Planning a trip abroad to the United States?

Get the best US dollar rate. Order online today and get dollars delivered

Planning a trip to the United States? Secure your US dollars online and make the most of your travel budget. 

At Manor FX, we offer the best exchange rates for US dollars and provide convenient options for buying your travel money.

Convert your GBP to US dollars online and get your currency delivered to your home or office. 

Alternatively, you can buy US dollars online and choose to click and collect your travel money from our bureau de change near Heathrow.

You can be sure of great rates, speedy delivery and a hassle-free online experience when you exchange foreign currency with us! 

US dollar travel money

Travel to the USA in the know. The US dollar is the official currency of the United States and one of the world’s most recognised currencies. 

What countries use the US dollar?

The United States uses the US dollar as its official currency, and many other popular destinations also use it.

Here’s a list of other countries that have the US dollar as their official currency: Ecuador, El Salvador, Panama, American Samoa, British Virgin Islands, East Timor, Guam, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos Islands, US Virgin Islands, British Indian Ocean Territory, Caribbean Netherlands.

Here’s a list of countries where you can often use US dollars for transactions alongside the local currency: Lebanon, Cambodia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia, Oman, The Bahamas, Cuba, Guyana, Laos, Zambia, Namibia, Tanzania, The Maldives, Myanmar, Syria,  Venezuela, Somaliland, Liberia and Zimbabwe.

If you are visiting a country where the US dollar is a de facto currency rather than the only official currency, check local advice before you travel. 

In some places, dollars are great for hotels, excursions and tips, while the local currency may be better for everyday purchases.

Where can you get US dollars?

You can get US Dollars here at Manor FX

Online travel money providers often offer the best dollar exchange rates and more convenient options, especially if you want dollars delivered or prefer to click-and-collect.

At Manor FX, you can buy US dollars online and choose secure next day delivery or collection near Heathrow. 

We make buying US dollars simple, clear and good value.

How can I buy US dollars in the UK?

You can order US dollars online through the Manor FX website.

Choose how much currency you want, check the foreign exchange rate today and place your order securely online.  

You can then choose to get your US dollars delivered or click collect, depending on what works best for your trip.

Buying US dollars before you travel is typically cheaper and gives you more control over your budget. 

You can compare best US dollar exchange rates, avoid airport prices, and make sure you have cash ready when you land.

Where is the best place to buy US dollars in the UK?

The best place to buy US dollars is Manor FX

Ensure you choose a provider that offers competitive rates, transparent fees, secure payment and convenient delivery or collection.

For UK travellers, Manor FX is a strong option because you can buy US dollars online, choose home delivery or click collect, and arrange your travel money before you fly.

Is it better to buy dollars in the US or UK?

It is usually better to buy some dollars before you arrive in the USA.

Having US dollars in your wallet means you can pay for taxis, tips, snacks, shuttle buses and small purchases as soon as you land. 

You also avoid having to find an ATM straight away, which may incur withdrawal fees or foreign transaction charges from your bank.

You do not need to take every pound of spending money in cash. A sensible mix of cash and card gives you flexibility, security and peace of mind.

What is the best currency to bring to the United States?

The best currency to bring to the United States is the US dollar. It is the official currency and is accepted nationwide.

Can I use my bank card in the United States?

Yes, you can use a credit or debit card in the United States. Cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops, attractions, and major cities.

However, your bank may charge a foreign transaction fee when you spend abroad. Some ATMs may also add a local withdrawal fee. 

Smaller businesses may have minimum card spend rules or prefer cash for low-value purchases.

Before you travel, check your bank’s fees, tell your bank you are going abroad if needed, and keep some cash with you as a backup.

Should I use cash in the United States?

Yes, it is a good idea to carry some cash in the United States.

Cash is useful for tips, taxis, diners, food trucks, markets, laundrettes, vending machines, parking, small shops and places where card machines are not working. It can also help you manage your daily budget.

You do not need to rely on cash for everything. Use cash where it makes life easier and card where it feels safer or more practical.

