Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Probably the only cities more expensive than Honolulu are New York City, London, and Tokyo.
Honolulu is expensive—very expensive. Visitors are always shocked at how much things cost.
Think about it: Hawaii is among the most isolated set of islands in the world. It's some 2,500 miles
to the nearest continent and nearly everything is shipped in; and if it's not shipped, then it's flown
at an even greater cost.
Hotel rooms in Waikiki are second in price to New York City. If you would like to stay on Waikiki
Beach, you are looking at rack rates in the $350 and up range (a deal on the Internet can put you
in around $250). Hotels off the beach are still expensive; expect to pay $200-plus per day. Then
factor in tax (13.93%), plus (very expensive) parking of $18 to $25 a night.
It's always advisable to bring money in a variety of forms on a vacation: a mix of cash, credit cards,
and traveler's checks. You should also exchange enough petty cash to cover airport incidentals,
tipping, and transportation to your hotel before you leave home, or withdraw money upon arrival at
an airport ATM.
The easiest and best way to get cash away from home is from an
ATM
(automated teller machine),
sometimes referred to as a “cash machine,” or “cashpoint.” The
Cirrus
(
&
800/424-7787;
are everywhere in Hawaii—at banks, supermarkets, Longs Drugs, and Honolulu International Air-
port, and in some resorts and shopping centers. Check your bank's website for exact locations.
Note: Many banks impose a fee every time you use a card at another bank's ATM, and
that fee is often higher for international transactions (up to $5 or more) than for domestic
ones (where they're rarely more than $2). In addition, the bank from which you withdraw
cash may charge its own fee. To compare banks' ATM fees within the U.S., use
www.bankrate.com
. Visitors from outside the U.S. should also find out whether their bank
assesses a 1% to 3% fee on charges incurred abroad.
Credit cards
are the most widely used form of payment in the United States and include
Visa
(Barclaycard in Britain),
MasterCard
(EuroCard in Europe, Access in Britain, Chargex in Canada),
American Express, Diners Club,
and
Discover.
They also provide a convenient record of all your
expenses and offer relatively good exchange rates. You can withdraw cash advances from your
credit cards at banks or ATMs, but high fees make credit card cash advances a pricey way to get
cash.
It's highly recommended that you travel with at least one major credit card. You must have a credit
card to rent a car, and hotels and airlines usually require a credit card imprint as a deposit against
expenses.
