Page 178 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Chicago

176  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

Banking and Local Currency at ATMs by using them in secure
conditions and daylight hours.
Most national and international banks have branches in When entering your PIN always
Chicago, and foreign currency exchange is available at the shield the numbered keypad.
main branches of most large banks. The cheapest and most
convenient exchange, however, is usually offered on your Credit Cards and
credit or debit card, which can be used at most ATMs. It is a Traveler’s Checks
good idea to arrive in the city with about $100 cash in US Credit cards allow you to carry
currency, in denominations of $20 or lower and including a minimal cash and may offer
few dollars in coins, to cover incidental costs such as tips and merchandise guarantees or
taxis until you are able to withdraw or exchange some money. other benefits. American
Express, Diners Club,
MasterCard, and VISA are all
widely accepted throughout
Chicago. Before you travel,
inform your card provider that
you will be abroad, or you may
find that your card gets blocked
when you start using it.
Most hotels ask for a credit-
card number to guarantee a
reservation, taking an imprint of
the card when you check in. Car
rental agencies insist on a credit-
card guarantee even if you pay for
the rental in cash.
Credit cards are helpful in
Facade of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago emergencies, and many hospitals
will accept a major credit card
Banks and Bureaux de 1, 2, 3, and 5 (open daily). At as a method of payment.
Change Midway Airport, currency can Traveler’s checks issued by
Banks are generally open be exchanged at Seaway American Express and Travelex in
9am–5pm Monday to Friday. National Bank on concourse A. US dollars are accepted without
Some, however, open as early a fee by most shops, hotels, and
as 8am and close as late as ATMs restaurants if accompanied by
6pm, and many are open from suitable photographic
9am to early afternoon on There is no need to carry large identification, such as a
Saturday. The major consumer amounts of cash as plenty of passport. US-dollar traveler’s
banks in Chicago include ATMs can be found throughout checks can be cashed at
Chase, Citibank, Bank of the city. They are almost always most banks; inquire about
America, and Harris Bank. located in bank lobbies or on an commission fees first. Checks in
Many charge fees for non- outside wall near the bank’s foreign currency can be cashed
members to use a teller for entrance, as well as in most at a bank branch offering
routine matters such as grocery stores and pharmacies. foreign-currency exchange,
withdrawing money; always Some bars and fast-food outlets usually in the bank’s main
ask if any fees apply before also have ATMs on their locations. American Express
making a transaction. premises. Keep in mind that and Travelex will cash their
Exchange rates are printed most convenience locations, own checks at no fee.
in the daily newspapers and like bars or corner stores, charge For lost and stolen credit
posted where exchange a high fee – up to $3 per cards see directory.
services are offered. Don’t transaction – in addition to
be fooled by the ubiquitous any bank fees you incur.
and misleadingly named US currency, usually in $20
currency exchanges; they bills, can be electronically
cash checks and wire withdrawn from your bank or
money but do not actually credit card account through an
exchange currency. ATM. Ask your bank which
Foreign exchange brokers American ATM network your
in Chicago are few. Travelex card can access in Chicago, and
is the most common, with what transaction fees will apply.
three stores across the city. Cirrus and Plus are common
Exchanges can be found networks in Chicago. Be aware of An automated teller machine (ATM)
at O’Hare Airport, in terminals your surroundings and take care accepting most credit cards

176-177_EW_Chicago.indd 176 13/07/16 3:00 pm
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Practical template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.7)
Date 5th March 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm