Survive - Texas - page 753

Money
The US dollar ($) is divided into 100 cents (¢). Coins come in denominations of 1¢ (penny), 5¢ (nickel), 10¢ (dime),
25¢ (quarter). Quarters are the most commonly used coins in vending machines and some parking meters, so it can be
handy to have a stash of them. Bills (banknotes) come in $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 denominations - $2 bills
are rare, but perfectly legal. In smaller places, cashing $100 can be difficult. Carry some small bills, especially for tips.
ATMs
» Common everywhere: airports, banks, grocery stores, malls, gas station convenience stores...
» Both your bank and the ATM owner you use will typically charge a small fee for each transaction (from $1.50 up to
5%).
» Local ATMs must display fees; check how much your bank charges before you leave home.
Credit Cards
» MasterCard or Visa are accepted at most places of business in Texas. A few eateries take cash only.
» American Express, Discover and other major cards are less universal, but still widely accepted.
» A credit card is usually required for car rental, hotel reservation and advance transportation ticket purchasing.
Tipping
Tipping is not optional. Service employees make minimum wage and rely on tips for their livelihoods.
Anyone delivering anything $2 to 15% for food, pizza, flowers, extra pillows in the hotel, your car from valet parking;
really, anything.
Baggage services $2 per bag.
Bartenders 15% to 20%, or at least $1 per round if bill is small.
Hotel and B&B housekeeping $5 per stay is nice, though not as widely expected as other tips.
Hotel concierge $10 to $20 if they do a lot for you, such as procuring difficult tickets.
Restaurant servers 15% to 20% depending on level of service.
Taxi drivers 10% to 15%
Traveler's Checks
Traveler's checks from American Express or Thomas Cook offer protection from theft or loss, but they have fallen out
of use in the US. Some places may not accept the checks at all, causing you to exchange them in a bank. Using a mix of
ATM withdrawals and some cash is easier.