United States (US)

Card-first economy — credit and debit Visa/Mastercard/Amex/Discover accepted nearly universally. Contactless (tap-to-pay), Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay increasingly common but still behind Europe. Paper checks are still used for rent, payroll, and large transactions (surprising to Europeans). Peer-to-peer payments via Zelle (bank-to-bank), Venmo, Cash App, and PayPal are ubiquitous among friends and for splitting bills. Carry $20–40 cash for tips, food trucks, small vendors, parking meters.

ATMs everywhere — banks, drugstores (CVS, Walgreens), gas stations, supermarkets, and bars. In-network (your own bank) ATM withdrawals are free. Out-of-network ATMs charge $2–5 plus your own bank's foreign ATM fee ($2–3). Avoid standalone ATMs in bars/nightclubs — high fees ($5–7). Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and credit unions have the largest footprints. Schwab and Fidelity refund all ATM fees worldwide — ideal for frequent travellers.

Major airports (JFK, LAX, ORD) and banks have poor FX rates. Use your home bank card with no foreign transaction fee, or order USD in advance from your home bank. Wise multi-currency card gives near-mid-market rate. Avoid currency kiosks in Times Square and Las Vegas — spread can exceed 10%. Most US businesses do not accept foreign currency; convert before arrival.