Imagine landing at LAX, grabbing a coffee, and opening your rideshare app only to realize you’re not sure how people usually pay in Los Angeles. The good news is that LA is one of the easiest cities in the world for digital and card payments. Nearly everywhere you go, from cafés and restaurants to rideshares and even many food trucks, accepts credit cards and mobile wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay. Cash is rarely needed, and most locals tap to pay without a second thought.

TL;DR

  • Los Angeles is highly card- and mobile-friendly; most cafés, restaurants, hotels, shops, rideshares and attractions accept credit/debit cards and tap-to-pay.
  • You only need a small amount of cash (around $20–40 in small bills) for tips, occasional street vendors, some markets and the rare cash-only business.
  • International Visa and MasterCard work almost everywhere, with widespread support for Apple Pay, Google Pay and other contactless mobile wallets.
  • ATMs are abundant; bank-operated machines are safest and usually cheaper than independent ATMs or airport exchange kiosks, especially if you avoid dynamic currency conversion.
  • Using credit cards and ATMs often gives better exchange rates than currency booths, but you should still watch for foreign transaction and withdrawal fees from your bank.
  • Basic safety (covering your PIN, using bank ATMs, not flashing cash) plus a backup card makes managing money in LA smooth and low-stress.

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Overview

Los Angeles uses the United States Dollar (USD), with prices marked using the $ symbol. Bills come in $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100, and coins range from 1¢ to $1. While cash is still available everywhere, it is not the primary payment method for most locals. LA is heavily card-friendly, and credit or debit cards are accepted at almost all restaurants, shops, hotels, and attractions. Mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely used as well, making tap-to-pay a normal part of daily life in the city.

Many businesses in Los Angeles now operate as cashless, accepting only cards or digital payments. This includes certain restaurants, entertainment venues, and major retail chains. Travelers can rely on their existing Visa or Mastercard without issue, and American Express and Discover are also commonly accepted. Because of this, most visitors can navigate the city with very little physical cash.

That said, having a small amount of cash can still be useful in certain situations, such as small vendors, occasional tipping, or older parking meters. This guide explains everything travelers need to know about money in Los Angeles, including currency, payment methods, ATMs, and what to expect when paying for everyday purchases, so you can move through the city smoothly from the moment you arrive.

Do You Need Cash?

Probably less than you think. Many visitors wonder, “cash or card in Los Angeles?” The truth is you can pay for almost everything by card. From restaurants and hotels to Ubers, museums, supermarkets, and retail stores – all standard tourist transactions can be done cash-free. Virtually every place takes credit cards, even parking meters.

Major attractions and big venues often require card or mobile payment (for example, SoFi Stadium is a cashless facility – card or digital only ). If you’re dining out, shopping, or using rideshares like Uber/Lyft, you can confidently swipe or tap to pay.

That said, cash still has its moments. It’s smart to carry a small reserve for situations like:

  • Tipping – It’s customary to tip service workers in the U.S. A few dollars in cash is handy for valets who park your car, bellhops who carry your bags, and housekeeping at your hotel.
  • Street vendors & markets – At farmers’ markets, street food stalls, or taco trucks, some vendors are cash-only or may offer a better deal for cash. While many have mobile card readers or even take Venmo, you might still encounter a classic cash-only taco stand or a fruit cart on a corner.
  • Older parking machines – Most parking meters in LA accept cards or phone payments now, but an odd older coin-operated meter or a small parking lot kiosk might need quarters or bills. It’s rare, but it happens.
  • Small businesses – A few mom-and-pop shops, food trucks, or dive bars prefer cash to avoid card fees. These are very few and far between (and often clearly signposted), but they exist as “cash only” holdouts.

For the majority of your spending, cash is unnecessary. You won’t need it at restaurants (even casual eateries take cards), at hotels (which require a card for check-in incidentals anyway), in rideshares or taxis (almost all take cards or app payments), or at major attractions and stores.

In fact, locals say they “can’t remember the last time they paid cash in LA for anything”. Los Angeles after 2020 saw a big shift to contactless and card payments – many people literally don’t carry cash at all day-to-day.

So how much cash should you carry? Just a little. You won’t need large sums. A reasonable approach is to have around $20–40 in small bills on you, mainly for tips or the random cash-only snack. If you plan to hit up a lot of street food or markets in one day, you might carry a bit more, but there are ATMs everywhere if you find you need extra.

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Carry $20–40 in small bills, enough for tips and quick purchases.

