Ah, ‘Murica! No matter how far you roam across its widespread plains, you’ll find a unique collection of people, places and culture in every corner. See a different Broadway show every night in NYC, experience the Boho lifestyle in San Francisco, or eat Mexican food for every meal in San Antonio. Everyone really does say y’all there. You should too.
5/5 stars – In all the main cities and popular spots, ATMs will be as easy to find as Starbucks. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to have a few Abraham Lincolns on you for quick-tipping cash.
Tipping is customary, greatly appreciated, and mandatory in some circumstances.
4.5/5 stars – With a smartly planned route, travelling in the US of A is safe and stress-free. There’s no harm in storing your money in a few different places though.
Readily accessible, with free Wi-Fi often available in hotels and at cafés.
A general guide for your daily goods. Keep in mind prices may vary across the states.
Coffee: NZ$4.80 (an espresso)
Water: NZ$1.85 (a 330mL bottle)
Beer: NZ$8.10 (a pint in a pub)
Food: NZ$17 (for a Chicago-style pizza)
Taxi: NZ$90 (J.F.K. – Times Square)
Big Mac: NZ$6.80 (Macca’s heartland!)
Budget: Around NZ$90/day (2x cheap meals, supermarket snacks, entry to American Museum of Natural History)
Moderate: Around NZ$165/day (2x cheap meals, supermarket snacks, train ticket & entry to the Sky Deck, Chicago)
Luxury: Around NZ$220/day (2x restaurant meals, supermarket snacks and entry to Disney World)
Travelling in a predominately English-speaking country sure makes managing the money easier. US dollar notes are simple enough to understand, though those nickels, dimes and quarters might be a tad puzzling to work out when you go for your first snack run at Trader Joe’s.
• A 20% tip is standard in restaurants
• Tips make up most of a waiter’s wages
• You don’t have to tip if you’re given poor service
• Sales tax isn’t added until at the cash register
• Most restaurants deliver for cheap
• Every night is late-night shopping night in the US
• Airport security is tight, so get there 1.5-2 hours early
• Americans love Aussies for our easy-going attitudes and exotic accents
Broadway show in New York City
Download the ‘TodayTix’ app for cheap seats and visit M&M’s World in Times Square to fill up on chocolatey snacks beforehand.
A basketball, baseball, hockey or football game
Even if sport isn’t your thing, there’s nothing quite like the patriotic atmosphere of a USA game.
Biking the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
Cycle into the charming town of Sausalito among the beautiful scenery of SF. Once you cross the bridge, it’s mostly downhill from there.
A live show in Las Vegas
There are plenty of incredible entertainers to choose from. And be sure to combine your night with one of the casinos’ all-you-can-eat buffets.
French Quarter in New Orleans
Home to the iconic Bourbon Street, the celebrations never stop here. Enjoy the live jazz and delicious food, and don’t leave without trying the Hurricane cocktail from Pat O’Brien’s!
Folding phenomenon
A dollar bill can be folded at least 8,000 times. (second only to France).
Money doesn’t grow on trees
US ‘paper money’ is in fact made up of cotton and linen.
Stole a pizza my heart
Americans eat approximately 100 acres of pizza every day.
Find a Penny, pick it up…
Americans throw away around $62 million each year in loose change.
Signed, sealed and delivered
Mules are still used for delivering mail in Supai, Arizona!
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Travel Money NZ has sought to ensure that the information is true and correct at the time of publication. Prices, details and services are subject to change without notice, and Travel Money NZ accepts no responsibility or liability for any such changes, including any loss resulting from any action taken or reliance made by you on any information provided. Daily Cost: All prices are approximations. Your costs may differ depending on where you go, where you shop, and their individual factors. Daily Budget: Costs are estimated per person and do not include accommodation.