Currency
The United States uses the United States dollar as its currency. The dollar is one of the world’s most common currencies and is convertible to most other currencies. Recently many of the paper bills have been redesigned with additional security features including the use of microprinting, colors and larger faces on the bills. Old-design bills, however, are still in circulation. Keep in mind that if you return home with large amounts of old-design bills, your local banks may be unwilling to exchange them for fear of receiving older counterfeits.
There is a large variety of different coins in circulation. In many cases, for a particular denomination the coins will have an identical front but totally different backs. On some quarters (25-cent coin), varying states may be commemorated on the back of the coin. This means that there are at least 50 different quarter designs, in addition to the traditional eagle and the 1976 bicentennial commemorative quarter. The nickel (5-cent coin) has also been totally redesigned recently to commemorate the Lewis and Clark bicentennial, with buffalo and nature scenes on the reverse, and a quarter-profile of Jefferson on the front. However, the old versions with Jefferson’s profile and Monticello are still in circulation.
There are also several dollar coins in circulation including a silver colored one called the Susan B. Anthony dollar and the more recent gold colored coin featuring a famous American Indian woman, Sacagawea, on the front. For cultural reasons, however, Americans haven’t taken to the dollar coin in the same way Canadians use their loons or Europeans their 1- and 2-Euro coins. The only time you’ll receive the coins are from vending machines and the occasional bank that keeps a few on hand for collectors. You can refer to the United States Mint for Currency Images and Information for a complete list current and out of circulation of coin designs.
Banking
Many "regular" checking accounts offer free online billpaying options. However, be aware, that "free" may not be so. Be sure to read the fine print. There are often other charges tied to checking accounts (which many travellers will know as chequing accounts) such as check processing fees, ATM fees and overdraft fees.
In order to open a bank account in the United States, the federal government requires that you have a social security or tax identification number. If you are visiting the United States for a while you can apply for a TIN. If you intend to use your overseas bank card or credit card, be certain that you have a PIN (personal identification number) that will work internationally (usually 4 digits) and that you know how much each transaction will cost (minimum and percentage exchange rate fees).
Some U.S. banks will only change currency for bank customers, but that is the exception. As long as you have proper identification (passport) and a major currency, most will exchange it for you. It is best to call ahead to verify that you will be able to make the exchange.
Traveler's Cheques & Travel Cards
It may or may not be wiser to bring traveler’s cheques or use the ATM, depending on your bank’s policies and fees. However, it’s always good to arrive with some currency on hand. You should have no trouble using a traveler’s check at any location, so long as you have proper photo identification with you. You may also purchase American Express Travel Cards which work like a credit card but are pre-credited with the amount you determine. ATMs are springing up everywhere, so you should not have trouble finding one to use.
Credit Cards
In the United States, the credit card is king, be sure to check with your financial institution that issued your credit card to find out their fees on foreign exchange. Sometimes you are better off using one particular card over another. No matter what method payment you use you will have to pay an exchange rate. Some establishments will try to disallow the use of credit cards for small purchases. Also, some smaller restaurants still operate as "cash only" -- be sure to ask before dining if you are out of cash. You'll also want to keep some small bills in your wallet for the many toll roads and bridges you may encounter, especially along the east and west coasts. Some take credit or ATM cards, but most do not.
If you have a "chip-and-PIN" credit card from the UK or some other countries, you'll find that it is nearly always treated in the traditional way - i.e. the retailer swipes the magnetic stripe and you sign the printed slip. However, some establshments might have "chip-and-PIN" enabled equipment, but the employees don't know how to use it. When they swipe the card, they see a message on the machine asking them to "Enter the card, chip-side up," or similar, which they don't understand. If this happens, they may want to reject the card, in which case you may have to talk them through the process. Also, it may be difficultt to enter the PIN as they won't necessarily have a PIN-pad within reach of the customer. Here is the link to the Chip and PIN Consumer Information Site .
ATMs (Cashpoints)
An important tip for German travellers is the fact that customers of Deutsche Bank are not charged for withdrawals from ATM machines that are operated by Bank of America.
When using an ATM in the USA, note that some machines may differ from those in other countries. Occasionally, after entering your PIN your card will be returned to you and not held in the ATM until your transaction is complete. Pocket your card and continue.
Also, many banks and supermarkets will give you cash over the counter (called "cash back") with your debit card and ID. Getting cash back in a supermarket when you make a purchase is a good option if you are trying to avoid ATM fees, which can be charged both by the bank which owns the ATM, and your home bank.
Other Offsite Links:
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw7.pdf
American Express (AMEX) Global ATM Finder or
MasterCard / Maestro / CIRRUS Global ATM Locator or
VISA / PLUS Global ATM Locator
