Tipping - US notes

[SeatBackForward]

Looks like after an almost 3yr hiatus, I'll be heading over to the US again later this year. Thinking back to my last trip - I paid for almost everything using either credit card of using my phone wallet, where they usually leave room to tip. But to tip using notes .eg at the hotel or doorman etc, usually best to use small denomination notes $1 or $5..

So how are you all getting a hold of these notes to use for tipping?

 

[serfty]

So how are you all getting a hold of these notes to use for tipping?

My general modus operandi is to hit an ATM on arrival for a few 20's.

Since I am normally connecting and have lounge access, when I get a 'complimentary' drink in a staffed bar, I hand over a $20 and ask for change. They are generally happy to do so and often supply in $1 bills, counting them out. I leave the tip and take the rest.

 

[RooFlyer]

Your bank or even Flight Centre shop (even if you aren't a client) should give you FX as many $1 as you reasonably ask for - I even found FC better than my bank last time . Serfty's way is good (avoids FX if you use Citi or similar - although many airports only have 1 brand of ATM), although if schedules change you may not get lounge time and be on the landside curb without change ....

 

[Katie]

A quick purchase at Hudson News while waiting for a connection, though the magazine variety seems to be quite lacking compared to 2019.
I've also found hotel front desks can often break notes - if I have a $20 from the ATM, I can often get a $10, $5 and then $1s.

 

[SeatBackForward]

So sounds like best strategy is to get the larger currency notes here in AUS then ask for them to be broken down in a retail store?

I had a problem on previous trip where all I had left was $20 and $100 and a bunch of coins, probably still have even more coins now..

 

[RooFlyer]

So sounds like best strategy is to get the larger currency notes here in AUS then ask for them to be broken down in a retail store?

Up to you, but if you are going to buy larger denomination notes here in Oz, why not ask for a bunch of $1 at the same time? Personally, when I and transiting or landing overseas, the last thing I want to do is to pop into an airport shop, look for a suitably priced item (plus tax) and hope I get sufficient small change. You'll need the $1s straight away for the hotel bus, if you get one, or maybe a $5 for a cab for a longer journey.

 

[eric2011]

I usually order overseas currency online at Travelex and pickup at the airport on the way out. They are usually pretty good at giving a selection of denominations but will usually change a 20 for singles if you ask them