Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
BANKING AND COMMUNICATIONS
1. EXCHANGE
Exchange offices are found at
San Francisco International Airport
,
in some Down-
town banks, and at American Express and Travelex America agencies. However, fees
and bad rates of exchange are the norm. It's better to avoid the problem altogether by
using ATM machines.
2. ATM MACHINES
For virtually all travel purposes, this is by far the best way to get cash, either through
your home checking account or by securing a PIN number to use with your credit card.
The rate of exchange is generally the best for that day, and the small fees charged by
the banks are less than those charged by exchange offices. Best of all, you don't have
to wait in long lines or carry ID.
3. CREDIT CARDS
Paying with plastic is a way of life in the US. Use cash for small items, but pay for
everything else with a credit card, if possible. Most hotels require a credit card num-
ber to book a room, and an imprint of one upon checking in. And you will not be able
to rent a car without one. If your card is lost or stolen, call the toll-free number of your
company and you will not be responsible for any further charges made.
4. TRAVELERS' CHECKS
Nowadays these are more of a nuisance than a convenience. Cashing them in banks
and exchange offices can be a time-consuming hassle. However, if you buy them in
dollars, they're the same as cash and can be used for goods and services of any sort -
but you may need photo ID.
5. US CURRENCY
US banknotes are confusing as they are the same size and color. They come in de-
nominations of $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100, each with a different Founding Fath-
er or US president pictured. The coins are easier to tell apart, being different from
each other. The 1-cent coin (or penny) is copper-colored; the 5-cent coin (nickel)
is nickel-colored; the 10-cent coin (dime) and the larger 25-cent coin (quarter) are
silver-colored.