Is it better to use cash or credit card in the United States?

Both cash and cards are useful in the USA.

Cash is best for small purchases, tips, transport and quick everyday spending. It also helps you avoid using your card for many small transactions.

Credit cards and debit cards are useful for hotels, car hire, restaurants, shopping and larger purchases. 

They are convenient, but you should check whether your provider charges overseas fees.

For most travellers, the best option is to take both.

How much cash should I take to the United States?

The amount of cash to take to America depends on your plans, budget and travel style.

For a short city break, a few hundred dollars may be enough for tips, taxis, snacks and small purchases. 

For a one-week holiday, you may want more cash for meals, transport, attractions and flexible spending. 

For longer trips, many travellers take a larger cash buffer and use card for hotels and higher costs.

America can be affordable or expensive depending on where you go. 

New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami and theme park destinations can be costly. 

Smaller cities, rural areas and road-trip stops may be easier on your budget.

How does tipping work in the United States?

Tipping is expected in many parts of the United States, so it is worth including tipping in your travel budget. In restaurants with table service, a tip of around 15% to 20% of the bill is standard.

As a rough guide, tip:

Service	Typical tip
Restaurant table service	15% to 20%
Bar staff	$1 to $2 per drink
Taxi drivers	10% to 15%
Hotel porter	$1 to $2 per bag
Housekeeping	$2 to $5 per night
Tour guides	10% to 20%
Coffee shops/counter service	Optional; $1 or rounding up is usually fine

Keep some small US dollars in cash, especially $1 and $5 notes, for tips during your trip.

United States currency

Banknotes in the United States

US dollar banknotes are some of the most recognisable notes in the world.

Common notes include $1, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 bills. The $1 bill is especially useful for tips and small purchases, while $20 bills are commonly used for everyday spending.

Older US dollar notes can remain legal tender, but some shops may be cautious with large or older bills. For everyday travel, smaller denominations are usually easier to spend.

Coins in the United States

US coins include pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters. Quarters are especially useful for laundrettes, vending machines, parking meters and small purchases.

You may also come across $1 coins, although $1 notes are more common in everyday use.

If you come home with leftover US dollar coins, our sister company, Leftover Currency, can help you exchange them for cash.

The United States currency import and export regulations

There are no general restrictions on how much money you can take into or out of the United States.

However, if you are travelling with currency or monetary instruments worth more than $10,000, you must declare it to US Customs and Border Protection.

Most holiday travellers will not be carrying that amount, but it is useful to know the rule if you plan to carry a larger cash budget.

Order US dollars online for home delivery (GBP to USD)

Convert pounds to dollars online for quick, safe delivery to your home or office via Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed®.

Order in advance where possible, especially if you are travelling during school holidays, bank holidays or peak travel periods to get the best GBP to dollar exchange rate today.

Alternatively, collect your travel money from our shop close to Heathrow.

Click here to purchase your US dollars online and benefit from the best rate for US dollars online.

Selling back leftover US dollars (USD to GBP)

Have you got leftover US dollars to sell? We offer the best dollar to GBP exchange rate.  

Head to the top of the page to exchange US dollars to GBP and choose ‘sell currency.’ 

Then select ‘USD US dollar’ for the best dollar rate today. We offer competitive US dollar buyback rates for your remaining US dollars.   

Selling back leftover US dollars is a simple way to turn unused travel money back into pounds instead of leaving it in a drawer.

Who has the best rate to buy US dollars?

The provider offering the best rate to buy US dollars will vary as exchange rates change. Look for a strong GBP-to-USD rate, clear pricing, no hidden fees, and reliable delivery or collection.

The best US dollar rate is not just about the number on the screen. The total cost matters too.

Leftover currency after your trip

If you have leftover currency from other destinations, do not forget to check whether it can be exchanged too.

Our sister company, Leftover Currency, can help with many current and withdrawn banknotes and coins, including leftover US dollar coins.

FAQs