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Money & duty free for United States of America
Exchange rates:
US DollarC$1 = US$0.75
€1 = US$1.04
£1 = US$1.24
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.
United States of America duty free
The following goods may be imported by non-residents 21 or older into the USA without incurring customs duty:
• 200 cigarettes and 100 cigars.
• 1L of alcoholic beverage.
• Gifts up to the value of US $100.
For further information, please see www.cbp.gov.
Prohibited items include:
• Agricultural products: Many fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, soil, and products made from animal or plant materials are prohibited.
• Illegal substances and hazardous items: Drugs such as Rohypnol, certain dangerous toys, and vehicles that don't meet U.S. safety standards are forbidden.
• Certain food products: Meat, milk, egg, poultry, and their products, including items made with these materials, are either prohibited or restricted from entering the U.S.
All travellers must declare any items they are bringing into the U.S. Failure to declare prohibited or restricted items can result in fines or legal action. In addition to federal laws, individual U.S. states may have their own regulations concerning certain items. It's advisable to check both federal and state guidelines before travelling.
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