Credit Cards, Debit Cards & Mobile Payments

Credit and debit cards are the lifeblood of LA commerce. You can confidently use major credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover everywhere – from high-end Beverly Hills shops to fast-food joints.

Los Angeles businesses are accustomed to foreign cards too, so international visitors will find their cards work seamlessly, as long as they’re enabled for international use. Just remember to notify your bank of your travel (more on that later) so your card isn’t blocked for suspicious activity.

Chip & Contactless: The U.S. has fully adopted EMV chip cards, so every card terminal you encounter will have a chip reader. Dipping your chip card is the norm, and it’s fast and secure.

In fact, 85% of in-person card transactions in the U.S. are now done with chip cards , so you won’t have to swipe the magnetic strip except at the rare outdated machine. On top of that, almost all modern terminals also support contactless tap-to-pay. You’ll see the contactless symbol at checkout counters across LA.

This means you can tap your card, phone, or smartwatch to pay in many places. Services like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted – it’s common to see someone pay for their coffee by just tapping their iPhone or Android. “Card everywhere. Apple Pay and such virtually everywhere,” as one local quipped. Los Angeles was an early adopter of mobile payments, and that only grew post-pandemic.

No PIN? No problem: One thing that might surprise international travelers is that U.S. credit card transactions usually do not require a PIN code. American credit cards are typically “chip-and-signature”; you either sign the receipt or often no signature at all for small amounts. Most U.S. card terminals won’t prompt for a PIN for credit cards.

If you’re from a country where chip-and-PIN is standard, don’t worry: your card will still work here. If a machine does ask for a PIN and you don’t have one, you can usually press “Enter” or ask the cashier to run it as a credit transaction. Debit cards (with Visa/Master logos) can be used either with a PIN or as credit (signature).

For foreign debit cards, it’s usually easier to select “Credit” if a payment terminal asks “Debit or Credit?” – this avoids any issue of the machine expecting a PIN that you might not have. You’ll still be charged through your checking account as normal, but the transaction processes like a credit purchase. Essentially, choose “credit” for smoother processing on non-US cards.

Card acceptance and minimums: Los Angeles businesses big and small take cards, but very small purchases (a $2 bottle of water, for example) might occasionally run into a minimum charge (e.g. “$5 minimum for cards”) due to processing fees.

This is less common now, but some independent stores or cafes might have a $5–$10 minimum. Usually, you’ll just add a snack to reach the minimum or use cash if you have a couple of dollars. Overall, you can use a card for transactions of any size in most places without fuss.

Mobile and digital payments: LA’s tech-forward attitude means alternative payment methods are also popular. Aside from Apple/Google Pay, you might notice options like Samsung Pay, and even peer-to-peer apps like Venmo, Cash App, or Zelle being accepted by some vendors (especially market stalls or person-to-person payments).

For a tourist, sticking to card or mobile wallet is simplest, but don’t be surprised if a food truck cashier points to a Venmo QR code for payment – many street vendors find that easier than handling cash. However, as an international visitor, those app-based methods might require a U.S. account or phone number, so they’re not typically useful unless you already use them.

Foreign card considerations: Most foreign-issued credit and debit cards will work in LA without issue. Visa and MasterCard are universally accepted, and American Express is accepted at the majority of places (more so than in some other countries, as U.S. businesses are used to Amex).

Discover is also common in the U.S. but somewhat less known abroad. One thing to check are any foreign transaction fees on your cards. Many banks charge around a 3% fee for purchases abroad (and remember, from your bank’s perspective, using your card in LA is “abroad”).

This fee is often on top of the excellent exchange rate Visa/MasterCard provide. If you have a travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees, definitely use that for most purchases. If not, you might see a small percentage added in fees on your statement. Still, using a card is usually cheaper and easier than exchanging a lot of cash.

It’s wise to carry at least two cards (for example, a primary credit card and a backup credit or debit card). Occasionally, a specific card might not work at a particular shop’s machine, or your bank could temporarily freeze one for security – having an alternate saves hassle. Keep them in separate places (one in your wallet, one in the hotel safe or your partner’s bag) so that if one is lost or blocked, you have a lifeline.

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If a card terminal asks “Debit or Credit?”, choose Credit for foreign cards, it avoids PIN issues.

Using ATMs in Los Angeles

When you do need actual cash in LA, ATMs are everywhere and easy to use. You’ll find ATMs at bank branches (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, etc.), inside pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, in shopping malls, at gas stations, and sprinkled throughout convenience stores. There is no shortage of ATMs; in fact, the U.S. has one of the highest densities of ATMs per person , so you’re likely to spot one on any busy commercial street.

