America is a plastic kingdom. You can buy a single candy bar with a credit card, which is both convenient and terrifying for your wallet. But always carry a little cash—about $100 in small bills (like $5s and $10s).
Why? Because some diners, street vendors, and that one guy selling fresh donuts in a parking lot won’t take cards. I once watched a tourist try to pay for a $2 coffee with a $100 bill. The vendor looked at him like he’d asked for a pony. Small bills are your friends.
Also, tell your bank you’re traveling. Nothing ruins a vacation faster than your card getting blocked because you bought gas in Wisconsin after buying a bagel in New York. Your bank thinks you’ve been kidnapped.
