Get the best US dollar exchange rate

Best US dollar exchange rate

It may come as no surprise that the US dollar is the most popular and widely-traded currency in the world. According to the Bank for International Settlements, nearly 90% of all foreign exchange trades involve the US dollar on one side of the transaction, and it's estimated that more than 60% of all the cash reserves held by central banks around the world are stored in US dollars.

If you're travelling to the USA, it's important to shop around and compare currency suppliers to maximise your chances of getting a good deal. We can help you to find the best US dollar exchange rate by comparing a wide range of UK travel money suppliers who have US dollars in stock and ready to order online now. Our comparisons automatically factor in all costs and commission, so all you need to do is tell us how much you want to spend and we'll show you the top suppliers who fit the bill.

US dollar banknotes and coins

US dollars are governed and issued by the central bank of the United States, the Federal Reserve, while the physical production of US dollar banknotes and coins is managed by the Department of the Treasury. Banknotes are printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington D.C., and coins are minted by the United States Mint which has facilities in various US cities including Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco.

One US dollar ($) can be subdivided into 100 cents (¢). There are seven denominations of US dollar banknotes in circulation: $1, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 which are frequently used, plus a rarer $2 bill which is not as widely circulated but is still printed and is legal tender.

All US dollar banknotes feature two insignias that are intended to represent different aspects of American culture and history. The first insignia, known as the Great Seal, depicts a bald eagle with a shield on its chest, holding an olive branch and arrows in its talons. Above the eagle's head is a banner with the Latin phrase "E Pluribus Unum" which means "Out of Many, One", and a constellation of 13 stars representing the original 13 American colonies. The second insignia is the seal of the Federal Reserve System. The front of the seal features an eagle holding a key which represents the Fed's role in controlling the money supply, and a scroll which represents the Fed's responsibility to regulate and oversee banks.

There are four US dollar coins in frequent circulation: 1¢, 5¢ (nickel), 10¢ (dime) and 25¢ (quarter). 50¢ and $1 coins are also minted but are not as widely used.

Dollars are colloquially referred to as 'bucks'. The name was originally used as slang term in 19th century poker games, where a 'buck' was a buck-handled knife that was passed from player to player to indicate whose turn it was to deal. If a player didn't want the responsibility of dealing, they could 'pass the buck' to another player. Over time, the term 'buck' came to be used more broadly to refer to a bet or a wager; eventually becoming synonymous with dollars.

Tips for saving money while visiting the USA

The USA has a high standard of living, and prices are generally comparable to the UK for things like accommodation, food and transport. Hawaii, New York and California are generally considered to be the expensive states to visit, while Kentucky, Mississippi and Arkansas are among the cheapest.