Bank ATMs vs. independent ATMs: For reliability and security, it’s best to use ATMs operated by major banks whenever possible. Machines at an actual bank branch or vestibule (or drive-thru) are more likely to be well-maintained and less likely to have tampering devices.

Major bank ATMs in Los Angeles include Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, US Bank, and others. These usually accept foreign cards (look for the Visa/Plus, MasterCard/Cirrus logos on the machine). In contrast, you’ll also see a lot of independent ATMs – the kind found in small stores, bars, or random wall kiosks.

While these work in a pinch, be aware they often charge higher fees and may have lower withdrawal limits. An ATM in a liquor store might charge a $4.95 fee for example, whereas a Bank of America ATM might charge $3. Whenever feasible, hit a bank ATM – your overall fees will likely be lower and the experience safer.

Using a foreign card in a U.S. ATM will typically incur two fees: one from the ATM operator and one from your home bank. ATM usage fees in Los Angeles usually range from about $2 to $5 per withdrawal on the ATM’s side. This will be disclosed on the screen when you withdraw (e.g., “This ATM will charge $3.50 for this transaction, do you accept?”).

On top of that, your own bank back home may charge an out-of-network or foreign withdrawal fee, often another ~$2–5, or a percentage of the amount. Additionally, if your bank doesn’t use the Visa/MC network rate, they might mark up the exchange rate a bit. The bottom line: withdrawing cash can cost a few extra dollars, so you’ll want to minimize those charges.

One way is to withdraw a larger amount in one go rather than many small withdrawals, so you pay the fixed fees less often. Los Angeles is generally safe to carry cash if you do one big withdrawal (within reason), and you can keep most of it locked in your hotel safe, replenishing your wallet as needed.

To further save on ATM costs, check if your bank has partnerships with any U.S. banks. For example, Bank of America is part of the Global ATM Alliance, meaning if your home bank is in that alliance (like Barclays in the UK, Scotiabank in Canada, etc.), you might use BofA ATMs with no U.S. fee.

Citibank customers often can use Citi ATMs abroad fee-free. It’s worth asking your bank or looking on their website for an international ATM locator or policy. Also, some credit unions and banks reimburse ATM fees worldwide – if you have one of those cards, LA’s ATMs won’t cost you much at all.

Safety tips for ATMs: Los Angeles, like any big city, requires a bit of street smarts when withdrawing cash. Stick to ATMs in busy, well-lit locations. ATMs inside banks, malls, grocery stores, or pharmacies are ideal because they have surveillance and foot traffic.

If using an outdoor ATM at night, choose one in a populated area, for example, on a boulevard with open businesses around, rather than a deserted alley. Shield your PIN with your hand when entering it, and be aware of your surroundings.

Before using a machine, give it a quick look and tug; if the card slot or keypad looks loose or tampered with, skip that machine (card “skimmers” can be attached to ATMs to steal data, so it’s wise to be cautious ). Fortunately, chip cards and contactless withdrawals (if your card/app supports them) add security against skimming.

Most ATMs in California dispense $20 bills as the standard. Some bank ATMs allow you to choose denominations ($50s or $100s), but $20s are most common. If you need smaller bills, you can either request a smaller amount (like $40 to get two $20s and break them as you spend), or get cash-back by making a small purchase at a supermarket (many U.S. grocery stores will allow you to add $10 or $20 cash back to a debit card purchase with no fee).

ATM screens may ask if you want to be charged in your home currency (for example, in euros or pounds) instead of USD. This is a form of Dynamic Currency Conversion – always choose USD! If you let the ATM charge you in your home currency, it will apply a poor exchange rate.

For instance, the ATM might offer a “guaranteed rate” but with a 7-8% markup. Decline that option to ensure your home bank does the conversion at the proper rate (more on this in the next section).

Using ATMs in Los Angeles is straightforward and safe if you follow these tips. The convenience of abundant machines means you don’t need to bring a huge amount of cash with you – you can simply withdraw as needed. Just be mindful of fees and try to optimize your withdrawals, and you’ll have stress-free access to dollars throughout your trip.

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Withdraw larger amounts less frequently to reduce repeated ATM fees.

Exchange Rates & Changing Money

When it comes to getting U.S. dollars for your trip, Los Angeles offers plenty of options – but some are much better than others. The key point to remember is that exchange rates can vary a lot, and where you exchange your money matters. To get the best value, you’ll want to avoid the worst exchange rate traps and use the methods that give a fair rate.

