jamie99

I tip taxi and shuttle drivers in cash as much as possible both in Hawaii and on the mainland to leave the income tax reporting up to them (or not).

mlgb

You aren't dealing with currency exchange like our OP.

I can never find the spare dollar bills when I need them. Uber is just easier.

lissie45

How? Used to be easy to do when I exchanged a TC or cash - but ATMs don't hand out $5 notes normally

It used to be easier when my bank in New Zealand sold foreign currency. I could specify bills and have stood at the counter - rejecting 1/2 of them because they had slight flaws /marks/cuts (which make them unacceptable in most countries outside of the US). However since our borders have been closed for 2 odd years they no longer do foreign currency - not sure if they ever will again either.

ATMs on arrival work just fine most of the time - the only real issue is if you need small change immediately

lissie45

Yup Uber is definitely easier - though also happy with a pre-paid taxi like Charlies too. I agree re downloading apps in advance. We are planning this trip to carry a mobile wifi so should be good for connectivity using VOIP as soon as we land

suze

How? Used to be easy to do when I exchanged a TC or cash - but ATMs don't hand out $5 notes normally

Not hard. Take the $20's you get from the ATM and go into the bank or ask your hotel front desk to change them for $1s and $5s. You'll need them for things like tipping the bellman, tipping shuttle drivers, tipping housekeeping at the hotel, etc. even if you are mostly using a credit card.

I have never had a problem doing this in many trips to Waikiki. Nothing to do with exchange rate or exchanging currency.

mlgb

You probably missed that the poster is from New Zealand. So she doesn't have a US bank or even opportunity to buy some USD before she leaves, apparently.

I didn't look for ATMs at the airport. But didn't arrive international.

If you are taking Charley's just add the tip to your credit card. Once at your hotel you can sort out cash needs. Some might sell you a bit of cash and put it on your bill, although many are trying to avoid cash handling these days. Even some takeout places are credit card only.
PS there is absolutely no requirement to tip wait staff in cash. Add it to the credit card tab.

Quite honestly there are still a lot of people in the US who resist digital payment options, won't use Venmo, won't pay bills online, still write checks, go to the bank in person instead of using remote banking. Etc..

I guess COVID didn't change all of them.

suze

"but ATMs don't hand out $5 notes normally"

That comment certainly implies she has the ability to use an ATM when traveling. Of course there are ATMs at an international airport. You don't need "a US bank" to use an ATM or to break a $20 bill with a teller in one. I did not say anything about the taxi. I did not say anything about wait staff.

suze

https://airports.hawaii.gov/hnl/serv...ies/banks-atm/

mlgb

What bank is she supposed to "go into" to change the $20 that an ATM spits out before she leaves the airport?

Do be careful of using ATMs on the street or other public places.

suze

So at the airport she makes a small purchase (as you recommended) to get change for a $20 from the ATM.

So for the taxi she uses her credit card (as you recommended).

Then when she is in Waikiki she breaks a few $20s at the hotel front desk or any bank that is open (as I recommended).