California Practical information

Money & costs

Costs

California ain’t a bargain destination. Most people here earn rather handsome incomes and appreciate the good life, which drives up the overall standard of living. What you spend depends largely on what kind of traveler you are, what experiences you wish to have and the season in which you’re visiting.

In summer and around holidays, renting a car, staying in midrange hotels, enjoying two sit-down meals a day, spending some money on sightseeing, activities and going to bars or clubs will cost between $150 and $250 per day (per person, traveling as an adult couple). Families can save by booking hotels that don’t charge extra for children staying in the same room as their parents and by taking advantage of discounts at museums, theme parks and other sights. For mere survival, you probably won’t be able to spend less than $50 to $70 per day - this will have you sleeping in hostels, riding buses, preparing your own meals or eating snacks and fast food, and limiting your entertainment. For more detail on costs and ways to save, see information about accommodations, discount cards and food.

Comfortable midrange accommodation starts at around $90 for a double room, not accounting for regional and seasonal variations. A two-course meal in an average restaurant without alcoholic drinks costs between $20 and $30, plus tax and tip. Drinks at a bar are usually in the $3 to $10 range (from bottled beers in a dive bar to top-shelf martinis at an upscale lounge). Museums charge anything up to $15, while attractions such as Disneyland will set you back $50 per person. Car rentals start at $20 per day, excluding tax and insurance.

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Tipping

Tipping is an American practice that is not really an option - the service has to be absolutely appalling to consider not tipping. In a restaurant, tip your server at least 15% of the bill. In bars at least $1 a round is customary. To tip a cabbie, add at least 10% (starting at $1, even for fares under $6) to the taxi fare. Hotel porters who carry bags a long way expect $3 to $5, or tip $1 per bag. Valet parking is worth about a $1 to $2 tip, to be given when your car is safely returned to you.

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Money

US coins come in 1¢ (penny), 5¢ (nickel), 10¢ (dime) and 25¢ (quarter) pieces, while paper currency comes in $1, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 denominations. Some vendors may be reluctant to accept a $100 bill for small purchases.

You can exchange money at airports, some banks and currency-exchange offices such as American Express and Travelex. Always ask about rates and fees. In rural areas, exchanging money may be a problem, so be sure you have plenty of cash, a credit card or US-dollar traveler’s checks on hand.

Usually the best and quickest way to obtain cash is using ATMs, which are ubiquitous and accessible around the clock. Almost all accept cards from the international Cirrus, Plus, Star and Maestro networks. Keep in mind that most ATMs charge a service fee of $1.50 per transaction and that your own bank may impose additional charges.

Credit cards are almost universally accepted and, in fact, you will find it hard or impossible to rent a car, book a room or order tickets over the phone without one. A credit card may also be vital in emergencies. Most ATMs also spit out cash if you use your credit card, but it’s expensive because, in addition to a steep service fee, you’ll be charged interest immediately on the entire statement period’s balance (ie there’s no grace period as with purchases).

For exact fees, check with your bank or credit-card company.

When it comes to traveler’s checks, American Express and VISA are the most widely known issuers. Buying them online through such agents as Travelex (www.travelex.com) or American Express (www.americanexpress.com) may be cheaper than going through your bank. Restaurants, hotels and most shops generally accept US-dollar traveler’s checks, as they would cash, but small businesses, markets and fast-food chains may refuse them.

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