Variety, late opening hours, competitive prices and an abundance of modern goods typify US shopping. Many small stores, specialist food shops and hypermarkets are open 24 hours a day. Clothes and electronic goods can be bought direct from factories. Retail outlets range from flea markets and bargain stores to large chain department stores. Malls are a popular way of shopping in the USA and consist of a cluster of different kinds of shops in one building, often a few storys high, connected by an indoor plaza. Note that a sales tax is levied on most or all items in most States and the addition is
not included on the price label; sales tax can be anywhere from 3 to 15 per cent, depending on the State; some States have no sales tax at all.
Shopping hours Mon-Sat 0900/0930-1730/1800. There may be late-night shopping one or two evenings a week. Some States permit Sunday trading.
Currency Information:CurrencyUS Dollar (US$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of US$100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of US$1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.
Currency ExchangeHotels do not, as a rule, exchange currency and only a few major banks will exchange foreign currency, so it is advisable to arrive with US Dollars.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMsMost major credit cards are accepted throughout the USA, including American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa. Visitors are advised to carry at least one major credit card, as it is common to request prepayment or a credit card imprint for hotel rooms and car hire, even when final payment is not by credit card.
Traveller's ChequesWidely accepted in hotels, stores and restaurants, provided they are US Dollar cheques; Pound Sterling traveller’s cheques are not acceptable and few banks will change these. Change is issued in US Dollars. It should be noted that many banks do not have the facility to cash traveller’s cheques and those that do are likely to charge a high commission. One or (in some cases) two items of identification (passport, credit card, driving license) may also be required. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars.
Banking HoursVariable, but generally Mon-Fri 0900-1700.
Exchange Rate Indicators| Date | Apr 07 |
| £1.00= | US$1.98 |
| €1.00= | US$1.34 |
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