Best way to carry money in USA for 2 weeks? credit card? cash?

Doshwaster

wondercollie wrote: »

Most stores will ask for picture ID, especially in touristy areas. Sephora, Saks, Coach, pretty much any higher ticket retailer. Never had it happen in a bar or restaurant.

I don't think I have ever been asked for ID in a shop but then I never buy big ticket items. In most cases they don't even check the signature. However, I still get ID'd occasionally in bars and I'm in my 40s so carrying your driving licence is a good idea - although one jobsworth barman refused to accept my licence as it was a "foreign one".

I use my Halifax Clarity card as my primary card for both cash and spending then keep about £100 on a Caxton Global card as an emergency backup. My backup to the backup are my normal cards from home but I try to never use them abroad.

Obviously don't keep your main card and backups in the same wallet!

jackieblack

We've quite often been asked for ID, usually for purchass over about $50.
Uk photocard driving licence is often met with a blank stare as if they don't really understand what it is, but have never had it refused.

pollypenny

Good lord, we've never been asked for ID. We are in the USA now and have Spent over $50 on numerous occasions as we do the shopping.

Murphy_The_Cat

jackieblack wrote: »

We've quite often been asked for ID, usually for purchass over about $50.
Uk photocard driving licence is often met with a blank stare as if they don't really understand what it is, but have never had it refused.

It seems to vary from State to State, but its becoming less prevelant. On my most recent trip, we weren't asked for any ID in Mass, New Hampshire, Conn, Rhode Isl, NJ or NY.
I did have my first ever experience of using Chip & Pin in America though - and I didn't know the number for that particular card !