Dollar bills for tipping on US holiday

[redroseflyer]

Hi, I'm going on holiday to the US and need a good stash of $1 and $5 bills for tipping purposes as we'll be there for 2 weeks.

I've had a look at pre-ordering currency online to collect from the bureau de change but non let you specify how your total amount is made up (i.e small denominations only). We'll be using Monzo or Credit Card for everything else.

I know they don't tend to hold much stock of $1 & $5s so.... apart from trekking around every currency kiosk to see what they have. Does anyone have any other suggestions? I'm thinking others must have been in the same boat with holidays to America. Thank you!

in america they expect a minimum tip of 15% and some its 20% get a tipping app on your app to calculate how much you need per meal out

were are you headed

Whenever I’ve asked for small bills (usually order online and get it delivered) I’ve always had a good stack of one dollar bills, but TBH you really only need single dollars for tipping bellboys. Meals out you can put the tip on your card, or if you want to leave cash it’s likely to be multiples of $5/10

The card machine they use have an option for 15%, 20%and any other amount and it just calculates for you to authorise.

Yes, we've just got back from Canada and we used zero cash.

In fact, it was quite difficult to find a cash machine (we went to a wedding and wanted to give cash). We drove around for quite a while! It's not like here at all. I don't know about the US though.

I live here and basically never have cash and neither do most of my friends. If you're paying by card in restaurants there's options to add the tip on when you're paying. It's about ~18%+ now for tipping.

In terms of getting small notes before coming I don't really have any leads, but once you're here you can always ask in a shop to break up your larger notes (as long as it's not a $50 note). Alternatively I just buy multiple something small things in multiple transactions at the self-check out machines at Target to get smaller denominations.

They usually ask at the Bureau at pickup how you want the cash. So a chance to ask for small bills then. Restaurants should be fine as PP have said but small bills are useful for hotel staff (including cleaners)

Just got back from the states, as others have said, many places you can add the tip electronically. However small notes are still useful for housekeeping staff, shuttle bus drivers etc. I got USD before I went from M&S and they had $1 notes.

You'll probably only tip the bellboy, housekeeping and valet (if you have a rental car) in cash and they'll all expect at least $5 so you don't need dollar bills.
Bars and restaurants, you'll just add it on to your bill when you pay. I live in the US and can't remember the last time I used cash, I try to keep a few $5 bills just in case I have to use a parking valet somewhere but everything else is done by card or with an app (Venmo, Apple Pay etc)