British travelers sparked a 200+ comment debate on r/travel with a simple question: how much physical currency do they need for two weeks touring the US East Coast?
They have $150 cash and a £2,500 credit card. Accommodations and major travel are prepaid. They're visiting Washington DC, Virginia, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City.
The question sounds straightforward. The answers reveal just how confusing America's payment landscape remains — even in 2026.
The Consensus: You Probably Need More Cash
While $150 isn't necessarily insufficient, most experienced travelers recommended having $200-400 in small bills for the two-week trip.
The reasons why reveal the peculiarities of the American payment system:
Tipping culture is mandatory and cash-preferred. Restaurant servers, bartenders, hotel housekeeping, taxi drivers, tour guides, and countless other service workers expect tips — and while many can accept tips on card, cash is often preferred. Budget $10-20 per day just for tips.
Many small businesses remain cash-only. Food trucks, some delis, smaller bars, street vendors, and hole-in-the-wall restaurants in major cities often don't accept cards. "You'll find more cash-only places than you expect," one commenter noted, "especially the best cheap eats."
Card minimums exist. Some establishments require minimum purchases ($10-15) for card payments, making cash necessary for small transactions.
Transit quirks. While major metros like 's MTA accept cards, some smaller transit systems, parking meters, and vending machines still require cash or operate more smoothly with it.
