How to Get US Dollars at the Best Rate

It is generally recommended, when travelling to the United States, to have some US dollars in cash so you can cover your expenses in any situation. Today, card payments are the most common in the US, but cash is still essential in certain circumstances.

In this article, we introduce the US dollar, explain the situations in which paying in cash may be necessary, and share our best tips for buying USD at the best price.

 

Key takeaways:

• The US dollar (USD) is the official currency of the United States and exists in the form of banknotes (from 1 to 100 dollars) and coins ranging from 1 cent to 1 dollar. These denominations allow you to pay for most everyday expenses.
• In the United States, card and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, cafés and public transport. However, cash can still be useful and sometimes preferred in certain situations.
• To obtain US dollars, several options are available, including banks, physical currency exchange offices and online currency exchange services. Exchange rates and fees can vary significantly from one provider to another, which affects the overall cost of the transaction.
• Online exchange services are often the most cost-effective option, as they usually offer better rates and lower commissions. It is also recommended to exchange your currency before departure so you have cash as soon as you arrive in the United States.
• Even though card payments are very common, having cash is important for tipping, which is part of American culture and generally represents between 10% and 20% of the bill. Cash may also be needed at some markets, car parks or in areas where the network coverage is not sufficient for card payments.

 

The official currency of the United States is the US dollar, with the currency code USD.
US dollars are available in the form of both coins and banknotes.

US banknotes

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

Coins

• 1 cent (penny)
• 5 cents (nickel)
• 10 cents (dime)
• 25 cents (quarter)
• 50 cents (half dollar)
• $1

Cards are widely accepted in most businesses for everyday payments. Whether you are paying for a hotel night, a drink in a café, a meal in a restaurant or a transport ticket, you will generally be able to pay by card. Contactless payments are also very common in many situations.

However, cash is still widely accepted — and sometimes even preferred — in certain contexts, so it is important to have some during your stay in the United States.

You will have no difficulty finding a place where you can obtain US dollars in cash: physical currency exchange offices, banks or online currency exchange services all offer this option.

However, prices can vary significantly from one solution to another. Exchange rates may differ greatly between providers, additional fees may apply, and exchange conditions can vary in terms of convenience and speed.

The most cost-effective option for converting Australian dollars into US dollars is often online exchange services. At Prosegur Change, we apply a preferential exchange rate for all currency orders placed online. In addition, we remove all commissions to help maximise your budget. This allows you to avoid the high rates of physical exchange offices as well as the hidden fees often charged by banks.

We also recommend exchanging your currency before leaving for the United States so that you have cash immediately upon arrival. It can sometimes be difficult to find exchange offices in the US, as they are often located only in airports (where exchange rates are very high) or in the most tourist-heavy areas.

You will also most likely need cash as soon as you arrive, for example to take a taxi or leave a tip for your driver.

For these reasons, consider reserving your US dollars before departure to limit expenses and enjoy a more comfortable arrival in the United States. When placing your order online, simply choose the Prosegur Change branch and the day you would like to collect your dollars. You will benefit from our best exchange rates, 0% commission, and have your USD ready for you upon arrival.

Reserve your currency online

Enjoy the best exchange rates and 0% commission when booking your travel money online.

Exchange Currency

Although card payments are widely accepted in the US, it is still essential to have some cash to make your stay as smooth as possible.

Tipping plays a very important role in American culture. You will therefore be expected to leave a tip when paying for:

• A meal in a restaurant
• A snack in a café
• A drink in a bar
• A taxi ride
• A haircut at a hairdresser
• An additional service at a hotel

A reasonable tip is generally considered to be between 10% and 20% of the total bill. Tips are usually given in cash and the amount depends on the quality of the service. If you are very satisfied with the service, you may choose to leave a higher tip, around 20%. For more standard service, a tip of around 10% is common.

Beyond tipping, you may sometimes be asked to pay in cash. This may be the case at certain stalls in farmers’ markets, for entry to some parks, or when paying for parking.

Finally, network coverage can be poor in some remote areas, which can make card payments difficult or even impossible. Having cash on hand therefore helps you deal with this situation.