USA Travel Guide

The USA uses the US Dollar and is highly card-friendly, but two things push the final amount above the price on the label: sales tax, added at the register and varying by state, and tipping, expected on top at restaurants, bars and for many services. Entry depends on the passport held, with Visa Waiver travellers using an ESTA and many others needing a B-1/B-2 visa. Budget around USD 200 to 350 per person per day for a mid-range trip, more for New York, San Francisco, theme parks and road trips. Carry most spending on a low-fee card with a separate backup, plus a small USD cash float for tips.

Understanding the US Dollar exchange rate

USD exchange rates move constantly and are hard to predict. Focus on the final customer rate, card foreign-transaction fees, ATM charges and any conversion offer rather than a headline number. Compare the quoted USD rate against a reliable market reference and check all visible charges before you confirm.

How much USD to carry

For a mid-range trip, allow around USD 200 to 350 per person per day before international flights, sales tax and tips. Most travellers put planned spending on a low-foreign-transaction-fee card with a separate backup card, and carry a USD 150 to 250 cash float for tips, small purchases and emergencies. Increase the buffer for road trips and remote areas.

Cards, cash and payment traps

Card acceptance is near-universal, but a card-first trip should still include a backup. Carry two independently issued cards, enable international use, and know your issuer's foreign-transaction, ATM and replacement fees.

• Dynamic currency conversion: when a terminal or ATM offers USD or your home currency, choose USD. Home-currency billing can carry an unfavourable processor rate.
• Tip prompts: many card terminals now ask for a tip. Check the suggested percentages, which are calculated before or after tax depending on the venue.
• Sales tax at the register: the shelf price usually excludes sales tax, so the amount charged is higher than the label. Keep a small buffer.

The best ATM approach in the USA

Use ATMs operated by recognised banks rather than standalone machines in shops or bars, which often charge higher fees. Review the operator fee, withdraw a sensible amount rather than many small ones, and decline any offer to convert the withdrawal into your home currency. Your own issuer may also charge a withdrawal or conversion fee.

Sales tax and tipping in the USA

There is no national VAT. Sales tax is set by each state and often the city too, is added at the register rather than shown on the price tag, and ranges widely; some states have none. Unlike VAT-refund countries, there is no general sales-tax refund for visitors (a few state schemes are limited exceptions), so do not expect an airport refund.

Tipping is a core part of service-worker pay and is expected: roughly 15 to 20% at sit-down restaurants, about USD 1 to 2 per drink at a bar, 15 to 20% for taxis and rideshare, and USD 1 to 2 per bag for porters. Card terminals often prompt for a tip; keep small notes for cash tips.

US visa and ESTA by passport

Entry depends on the passport held, travel history, trip purpose and route. Eligible Visa Waiver Program travellers may use an approved ESTA for tourism or permitted business stays of up to 90 days; many other nationals need a B-1/B-2 visitor visa. Canadian and Bermudian citizens follow separate provisions, and study, work or long stays need the appropriate visa. An approved ESTA does not guarantee admission at the border.

The ESTA fee and the B-1/B-2 visa fee are two different charges for two different groups; see the current amounts in the fees panel and check the official sites. A USD 250 Visa Integrity Fee has been enacted but is not yet being collected, and Visa Waiver travellers and Canadians are exempt (see the fees panel).

Official ESTA site → · US visa information →

Getting around the USA

New York, Chicago, Washington DC, Boston and parts of San Francisco have transit good enough to skip a car. Los Angeles, Orlando, national parks and many suburban itineraries are far easier with a rental car. Domestic flights are the fastest way to cross the country; Amtrak is useful on the Northeast Corridor between Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC. Uber and Lyft work in most cities and are often the simplest airport-to-hotel option. Where a city uses contactless fare payment, tap the same card or device consistently.

Cash declaration entering the USA

There is no limit on how much money you may carry, but currency or reportable monetary instruments exceeding USD 10,000 must be declared to US Customs and Border Protection. The threshold can apply to the combined amount carried by a family or group travelling together. Declaring is not a penalty; failing to declare can lead to seizure and penalties.

National parks and the 2026 nonresident fee

Most national parks charge a standard entrance fee, often per vehicle. From 2026 a new nonresident fee also applies at several of the most popular parks; see the current amount and the annual-pass option in the fees panel above. Road-trip itineraries that include multiple marquee parks should compare individual nonresident fees against the nonresident annual pass, and check each park's page before you go.