US
Dollar (US$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations
USD$100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, 1
To
view images and descriptions of all these
denominations [click
here]
The
US Dollar is widely accepted in as alternative
currency in many countries.
Currency
Import/Export Restrictions:
The
Import or export of US$ 10,000 or equivalent
must be registered with customs on form
4790, failure to do so may result in civil
and criminal prosecution, including seizure
of the money. There is also an embargo on
transactions with Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya
and North Korea. The rules differ for each
of these countries. Bringing in small amounts
of these local currencies may not be a violation,
however, the importing of large quantities
of currency or doing business with these
countries is a violation.
[Click
Here] for more information on doing
a money transfer to the USA.
Currency
Exchange:
Hotels
generally do not offer a money exchange
service and only a few major banks will
exchange foreign currency, so it is advisable
to arrive with US Dollars.
Travellers
Cheques are widely accepted and are generally
treated as cash in most restaurants, hotels
and stores (you will need to show identification,
preferably your passport). Sterling travellers
cheques are not accepted and few banks will
change these. Change is issued in US Dollars.
It is advisable to take travellers cheques
in US Dollars as US banks generally do not
cash travellers cheques and if they do they
will charge high commission and ask for
a minimum of two forms of identification.
Credit
& Debit Cards:
Most
major credit cards are accepted throughout
the USA, including American Express, Diners
Club, Mastercard and VISA. Check with your
credit or debit card company for details
of merchant acceptability and other services
that may be available. It is also advisable
to contact your bank before you leave and
advise them that you will be using your
card abroad. Visitors are advised to carry
at least one major credit card as you will
probably need to leave an imprint when booking
a hotel room or hiring a car. Even if the
final payment is not by credit card.
Exchange
Rate History:
