The Low Down on the American Currency
| Currency: |
US Dollar |
| Central Bank: |
Federal Reserve Bank |
| Currency symbol: |
$ (dollar) |
| Currency sub unit: |
¢ (cent) |
| Nicknames: |
greenback, buck, dough, green |
| Bank notes: |
$1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100 |
| Coins: |
1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢, 50¢, $1 |
The US dollar is one of the most dominant reserve currencies in the world and is also the main tender for several other countries or regions outside the United States, including the Caribbean, Ecuador and El Salvador.
Don’t be surprised to hear dollars being referred to as ‘bucks’ when you are out and about, this is a commonly used nickname! You may also hear 5 cent coins referred to as a ‘nickel’, a 10 cent coin as a ‘dime’ and a 25 cent coin as a ‘quarter’.
Tipping is standard practice across America and you will be expected to pay up to 15% on top of your meal – or even 20% for upmarket restaurants. Thankfully, portion sizes tend to be very generous indeed, so you’re unlikely to feel short-changed!
What to spend your dollars on
-
Smart gambling in Vegas
1 USD
-
Grand Central Station to
the Empire State Building5.50 USD
-
Catch an LA Lakers game (from)
35 USD
-
IMAX at the L.A. Chinese Theatre
19 USD
-
Sip fresh coffee at Central Park
4 USD
A budget
RecalculateMust-sees in the United States
- New York
- This bustling metropolis is full of great landmarks. The Empire State Building, Broadway theatre district and Madison Square Garden are just three of them, begging to be explored!
- New Orleans
- A vibrant clash of American, Caribbean and French influences, New Orleans is especially known for its live blues and jazz music.
- Miami
- Miami features a unique blend of Hispanic and American culture that you won’t find anywhere else. Take it all in while you walk the famous South Beach.
Buying US dollars online is easy
Order American dollars online, lock in the rate and collect at your local store, at the airport before you fly or have it delivered at home
Prefer to Buy in Store?
If buying online is not your thing, visit your nearest Travelex store around and one of our friendly sales consultants will help you organise your dollars for your trip to The United States of America.
Find a StoreTravelling to the USA in the Future?
Track Rates and get notified when the US dollar matches your ideal rate so you can decide if it’s a good time to buy!
Track Rates
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Very good service and customer oriented
Very good service and customer oriented when picking up the order over the counter.
HWGreat service for cash orders but…
Great service for cash orders but unfortunately was unable to provide a Travel Card due to locale.
Christine ChilcottVery sufficient service
Very sufficient service. Had to make a phone call to talk through an online order and they were super helpful. The callcentre new immediately where my problem was. This show me they are properly trained. Was my first experience with Travelex and will definitely not be the last. Highly recommended
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Easy! Thanks 😊
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Great Help Rang the customer help centre and Mary Lou was extremely patient helping me reload after several years of not using the Travel Card. Great service and back-up.
DarceConvenient
Convenient. Easy. Great service
JuliaEasy process
Easy process, good comunication when the cash was ready to collect
Travellergreat system
great system lets hope the exch rates conversions wont scam too much
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Top up travel card. Could not register online. Very helpful stayed online to make sure all was good. Very lovely helpful lady
KimGreat experience always and very user…
Great experience always and very user friendly
Vanessa VenturatoPrompt response to a request
Prompt response to a request
Michael Ernest WestEasy to order travel money
So easy to order money online and pick up in store.Good exchange rates and no fees.
J WalkerPrompt efficient service!
Prompt efficient service! Excellent customer service
Mieke IsabelPurchasing online was easy
Purchasing online was easy, so was pickup
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Easy to use, need more rate special deals.
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