ACM/IFIP/USENIX Middleware 2017

Las Vegas, Nevada

Dec 11-15, 2017

For Attendees: Money Matters

Exchanging money

"Foreign-exchange bureaus" common in Europe are rare even at airports in the United States. If you do find them, exchange rates are usually disadvantageous to the customer, and have commissions (to the bureau) built in.

Las Vegas airport does have a Travelex currency exchange bureau at Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 Arrivals (Baggage claim areas).

ATMs

In the USA, the easiest way to get cash away from home is from an ATM (automated teller machine). This is usually less expensive and more convenient than changing money.
  • Using a VISA/Mastercard DEBIT card at an ATM of a reputable bank usually gives you the best exchange rate
  • Reputable banks in the Las Vegas area include, but are not limited to, Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America and US Bank
  • Google Maps is usually the best way to locate an ATM near you
  • The Cirrus (tel. 800/424-7787; www.mastercard.com) and PLUS (tel. 800/843-7587; www.visa.com) networks span the country; you can find them even in remote regions. Look at the back of your bank card to see which network you're on.
  • Be sure you know your personal identification number (PIN) and daily withdrawal limit before you depart
  • Overheads:
    • ATM Fees imposed by your bank when you use your card at another bank's ATM: Your bank may impose a fee every time you use a card at another bank's ATM, and that fee can be higher for international transactions (usually $5) than for domestic ones (usually $2).
  • Your bank and/or VISA/Mastercard may charge you a foreign currency conversion fee (usually 3% of the amount withdrawn)
  • In addition, the bank whose ATM from which you withdraw cash may charge its own fee (typically less than $3)
  • Even with all the ATM fees (~$8) and the currency conversion fee (~3%), you are usually better off using ATMs when compared to changing foreign currency or using traveler's checks

ATMs in the Las Vegas Airport
Wells Fargo has a number of ATMs at the Las Vegas airport
https://www.wellsfargo.com/locator/search/89111/?il=EN

ATMs at the conference venue
US Bank ATM on the first floor (easily visible while walking in). If you can't find it, ask at the Reception.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely used in the United States: Visa(Barclaycard in Britain), MasterCard (Eurocard in Europe, Access in Britain, Chargex in Canada), American Express, Diners Club, and Discover. They also provide a convenient record of all your expenses, and they generally offer relatively good exchange rates. You can withdraw cash advances from your credit cards at banks or ATMs, provided you know your PIN.

Visitors from outside the U.S. should inquire whether their bank assesses a 1% to 3% fee on charges incurred abroad.

It is recommended that you travel with at least one major credit card. You must have one to rent a car, and hotels and airlines usually require a credit card imprint as a deposit against expenses. (Note: Smaller businesses in some U.S. cities may require a minimum purchase, usually around $10, before letting you use a credit card. Cash may be preferable in such cases.)