New York Currency Guide 2026
US Dollar (USD) · $
1 USD = 1 USD
New York Travel Guides
Cash is Useful in New York
Cards work well but cash is handy for markets and small vendors
Daily Budget Guide
🎒
Budget
$80–120 (hostel, subway, halal cart meals, free museum days)
🏨
Mid-Range
$200–350 (hotel, Uber, sit-down restaurants, paid attractions)
✨
Luxury
$600+ (boutique hotel, fine dining, Broadway shows, private car)
ATM Tips for New York
ATMs are everywhere in NYC — Chase, Citibank, and Bank of America have the widest networks with lowest fees
Many bodegas, bars, and small restaurants have ATMs that charge $3–5 per transaction — use bank ATMs to avoid this
NYC ATMs typically have no withdrawal limit beyond your bank's daily limit
For non-US cardholders: your bank will charge a foreign transaction fee (1–3%) — a Wise or Revolut card avoids this
Card Payment Tips
New York City is effectively cashless for most transactions — cards accepted nearly everywhere including food trucks and market stalls
Tap-to-pay (Visa/Mastercard contactless, Apple Pay, Google Pay) works on all NYC MTA subway and bus gates
Some older bodegas, cash-only pizza slices, and tip jars still require cash — carry $20–40 for these
OMNY is the MTA's tap-to-pay transit system — tap your contactless card or Apple/Google Pay directly on subway gates (capped at $34/week for unlimited rides)
Currency Exchange Tips
✓ Best method
You're already in a USD country. For non-US visitors bringing foreign currency, use your bank's ATM (avoid airport Travelex — rates are 8–12% worse). Wise and Revolut give excellent rates for daily spending.
✗ Avoid exchanging at
- ×Times Square currency exchange bureaux (among the worst rates in the world)
- ×Airport Travelex counters
- ×Hotel foreign exchange desks
Tipping in New York
Tipping is deeply embedded in NYC culture. Restaurants: 18–22% (often added automatically for groups of 6+). Taxis and Uber: 15–20%. Hotel porters: $2–5/bag. Bartenders: $1–2/drink or 20% of tab.
Useful Denominations
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need cash in New York City?
Less than ever — NYC is increasingly cashless. Most restaurants, cabs, and even street food vendors take cards. Carry $20–40 for tips, some food stalls, and emergencies.
How much should I tip in NYC restaurants?
18–20% is standard; 22%+ for excellent service. Many restaurants add a service charge for groups of 6+. Tip on the pre-tax total. Never tip less than 15% except for genuinely poor service.
Is NYC expensive?
Yes — NYC is one of the most expensive cities in the world. A casual restaurant meal: $20–40/person. Hotel: $150–400/night. However, many of the best experiences are free: Central Park, free museum days, the High Line, walking the Brooklyn Bridge.
What is the cheapest way to pay for subway in NYC?
Tap your contactless bank card or Apple/Google Pay directly on the subway gate using OMNY. No MetroCard needed, and weekly spending is capped at $34 (equivalent of an unlimited MetroCard).
Before you go to New York
New York Packing List
Everything else you need for your New York trip