The currency of the USA is the US Dollar, with one Dollar equalling 100 cents. Notes come in denominations of $100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of $1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.

Money is not incredibly easy to exchange, so it is advisable to arrive with US Dollars – some banks do offer exchange facilities. Traveller’s cheques are accepted widely, though it is advisable to take them in US Dollars only, as other currencies can be difficult to impossible to use.

ATMs are widely available, and major international credit and debit cards are accepted.

See:

Visa:               http://www.visa.com/atms/

MasterCard:  http://www.mastercard.com/cardholderservices/atm/

The import and export of both domestic and foreign currency is unlimited, though amounts over $10,000 (or equivalent) must be declared to customs.

Business

General banking hours in most areas are from 0900 to 1500 Mondays to Fridays. Shopping hours are generally from 0900 to 1730 Mondays to Saturdays, with many larger stores opening longer hours – sometimes 24 hours.

General customs and politeness are to be observed throughout the US, though the country is home to something of a laid back attitude. Smoking is becoming more and more of a faux pas through the country and care should be taken not to offend. Business is conducted formally, as would be expected. Americans are traditionally open and friendly people.

Tipping usually amounts to around 15 to 20 percent, and the US is a country where tipping is widely practised – it is usually the main form of supplementing income for staff.