Airport exchange counters: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has exchange kiosks operated by companies like ICE. While it’s tempting to swap money right at the airport, the rates at airports are notoriously poor.

These services often advertise “no commission” but hide a big markup in the rate they give you. You might lose 10-15% of your money in a bad rate. It’s okay to exchange a small amount at the airport if you absolutely need cash immediately for a taxi or tip, but otherwise, it’s best to wait.

ATMs: Generally, withdrawing cash from a bank ATM using your debit card will give you a much better exchange rate than a money changer. ATMs use the electronic interbank rate (the same one credit card networks use) which is very close to the true market exchange rate.

Even with a couple of small fees, this usually beats the expensive spread that currency booths charge. In LA, the ATM is usually your best currency exchange option. As mentioned, try to use bank-affiliated ATMs and take out a sensible amount each time to minimize fees. Many travelers report that using an ATM yields more dollars per home-currency unit than any storefront exchange once you do the math.

Banks and currency exchange offices: If you prefer to exchange cash in person, you can find currency exchange offices in Los Angeles (especially in tourist areas like Downtown, Hollywood, or Santa Monica). Some names include Foreign Currency Express, Currency Exchange International, LA Currency, etc.. Rates at these can vary – sometimes they’re okay, sometimes not.

They will all charge a fee or build profit into the rate. It pays to compare if you go this route: ask what rate they’re offering before you commit, and perhaps check online the mid-market rate so you know roughly the right figure. Avoid any place that looks overly gimmicky or promises “best rate” without evidence.

Large banks in the U.S. typically do not offer exchange for walk-in non-customers, so you probably won’t be changing money at a bank teller window unless you have an account. One exception: some banks (like Bank of America) will exchange foreign currency for their own customers, but that doesn’t help most short-term visitors.

Credit cards for purchases: Using your credit card for spending will also give you an excellent exchange rate – the card networks use wholesale rates that are very favorable. As long as your card doesn’t levy a huge foreign transaction fee, this is an easy way to pay and get the best rate automatically.

Most travel-oriented credit cards have no foreign fee nowadays. If yours does charge a fee, it’s usually around 3%, which might still be better than losing 10% or more at a cash exchange counter. Plus, you get the convenience and fraud protection of a card.

Dynamic Currency Conversion: As touched on earlier, you might encounter something called dynamic currency conversion. This is when a merchant or ATM offers to charge your purchase in your home currency instead of USD. It might sound helpful to see the amount in your currency, but it’s almost always a bad deal.

The conversion rate they use will likely be heavily skewed in their favor. Whether it’s at an ATM or when you’re buying souvenirs and the card machine asks, always choose to pay in U.S. Dollars. This way, your own bank/card will do the conversion at the proper rate without hidden markups. Remember, you want your money converted at the mid-market rate, not an inflated tourist rate.

Traveler’s checks and others: Traveler’s checks are pretty much obsolete in Los Angeles (and everywhere). Don’t bother – most places won’t know what to do with them. Rely on cards and ATMs instead. Similarly, avoid bringing large amounts of your home currency to exchange in LA; it’s just not necessary given the ease of ATMs.

If you do have leftover cash from another trip (say euros or pounds) and want to change it, use a bank-affiliated exchange or a well-known bureau for safety, and again, only convert what you’ll actually spend to avoid changing money twice.

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“In LA, the ATM is usually your best currency exchange.”

Scams, Safety & Money Awareness

Los Angeles is a modern city and generally a safe place to use your money, but it’s wise to follow basic precautions just as you would anywhere. The goal is not to make you paranoid – just stay aware and use common sense, and you’ll be fine.

Credit card safety: In restaurants or stores, it’s normal in the U.S. to hand your card to the staff or server who will swipe/insert it for you (if they don’t have a table-side reader). This is generally safe at reputable establishments. However, never give your card to anyone except official staff at a business.

If someone on the street or an unofficial “helper” asks to handle your payment, decline. Unlike some countries, Los Angeles doesn’t have a culture of widespread card fraud by waitstaff or anything, but you should still keep your card within sight when possible.

If a restaurant still follows the older practice of taking your card away to a register, it’s usually fine, this has been standard in the U.S. for decades, but more places are adopting tableside payments now for convenience and security.

