The currency used in the United States is called the United States Dollar (USD). The USD is accepted in denominations of $100, $50, $20, $10, $5, $1, 25¢ (called a “quarter”), 10¢ (called a “dime”), 5¢ (called a “nickel”), and 1¢ (called a “penny”).
Currency can be exchanged at airports or foreign exchange services, but the best exchange rate is to be found at any of the United States banks. The major banks are: Wells Fargo, First National Bank, Alaska USA, Alaska Pacific Bank and Northrim Bank. Minimum hours of operation will be from 10 AM to 3 PM, Monday to Friday. Extended hours can be found in some cities. We recommend carrying USD travelers checks, as they are accepted as currency at most hotels, stores and restaurants.
Automated teller machines (ATMs) are common throughout Alaska, and as well as being located in banks, they can be found in some grocery stores, gas stations, convenience stores, shopping centers, bus depots, train stations and elsewhere. Please note that often ATMs will charge a service fee for use if you do not regularly bank there. The machine will normally advise the amount of the fee before the transaction starts.
Most major credit cards are widely accepted across the country — principally Visa, MasterCard and American Express.