How to pay in the United States and where to exchange Australian dollars for US dollars in Australia?

When we prepare for our trips, we always take into account two factors: how to get there (flight, road, boat...) and accommodation. Once at the destination, we are filled with doubts such as… How much money am I going to spend? How to pay in the United States? Will I have fees?

To pay in the United States, you have several convenient and secure options: the most common way is to use credit or debit cards from major networks like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express, which are widely accepted in most shops.

You also have the option to pay in cash. Paying in cash will give you exact control over the Australian dollars and USD dollars you are spending. Additionally, in the US, it is common to eat at the thousands of street stalls you will encounter, where the most practical thing is to pay in cash to avoid falling into traps. For this, you should exchange Australian dollars for US dollars beforehand. You have many options to exchange Australian dollars for US dollars: online, at exchange houses, or at the airport.

The answer to this question is: it depends. Most places will offer you the option to pay by card. The problem arises with the fees. Card payments are very convenient and quick, but the transaction you will be making is outside of Australia and, generally, you are making a payment in USD. What happens next?

Well, your bank will proceed to convert US dollars to Australian dollars the amount of that purchase, applying the fee that is defined by the institution at that moment. Each of your purchases will incur that fee and it is possible that until your return to Australia you will not know how many Australian dollars you have spent in the United States.

Yes. One of the alternatives for your purchases and payments during your trip is cash. It is not as necessary as before, but it is the most useful. For example, when buying fast food at street stalls (you can't resist trying a real hotdog), you must pay in cash. Likewise, when using transport services such as taxis, public transport, convenience stores like 7-Eleven or CVS Pharmacy.

Without a doubt, exchanging Australian dollars for USD in cash will help you keep track of your exact spending on each purchase you make.

Moreover, in the United States, it is important to carry US dollars in cash with you, as it is common to leave tips in many places (it’s part of the culture, around 15% of the bill) and for that, having small bills and coins will save you in those circumstances. Finally, if you need to withdraw money, ATMs are available throughout the country, although it is important to check the applicable fees with your bank to minimise additional costs.

When you plan to travel to the United States, it is important to know the regulations regarding the amount of cash you can carry. According to US laws, you can enter or leave the country with any amount of cash. However, if you carry an amount equal to or greater than 10,000 USD (or its equivalent in other currencies), you must declare it to the customs authorities.

The declaration is made using the FinCEN 105 form. This form is available at the entry and exit points of the country and can also be completed online before your trip.

No. In some cases, you may find establishments that accept it, but they will offer you an unfavourable exchange rate. Generally, you cannot pay with Australian dollars in the United States. The official currency is the US dollar (USD)

It is necessary to exchange Australian dollars for US dollars before making any purchase. You can do this at banks, exchange offices, at airports, or directly with your card and have the bank handle the exchange for each purchase you make (this will incur fees).

• Compare and choose: In Australia, you can compare exchange rates at different banks and exchange houses and choose the most favourable option. In contrast, in the United States, you might find less competitive exchange rates and fewer options to compare.
• Exchange no commission: Generally, the fees for exchanging Australian dollars to USD in Australia tend to be lower than at exchange points in the United States, especially at airports and tourist areas where the fees can be very high.
• Initial Expenses: Upon arriving in the United States, you will need cash for initial expenses such as transport, meals, or small payments in places that do not accept cards. Exchanging Australian dollars to USD in Australia ensures that you have dollars available from the very first moment.

The best way to exchange Australian dollars for USD no commission is to do it online. Banks or hotels also usually offer currency exchange services, but their currency stock is always limited to the most common ones; moreover, exchange rates are subject to the bank's margins plus commissions.

Exchanging Australian dollars for USD on the Global Exchange website guarantees you the best exchange rate, no commission. You will be able to collect your order of US dollars at the airport within 24/48 hours before boarding your flight.

Yes. Depending on the airport from which you start your journey, you will have the opportunity to exchange currency at the last minute. Global Exchange has more than 15 offices at Sydney International Airport. The exchange rates will not be as attractive as those obtained in your online currency exchange, but it is always a good resource for last-minute or unexpected trips. Check out the currency exchange offices of Global Exchange around the world.

• Avoid hidden fees: Always check the exchange rates and commissions before making any transaction. Some currency exchange offices may offer seemingly attractive rates, but charge high commissions.
• Make the currency exchange in advance to avoid rushing and poor exchange rates at the last minute. The option to exchange Australian dollars for US dollars on the Global Exchange website will help you organise yourself. The online currency exchange from Global Exchange has no additional costs or commissions.
• Use rate comparators. There are online tools that allow you to compare the exchange rates offered by different entities. Using these comparators can help you get the best possible deal. However, remember that the online exchange rate from currency exchange offices is not the same as what you will find in a quick search on search engines. This amount is reserved for large transactions between wholesale entities.