United States Travel Money Guide

The US dollar is the one currency every KL changer stocks in depth, so getting dollars is easy. What's different about the US is what happens after you land: the price on the tag isn't what you pay, tipping is built into the system, and the notes you brought can change the rate you got. A little preparation avoids all three surprises.

When to exchange

USD is the most liquid currency at KL changers and its spreads are the tightest of any foreign currency, but it also moves with global news. If your trip is close, compare the live rates and exchange once. If it's months away, you can split the exchange into a couple of rounds to average out the movement. Avoid the airport counter, where the gap between the rate you pay and the rate you'd get selling back is far wider.

Tip: Check which note denominations a changer is quoting. Many shops show separate rates for larger and smaller notes, and a poster rate that looks sharp may only apply to the bigger ones.

Which notes to bring

Money changers generally prefer newer, clean, large-denomination notes (US$50 and US$100) and give a better rate for them than for small notes such as US$1, US$5, US$10 and US$20. Old, torn, marked or damaged US dollar notes are likely to get a worse rate, or be refused outright.

That doesn't mean you should only carry US$100 bills, though. In the US you'll need small notes for tips and small purchases, and a US$100 bill can be hard to break at a food truck or taxi. A practical split:

• A few larger notes for hotel deposits and emergencies
• A stack of US$1 and US$5 notes for tips (ask for these specifically, and accept that the rate may be a little lower)

How much cash to bring

The US is a card country. A rough daily budget for a comfortable mid-range trip:

• Food — US$50–90/day before tax and tip (a diner breakfast is US$12–20, and a casual dinner is US$20–40 a head)
• Local transport — US$10–30/day on subways and buses, much more if you rent a car or use ride-hailing
• Attractions — US$20–60/day (theme parks and big attractions cost far more)

Tipping culture

Tipping in the US is not optional in practice, because many servers rely on tips for most of their pay. As a guide:

• Restaurants with table service — 15–20% of the pre-tax bill. A tip is rarely added automatically except for large groups.
• Bars — US$1–2 per drink, or 15–20% on a tab.
• Taxis and ride-hailing — around 15–20%.
• Hotels — US$2–5 per night for housekeeping, and US$1–2 per bag for porters.
• Counter service and coffee — optional, though a tip screen will often prompt you.

Sales tax at the till

US prices on the shelf and the menu don't include sales tax. It's added at the till, and the rate depends on the state and sometimes the city, so a US$20 item can cost noticeably more by the time you pay. A few states don't charge sales tax at all, but most do. Factor in around 5–10% on top of tagged prices, plus tip in restaurants.

Where to exchange in KL

These three changers currently post the best USD rates. Tap to see their branches and live rates:

Payment tips on the ground

• Cards are accepted almost everywhere — contactless and phone payments are common, and some small businesses are card-only.
• Choose USD on the terminal — if a card machine offers to charge you in ringgit, decline and pay in dollars.
• Keep your notes crisp — a torn or marked note may be refused at some shops, and notes in poor condition fetch a lower "You Get" rate when you sell leftovers back in KL.
• Check declaration rules — travellers entering the US with more than US$10,000 in currency must report it, so most visitors won't be affected, but check US Customs and Border Protection before you fly if you're carrying a lot of cash.