California Economic

Currency/Cash
One U.S. dollar is composed of 100 cents (¢). Cents come in coin denominations of 1¢ (called a penny), 5¢ (nickel), 10¢ (dime), 25¢ (quarter) and 50¢ (called a half-dollar or fifty-cent piece) . There are two US$1 coins (the smaller, copper-colour "Sacagawea" and the large, silver-colour "Susan B Anthony"), but they are seldom used. U.S. bills are all the same green colour and size and come in denominations of US$1, US$5, US$10, US$20, US$50 and US$100. The US$2 bill has been almost entirely removed from circulation, but it is still legal currency.

Travel Insurance
You should ensure that you have comprehensive travel insurance before you travel. If you intend to drive in California, you should check your car rental insurance covers occupants of your vehicle and any third party claims, including personal injury.

Exchange
Airports at San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Jose and San Diego all have currency exchange offices.

ATMs
The easiest and often most economical way to obtain cash in U.S. dollars is by withdrawing it from an automatic teller machine (ATM). Even the smallest towns in California usually have at least one ATM. Cirrus, Plus, Star and Maestro are the most commonly accepted networks, and these are available at nearly all ATMs. Most ATMs charge a service fee of between US$1 and US$2.50. Your bank may also charge a service fee on top of this. You may encounter problems if your personal identification number (PIN) is longer than four digits. If it is, contact your bank about creating a shorter PIN.

Credit Cards
Visa, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted throughout California. Whether you intend to pay with a credit card or not, credit cards are almost invariably required if you plan to rent or reserve just about anything.

Travellers Cheques
Although not as commonly used as they once were, traveler's checks are still a good way to carry a large amount of cash that can be replaced in the case of loss or theft. Cheques in small denominations (US$20 to US$50) are widely accepted throughout California and can be used just like cash at many hotels and restaurants. Be sure they're in U.S. dollars unless you plan to change them into local currency at a bank or exchange bureau. American Express and Visa Travellers Cheques are the most commonly accepted brands.

Lost or stolen credit cards or travellers cheque
To report missing credit cards, travellers cheques or travellers cheque cards, call the corresponding freephone numbers:

Credit Cards
American Express: 800-528-4800
Diners Club: 800-234-6377
Discover: 800-347-2683
MasterCard: 800-826-2181
Visa: 800-336-8472

Travellers Cheques
American Express: 800- 221-7282
MasterCard: 800-223-9920
Thomas Cook: 800-223-7373
Visa: 800-227-6811

Tipping
Get used to tipping. At restaurants, unless you order and pay at the counter, tipping is expected to the point of being a requirement. To leave less than 15% of the pre-tax total is to beseech the rabid scorn of the entire restaurant staff. It is common to tip 18% to 20% if the service is exceptional. Finer restaurants often include a 15% to 18% service charge for parties of six or more, which takes the place of a tip.

Tip bartenders between US$0.50 and US$1 per drink. Tip taxi drivers US$1 to US$3 (most people just round up to the nearest US$5). Tip hotel porters US$1 to US$3 per bag, and valet parkers the same upon returning your car. On package tours, guides and drivers usually get $10 per day from the group as a whole: check whether this has already been figured into your cost and pre-paid. For local sightseeing tours, you may individually tip the driver or guide if he or she has been helpful or informative; the amount is at your discretion. Tipping is also appropriate at a beauty salon or spa (haircut, manicure, massage, etc., at 15% of total bill.