Travel Deals
Money & duty free for United States of America
Exchange rates:
US DollarC$1 = US$0.95
€1 = US$1.29
£1 = US$1.52
Money & Currency
Currency information:
Credit cards:
Most major credit cards are accepted throughout the USA, including American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa. Visitors are advised to carry at least one major credit card, as it is common to request pre-payment or a credit card imprint for hotel rooms and car hire, even when final payment is not by credit card. Be sure to check with your card issuer for current surcharge rates imposed for use of the card outside your home country. You should also inform your issuer that you are travelling for a specified period so your card is not flagged or temporarily suspended.
Bank-issued debit cards are accepted at many businesses in the US; however, using them to pay for many travel-related expenses, such as car hire and hotel rooms, often incurs a surcharge, deposit, or a hold on your account.
ATM:
ATMs are widely available across the country.
Travellers cheques:
Widely accepted in US Dollar cheques; Pound Sterling traveller's cheques are rarely accepted and few banks will honour them. Change is issued in US Dollars. One or two items of identification (passport, credit card, driving licence) will be required.
Banking hours:
Variable, but generally Mon-Fri 0830-1700. In major cities such as New York, newer banks are competing with one another and have extended hours, including weekend service.
Currency restriction:
There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts in excess of US$10,000 or equivalent should be declared at customs.
Currency exchange:
Hotels do not, as a rule, exchange currency and only a few major banks will exchange foreign currency, so it is advisable to arrive with US Dollars, or exchange foreign currency at the airport upon arrival.
United States of America duty free
The following goods may be imported by visitors over 21 years of age into the USA without incurring customs duty:
• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 2kg of smoking tobacco or proportionate amounts of each.
• 1L of alcoholic beverage if 21 or over and if for personal use or a gift.
• Gifts or articles up to a value of US$100.
(a) Items should not be gift-wrapped, and should be available for customs inspection. (b) For information about the importation of pets, refer to the brochure Pets, Wildlife - US Customs, available at US Embassies and Consulates. (c) Further information on US customs regulations is available online (www.cbp.gov).
Note: Gold coins, medals and bullion, formerly prohibited, may be brought into the USA, except from embargoed countries. Copies of gold coins, however, are prohibited.
Banned imports:
The following are either banned or may only be imported under licence:
(a) Narcotics and dangerous drugs, unless for medical purposes (doctor's certificate required).
(b) Absinthe, biological materials, some seeds, fruits and plants (including endangered species of plants and vegetables and their products).
(c) Firearms and ammunition (with some exceptions - consult the Customs website).
(d) Hazardous articles (fireworks, toxic materials), including matches and match books (unless packed tightly in a closed container).
(e) Meat and poultry products - fresh, dried or canned.
(f) Any fish (unless certified as disease free) or their eggs, unless canned, pickled or smoked. (g) Dairy products and eggs.
(h) Cuban cigars, brought from any country.
(i) Wildlife and endangered species, including crustaceans, molluscs, eggs, game and hunting trophies and crafted articles of any part thereof.
(j) Dog and cat fur.
(k) Some art and artefacts.
(l) Imports from Iran and leather souvenirs from Haiti (eg drums).
(m) Some automobiles.
(n) More than one article (limited to once every 30 days) displaying a counterfeit or confusingly similar logo to trademarked and copyrighted articles.
(o) Merchandise from embargoed countries: Burma (Myanmar), Cuba, Iran, and most of Sudan; information materials (pamphlets, books, tapes, films and recordings) are permitted. Items of archaeological, historical religious or scientific importance that are illegally removed from specific locations in Iraq.
Banned exports:
Weapons and drugs are prohibited exports; additional banned items may be determined by the customs agency of your country of origin. Check with local officials for an updated list of banned exports.
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