend having $50–$200 in cash per day for daily expenses. If you find it difficult to estimate your budget, you can use our BuyBack guarantee. This allows you to return unused dollars to a branch after your trip and sell them back at the same rate, avoiding market fluctuations and making your trip more cost-effective.

Read also:

• 4 things you can do with ChangeGroup that could save you time and money
• 4 Apps to Manage Your Travel Budget Efficiently