Protect your cash and wallet: Pickpocketing isn’t a huge problem in LA compared to some tourist cities, but it can happen in crowded spots (Hollywood Walk of Fame, Santa Monica Pier, busy Metro trains, etc.). Carry your wallet in a front pocket or a secure bag, and keep it zipped or closed.

Don’t flash big wads of cash. Basic stuff: if you set your bag down at a café, keep a foot on the strap or place it in front of you. These minor habits reduce the already-low chance of theft. Also, if you withdraw a lot of cash from an ATM, maybe do it during the day and slip the money into a safe place before walking around.

ATM scams to watch for: We discussed ATM skimmers – devices that can steal card info. While relatively rare, tourists can be targets. Check the card reader for any odd attachments, wiggle it, and glance over the machine for tiny pinhole cameras near the keypad.

If something looks tampered with, cancel and find another ATM. Opt for indoor ATMs at banks or stores, as these are harder for criminals to mess with. Cover your PIN entry with your hand regardless. If an ATM ever swallows your card (highly unlikely), contact your bank immediately.

Use tap and chip whenever possible: Tapping your card or phone (contactless) is not just convenient, it’s also more secure. There’s no opportunity for a skimmer to copy your card when you tap, and the transaction data is tokenized.

The LA County Department of Consumer Affairs even recommends using contactless cards or mobile payments for safe transactions. If you have the option, go contactless and avoid the swipe. Thankfully, almost every payment point in LA will have chip readers and many have tap, so you can take advantage of these safer technologies.

Be cautious but not fearful: You might hear about scams in big cities – like someone “attracting” tourists into a street card game or offering unsolicited help at ticket machines for a tip.

These are not particularly common in LA’s tourist areas, but just know that any deal that seems too good (like a “free” gold ring someone “found” by your feet, etc.) is likely a con – a classic in some cities. In LA, you’re more likely to just encounter the occasional panhandler asking for money. A polite “Sorry, no” will suffice if you’re not inclined to give; never feel pressured.

One specific note: Marijuana dispensaries (cannabis stores) are legal in California but due to federal laws, many are cash-only or cash-preferred. This isn’t a scam, but if you plan to visit one, know that your credit card might not be usable there (some accept debit with a fee).

They often have ATMs on-site. Also, some bars or shops may give a “cash discount” or charge a fee for card use – they should disclose this. It’s up to you if the convenience of card is worth a small fee or if you want to pay cash in those cases.

Los Angeles does not require any special money safety measures beyond the standard. Keep your wits about you, use the same caution you would at home, and you’ll be absolutely fine. The city wants travelers to feel secure, and you’ll notice measures like chipped gas pump readers, well-lit tourist areas, and plenty of police presence in popular zones to deter crime.

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Most restaurants bring handheld card readers to your table; your card never leaves your sight.

Tips for Managing Money Smoothly

To wrap up, here are some practical tips from a seasoned traveler (and local perspective) to ensure your money experience in LA is hassle-free:

  • Notify your bank and card issuers of your travel plans. Before you fly, send a travel notice (many banks let you do this in their app or online banking). This prevents your bank from flagging your Los Angeles purchases as fraud. There’s nothing worse than having your card frozen mid-trip because the bank got suspicious of foreign activity. A quick note to them avoids this headache.

  • Carry a backup card (and keep it separate). As mentioned, have at least two working cards on your trip. One could be Visa, another MasterCard, or one credit and one debit – the idea is diversification. Stash one in a safe place apart from your main wallet. If you lose one or an ATM machine swallows it (rare, but one never knows), you won’t be stranded. Also, sometimes a particular network might have downtime or a particular card brand might not work with a specific vendor – having an alternative saves the day.

  • Use digital wallets for speed and convenience. Adding your card to Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay is a smart move. Not only does it let you pay quickly by phone or watch (handy if you left your wallet in the hotel), but it’s also secure. Los Angeles retailers widely accept mobile payments, so you can tap your phone at many terminals. This also means you can carry less physical stuff when you go out – perhaps just your phone and an ID.

  • Keep track of spending with apps or digital receipts. It’s easy to lose track of spending on holiday. In LA, you might use a mix of cards, cash, and apps. Consider using a money-management app or simply check your card’s mobile app periodically to review charges. Many payment terminals will offer to email or text you a receipt – take advantage of that to have a digital paper trail (useful for budgeting or any disputes). This way, you won’t return home to any unwelcome surprises on your statements.

  • Avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC). We said it before, but it bears repeating as a tip: whenever a payment terminal or ATM asks if you want to charge in your currency (e.g., “EUR” or “GBP”) instead of USD, always choose USD. It’s practically always cheaper because your own bank will likely give a better exchange rate than the third-party service. Merchants might offer it sounding like a convenience (“$100, would you like to see that in your currency?”) – just politely decline and proceed in dollars. You’ll save money by not falling for this common tourist trap.

Note: If a terminal asks “Pay in your home currency?”, always choose USD.

  • Mind the exchange rate and fees. It’s a good idea to have a rough idea of the exchange rate between USD and your home currency during your trip. This helps you quickly mentally convert prices and also spot if something’s off (like if an ATM or bank rate is way off the market rate). Apps like XE or Google can tell you the mid-market rate. Also, know your own bank’s fee structure: do they charge 3% per transaction? A $5 ATM fee? Being aware lets you make informed choices (like maybe you’ll favor using your no-foreign-fee credit card for big purchases, and use ATM cash for small vendors).
  • Stay organized with cash. Keep those small bills handy for tips or minor buys – perhaps in a separate small wallet or section of your purse, so you can quickly grab $1s and $5s when needed. Stash larger notes safely. Los Angeles is not especially prone to short-changing scams or anything, but it’s always wise to count your change and be aware of what denomination you hand over (e.g., don’t accidentally give a $100 thinking it’s a $10 – U.S. bills are all the same color!). Fortunately, prices in the U.S. are straightforward and there’s no bargaining in regular stores, so money dealings are pretty straightforward.

By following these tips, you’ll ensure that money is the least of your worries on your Los Angeles adventure. You’ll spend less time dealing with banks or recovering from hiccups, and more time enjoying the city’s sights and experiences.

The Takeaway

Paying for things in Los Angeles is simple, convenient, and traveler-friendly. Credit cards, debit cards, and mobile wallets are accepted almost everywhere, from rideshares and cafés to major attractions and popular restaurants. You rarely need cash, and the U.S. Dollar is easy to manage when you do. For most purchases, tapping a card or phone is all it takes, which makes navigating the city far easier than in destinations that rely heavily on cash.

Using ATMs for occasional cash needs is straightforward, and with basic planning to avoid unnecessary fees, you can handle all your spending without stress. The widespread acceptance of international cards means you can walk into almost any business with confidence, knowing your preferred payment method will work.

Imagine grabbing a coffee on a sunny LA morning and paying with a quick tap before heading out to explore. That ease is what you can expect throughout your trip. Los Angeles makes money matters effortless, allowing you to focus on enjoying the food, attractions, and energy of the city without worrying about how to pay.

FAQ

Q1. Do I need to carry a lot of cash in Los Angeles?
No. Most payments can be made by card or mobile wallet; a small amount of cash (about $20–40 in small bills) is enough for tips and occasional cash-only spots.

Q2. Are credit cards widely accepted in LA?
Yes. Visa and MasterCard are accepted almost everywhere, and most places also take American Express and Discover, especially in tourist and retail areas.

Q3. Is Apple Pay or Google Pay accepted in Los Angeles?
Very much so. Many stores, cafés, transit machines and even some food trucks accept contactless payments, so tapping your phone or watch is common and convenient.

Q4. What’s the best way to get U.S. dollars in LA?
Using a debit card at a bank ATM usually gives a better exchange rate than airport kiosks or currency booths, even after small fees.

Q5. How much cash should I take out at an ATM?
To reduce repeated fees, it’s better to withdraw a moderate amount less frequently, then keep most of it safe at your hotel and carry only what you need for the day.

Q6. Are there many cashless businesses in Los Angeles?
Yes. Some stadiums, venues and modern restaurants are fully cashless and accept only cards or digital payments, so having a working card is essential.

Q7. Will my foreign chip-and-PIN card work in LA?
Generally yes. Terminals will read the chip, and if they ask “Debit or Credit?” choosing “Credit” often avoids PIN issues and processes the transaction smoothly.

Q8. Should I exchange money at LAX?
Airport exchange counters are convenient but often offer poor rates; it’s usually better to get a small amount only if necessary and use bank ATMs for the rest.

Q9. How do I avoid bad exchange rates when paying by card?
If a terminal or ATM asks to charge you in your home currency instead of USD, always choose USD so your own bank does the conversion at a fairer rate.

Q10. Is it safe to use ATMs and cards in Los Angeles?
Yes, with normal precautions: use well-lit bank ATMs, shield your PIN, check machines for tampering and keep your wallet and phone secure in crowded areas.