New York City Money

Lonely Planet WorldGuide Cost Index

Spending it

Preferred Form

If you can't use your credit card in the US then you probably can't use it anywhere. ATMs are hard to miss, well networked and offer an even cheaper option if your card is set up to use them. Otherwise travellers cheques are almost as good as cash; you'll save yourself hassle and expense if they are in US dollars.

Changing Your Money

Major credit and debit cards, including the Visa Cash Passport Card, are widely accepted. You can also access your bank account using US ATMs which are ubiquitous. Travellers cheques are easily converted to cash at any bank. You'll probably need to take your passport along to prove your identity.

Tipping

Tipping is expected in restaurants, bars and better hotels, taxis, and by hairdressers and baggage carriers. In restaurants, wait staff are paid less than the minimum wage and rely upon tips to make a living. Tip at least 15% unless the service is terrible, in which case a light tip will get your point across. Most New Yorkers either tip a straight up 20%, or just double the 8.25% sales tax. At bars, bartenders typically expect a 1.00 tip for every drink they serve (at preferred drinking spots, the old rule of fourth round free stands and decent tips help perpetuate that tradition). Never tip in fast-food, take-out or buffet-style restaurants where you serve yourself.

Taxi drivers expect 10% and hairdressers 15% if their service is satisfactory. Baggage carriers (skycaps in airports, bellhops in hotels) receive 1.00 for the first bag and 0.50 for each additional bag. In 1st class and luxury hotels, tipping can reach ludicrous proportions - doormen, bellboys and parking attendants all expect to be tipped at least 1.00 for each service performed - including simply opening a taxi door for you. (Business travellers should tip the cleaning staff 5.00 a day.)

Money Tips

If you camp or stay in hostels, catch buses and cook your own food, you could feasibly explore the country on around 50.00 a day. Staying in motels and eating at modest cafes will mean you'll hit the 100.00 mark, and enjoying the convenience of a rental car will push your daily budget up to 150.00.

Currency Notes

American banknotes (bills) often confuse visitors: they're all the same size and the same colour. Be especially careful not to hand over too much cash, and always check your change carefully. Notes with even small rips can be refused; be careful not to accept torn or incomplete notes. Bills come in denominations of 1, 2 (rare), 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars.

Currency Coins

Coins come in 1 (penny), 5 (nickel), 10 (dime)and 25 (quarter) cent denominations; there is also a dollar coin.