Search In The AnswerBank

spending money in USA

Hi,

I have a question,wonder if anyone can help.
Me and my family (2 adults and 2 children age 7 and 2) are going to America in October. We are spending 2 weeks there in total and visting San Francisco for 5 days, Las Vegas for 4 days andthen LA for 8 days.
I am just wondering what I should be thinking about for spending money??

We will be booking days out/trips and also car hire prior to going so don't need to take that into account, it's more food really. We have breakfast at the hotels we are staying at so it's lunch and dinner??

I would really appreciate anyone who's ever been to any of theseplaces posting me some help and advice!

Much appreciated,

Pinki! pinkilady (Sat 11:04 04/Jul/09)

lone traveller to paris Visit to Portland Oregon

Report this question

Subscribe to question

Post an Answer

Answers 1 to 5 of 5

BenDToy		(Sat 15:47 04/Jul/09) Eating out in all these places can be very cheap compared to the UK, especially if you are eating in the type of places that would suit your children as well. If you look around for deals in family type restaurants you could have a decent lunch for $20 and dinner for about $40. Allow a bit for drinks and snacks (ice creams etc) and you could be OK for less than $75 per day. Note that this is an average - some days you will spend much less than this and some days you can splash out. Americans eat out a lot more than us and you will have no trouble finding something to suit. If money is tight and you are willing to look around for deals, you could probably get by on $50 per day. As an example, in fast food type places lunch could be less than $5 each. And in the evening there are loads of "eat all you can" buffets for $10-$20 per head (kids may be free) or a couple of pizzas could feed all of you for $15-�20. You can usually get takeaways delivered to your hotel room. Watch out for coupons and special offers. Portions are huge - never order sides or starters. Main meals often come with soup or salad, which would be enough for a meal in themselves. Children's portions are inexpensive. You can of course easily spend much more if you want. Don't forget you will want to buy stuff - even with the weaker pound, Many things are still generally cheaper especially clothes. Careful with elctrical goods - US voltage is 110 not 240v. DVDs are often cheaper but make sure your player can play Region 1. Go to outlet malls - especially for branded gear. Also I recommend taking at least one credit card, even if you only have it for for emergency use. And you will need it when you pick up your hire car. You will get the best exchange rates on cards and everywhere takes them. Tell your provider you are going to the US in case they block your card for unusual spending patterns. Have a great one. All of these are great places to visit.
Clanad		(Sat 15:58 04/Jul/09) Good information from Ben and I would add only (being a U.S. citizen) to keep in mind tht you will be buying the fuel for your rental car. Currently, the price is about $2.50 per U.S. gallon. Be sure to select "I will return it full" whn picking up the car... and then don't forget to. The car rental places will charge you nearly $4.00 per gallon to fill it up if you don't. The average car here in the U.S. will get about 20 mile per gallon in the city and perhaps 24 or so on the highway... The average tank size is 15 to 20 gallons. Welcome to the U.S.!
sitges		(Sat 20:30 04/Jul/09) All good advice. a debit card is always good as you get the best exchange rate with your bank. You also don't have to carry a lot of cash with you. When I travel, I figure what I can spend per day and add about 25% just to cover anything else that may come along. In San Francisco, you really don't need a car as the transportation in the city is great and you can walk almost everywhere most of the time. They offer a pass I think for 3 and 5 days which allow travel on any number of trolly's buses and B.A.R.T. which is Bay Area Rapid Transit much like the subways you all have. Just make sure that the places you are staying have parking for your rental car or you will incure a lot of extra costs.
jno		(Mon 06:44 06/Jul/09) if you're eating out anywhere that provides service, don't forget tips will add 15-20% on your bill. Brits aren't conditioned to take this into account the way Americans do.
pinkilady		(Mon 11:12 06/Jul/09) Question Author Thankyou all so much, I really appreciate your time and I now have a much better understanding of what we will be spending etc. I am so looking forward to going, it is our first visit to the states so we are very excited! Have always wanted to visit San Fran, my husband has always wanted to go to LA and we are getting our wedding vows renewed in Vegas! : ) Should be fun! : )

Answers 1 to 5 of 5

Search In The AnswerBank