I am going to USA. How much money should I carry with me?

Question

I am leaving for the US in a fortnight. How much money should I carry with me? I will need to buy food, and probably pay the advance for an apartment, and some extra cash. And how much do I carry in Cash and how much in traveler's checks?

I am a student and am going to the Polytechnic Institute of New York University.

Answer 1

Live in New York will cost you a lot of money. Studio bedroom probably will cost around $900-1100. And usually they will ask for 1 until 1.5 months deposit. You will probably need to bring $1500 cash and $2000 in traveler's check.

But in my case, the first time I came here to Chicago, I brought $1500 cash and the rest was I asked my parents to transfer me money through money gram.

Believe me, if you bring a lot of money, in some case, the security in the airport usually ask why you carry that much money ( i got the information from a friend of mine).

Good luck with your studies.

Answer 2

it depends on where in the US and for how long?

New York apartments are probably anywhere from $800 to $1200 per month plus a deposit

Food varies, if you will go grocery shopping  it would be about $100 per week.. If you go out to eat it will be more than that like $10-$15 per meal

Answer 3

Never carry more cash than you are willing to lose.  Your ATM card will work just fine in the US and with an ATM on every corner, you'll never be more than a couple of minutes away from being able to get cash.  Traveller's checks are what people used before ATM's were invented.

Think about carrying 1 day's budget with you and going to the ATM daily... having only only that amount will help you budget throughout the day.

Answer 4

Millions and millions. Nahh just kidding, but seriously you are going to be moving to perhaps the most expensive state in the US. Things are NOT cheap out East, especially in NY. I wouldn't carry too much cash on you. Lots of pickpocketers out there. Keep the majority of your money in your account and just use your check card or credit card. It's expensive man. I would say you would need about $1500-1700 per month to live in NY. That MAY get you by.

Answer 5

Unlike most European countries (I don't know where you're from), Americans usually don't use a lot of cash.  The best thing would be to have a VISA or MasterCard credit card, as those are accepted almost everywhere, and that's probably how you'd pay for your apartment.  Otherwise, a few hundred dollars for food and such should be fine.  Don't bring traveler's check - contrary to what they tell you, it's very hard to get them exchanged.  They're basically out-dated.

Good luck!

Answer 6

All Americans carry $2K-$3K on them at all times as "pocket change" or "flash money".