Currency: the basic unit is the
dollar ($1).There are notes of $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and
$100. Coins are 1¢ (one cent
or a penny), 5¢ (a nickel), 10¢ (a dime), 25¢ (a
quarter), and 50¢ (a half dollar).
ATM's are more common in the US than Ireland. Cards
that you usually receive from the banks in America
are called 'ATM & Check Cards'.
These offer you all the convenience of ATM banking,
and more. You can make withdrawals, deposits and
transfers as well as get your account balance and in
some places buy stamps. Your ATM & Check Card
allows you to buy things on credit or through ATM in
a lot of major retailers.
Bank charge around $2 for using a card in an ATM
machine that doesn't belong to the same bank.
Two of the major banks in America are Wells
Fargo and Bank
Of America. Both of these banks supply online
banking. If you have lost your ATM card, ring your
bank straight away. In a lot of cases, if money has
been stolen they will refund it.
Travelers Cheques : You may also decide to use travelers cheques which
are both convenient and safe and they are refundable
if lost or stolen.
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Sales Tax: It is normal when you get your shopping
bill at the checkout, that it will be more than the
marked price of the item. This is because each state
adds sales tax, which may vary from state to state.
Tipping: Everybody in the US tips people in the
service industry. Tipping is usually 15-20%. Tipping
applies to waitresses, bartenders, taxi drivers, hair
stylists and generally any other type of service
industry. Do not forget to tip or you may not get a
good service next time you enter the same restaurant
or pub! If the service is excellent, you could show
your appreciation by tipping more than the usual
amount. On the other hand, if it is terrible, tip a
little less.
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