US Travel Money Guide
Are you looking to travel to the origin of Hollywood, Disneyland and other iconic landmarks? If so, the USA is the perfect place to visit. Filled with both natural and man-made wonders, a visit to the US is sure to make for an unforgettable experience.
Before you travel to USA from Australia, be sure to calculate your travel fees, budget for your activities and exchange currency to
- Currency: United States dollar
- Currency code: USD
- Central Bank: Federal Reserve Board
- Currency symbol: $ (euro)
- Currency sub unit: ¢ (cent)
- Bank notes: $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100
- Coins: 1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢, 50¢, $1 (rare)
The official currency used in the United States is called the dollar and is often abbreviated as USD, US$ or U.S. dollar.
The US dollar is considered a benchmark currency and is the most traded currency in the foreign exchange market in the world.
Denominations of USD
American money is made up of bills and coins, with bills being used for larger payments and coins being used for tips and other smaller purchases. However, cash is being transitioned out in favour of contactless payment methods such as cards and online transactions.
US Bills
$ 1 - these have white background
$ 2 - these have white beige
$ 5 - these have pink background
$ 10 - these have yellow background
$ 20 - these have green background
$ 50 - these have purple background
$ 100 - these have blue background
Paper money, dollar notes or bills are for large purchases of more than USD $1 and can be used in most establishments, from restaurants to retail stores to hostels.
Travelex Tip: Keeping bills (such as ten dollars) on hand can be helpful for tipping at restaurants.
US Coins
There are several types of coins used in the US. Coins (or silver dollars) are used for small purchases at older and more local establishments. American coins can be found in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 cents (a half dollar). There is also a $1 coin in circulation, although they are harder to find.
Current money payment systems in the US are a blend of cash and contactless payments (third-party transfer systems, cards, online banking), especially after the pandemic. This means it is just as important to have foreign currency in digital form as it is in cash when travelling in the US.
Major cities in the US have international ATMs available so you can access cash with your card. These ATMs have state-of-the-art design and security features so you can obtain cash in a quick and safe manner.
US Bills and Coins
Cash in the form of federal reserve notes and coins can be convenient to have when travelling in the US, especially in more regional or rural areas. Not only can cash be used to make purchases, it can also be used for tipping - which is a prominent part of payment culture in the US.
Best Travel Cards for the US
If are travelling to an urban area in the US and prefer to use card over cash, having a travel card may be an option to consider.
The Travelex Travel Money Card can store United States currency so you have access to money 24/7 while travelling in the US. The Travelex Travel Money Card is an award-winning global currency card that is compatible with Mastercard payment options. It is a convenient alternative to cash as it can store a lot of money at once, as well as other countries’ currencies.
You can keep track of the US dollar exchange rate with the Travelex currency converter or travel rate tracker. When you are happy with an exchange rate, you can also fix it so that you convert at the same rate during your travels.
How much a trip to America from Australia costs depends largely on where in the country you’re planning to visit, what activities you’d like to partake in and your food and accommodation expectations.
To help you plan for your trip, it may be helpful to know the average costs of travel essentials such as food, transport and entertainment. By preparing your budget in advance, you can exchange your Australian dollars to US dollars.
How much does it cost to travel in the US?
When travelling in the US, it may be useful to purchase international SIMs so you have access to internet and calling services at all times. In addition, it’s important to basic amenities. Below, we outline the average prices of food, transport and entertainment activities in the US.
US food prices
The average cost of a meal in the US varies depending on the type of food you’re after. A standard meal usually costs around $17.50, while a three-course meal may cost approximately $35.00 per person. Below, we’ve compiled standard prices of some of the most popular foods in the US.
| Foods in the US | Average Cost in USD |
|---|---|
| Burger and Fries | $ 6.05 |
| Full breakfast | $ 12.00 |
| Hotdog | $ 2.50 - $ 6.00 |
| Beer | $ 5.00 |
| Coffee | $ 4.60 |
US transport costs
You can travel in the US in various ways, from public transport to private car hire. Find out the average costs of different modes of transport in the US.
| Transport in the US | Average Cost in USD |
|---|---|
| One-way subway ticket | $ 2.50 |
| Monthly local transport pass | $ 70.00 |
| Taxi (per 1km) | $ 1.68 |
| Car hire (per day) | $ 112.00 |
Activity prices in the US
The United States is known for its wealth of tourist attractions and entertainment activities all throughout different cities in the country. Find out the prices of specific entertainment activities in the US below.
| Entertainment Activities in the US | Average Cost in USD |
|---|---|
| Museum admission | $ 10.00 - $ 30.00 |
| Theme Park admission | $ 98.00 - 130.00 |
| Sports game tickets | $ 35.00 - 150.00 |
| Music festival admission | $ 150.00 |
US visa costs
Travellers from Australia may need to apply for a B-1 or B-2 visitor visa. The B-1 visa is for travellers visiting the US for educational, business or other professional endeavours. The B-2 visa is for recreational travel, including tourism or friends and family visits. Both visas typically cost $160 USD, depending on where the visa is being processed.
However, Australian citizens may be able to apply for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which allows them to travel to the US as tourists, as long as they have a valid passport and do not have any previous immigration violation history.
One of the most important money practices in the US is tipping. Although it’s not illegal and local authorities won’t be notified, not tipping is heavily looked down upon. Tipping is usually required in restaurants, bars, hotels, and other service establishments.
It is an important part of the American culture and a way to show appreciation and respect for good service. The standard tipping rate in the US is between 15–20%, but you can always tip more or less depending on your own preferences.
In the US, bargaining for lower prices is generally not the norm. This is because most shops and vendors are located in larger establishments such as shopping malls and department stores. Most prices are fixed and not negotiable. However, it is possible to get better pricing by purchasing items in bulk or during a sale. Additionally, many online stores offer discounts and deals that can help save money on purchases. You can use a card when shopping online.
The amount of money you will need to bring on a trip to the US will depend on several factors, including the length of your stay, where you are staying, what activities you plan to do while in the US, and how much shopping and dining out you will do.
Having a travel money guide may help you keep track of these costs and prepare you for your travels to the US. Check out Travelex's US Travel Money Guide for more information.
Yes, Australian citizens are eligible to travel to the US. You will need a valid ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) or a B-1 or B-2 visa, or be part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
USD is typically stronger than AUD, however this can vary over time and depending on the exchange rate. Check out the Travelex Travel Rate Tracker for more information on current rates.
Travel to the US FAQ
The amount of money you will need to bring on a trip to the US will depend on several factors, including the length of your stay, where you are staying, what activities you plan to do while in the US, and how much shopping and dining out you will do.
Having a travel money guide may help you keep track of these costs and prepare you for your travels to the US. Check out Travelex's US Travel Money Guide for more information.
Yes, Australian citizens are eligible to travel to the US. You will need a valid ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) or a B-1 or B-2 visa, or be part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
USD is typically stronger than AUD, however this can vary over time and depending on the exchange rate. Check out the Travelex Travel Rate Tracker for more information on current rates.