Imagine a vacation where you can truly relax without the constant worry of exchange rates. Fortunately, there are numerous destinations worldwide where you can use the U.S. dollar directly, eliminating the need for currency conversion.

This means more time to enjoy the beach and savor that margarita, and less time spent calculating costs in your home currency. Discover the ease and convenience of traveling to countries that readily accept the American dollar.

All About The Benjamins

Here’s a money-saving tip for your next trip: consider countries that use the U.S. dollar. When visiting popular holiday destinations like Greece, you can bypass the currency exchange booth at the airport.

Despite the euro being the official currency, Greece accepts American money and euros at its hotels and shops. This also applies to the thousands of islands near Greece’s mainland. Using the U.S. dollar, you can save on currency conversion fees and get more value for your money.

For a unique travel experience, consider Ecuador. This South American country has an intriguing history with world currencies. After experimenting with several, it settled on the U.S. dollar as a stable form of legal tender.

In a bold move, Ecuador even phased out its own currency, the sucre, fully adopting the U.S. dollar. Today, the nation only produces centavo coins for its natives.

Are you planning to visit the British Virgin Islands anytime soon? If so, you’d probably be shocked that the Caribbean only accepts American money. Comprised of four major islets and countless others, the British Virgin Islands are the property of England. However, the British pound is not the official form of money that the island uses to conduct day-to-day business. Instead, the people of the British Virgin Islands prefer U.S. dollars.

Are you ready for a unique travel experience? Consider countries like Cambodia, where the U.S. dollar is accepted and distributed through their ATM systems. It’s a fascinating blend of cultures and currencies. Even historical sites like Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, accept the U.S. dollar. This is just one example of the exciting adventures that await you in countries that embrace the American dollar.

Cashing In

For the best U.S. dollar exchange, head to Panama. The reason? Panama’s currency, the Balboa, has the exact same dollar value as American money. This unique situation dates back to 1904, when Panama gained independence from Colombia, and the U.S. was approved to construct the Panama Canal. The close ties with the U.S. led to the adoption of the American dollar, making it a convenient currency for travelers.

It gets better: travelers to the Bahamas don’t have to worry about exchange rates either. 

That’s because of the island’s widespread use of the U.S. dollar. Although the Bahamas has its own type of cash, the Bahamian dollar, its nation of 700 islands also accepts American money. This is most likely due to the massive number of U.S. cruise lines that visit the Bahamas annually.

Searching for a more exotic country that accepts the U.S. dollar? Try visiting the East African country of Ethiopia. Despite having their own currency, the Ethiopian Birr, they will happily accept your American cash. Plus, using the U.S. dollar in Ethiopian hotels, companies, and stores is a breeze, too.

What’s the real story about using American money in Zimbabwe? As of 2009, this South African country utilized several types of currency, including the U.S. dollar, the Chinese yuan, the South African rand, and the euro. Unfortunately, Zimbabwe’s greenbacks ran dry in 2016, so the nation started to produce another form of currency based on American money. Nowadays, both are acceptable mediums of exchange.

Money, Money, Money

In an ironic twist of fate, El Salvador is the only country that welcomes the U.S. dollar despite being included on the U.S. State Department advisory list. However, El Salvador still embraces American tourism. From ancient Mayan ruins to gigantic volcano craters, you won’t have to waste time standing at exchange booths in this exciting country.

Does Palau accept American money? Now, you don’t have to. As a nation of more than 500 tropical islands, Palau lies within the Micronesia area of the Pacific Ocean. Amazingly, Palau also has extremely close ties to the United States. As a result, the country is 100% dependent on the U.S. dollar.

If you enjoy lush holiday destinations, you must visit Turks and Caicos. Comprised of 40 different islands, Turks and Caicos is technically a British territory. Nonetheless, they don’t accept British pounds there. In reality, the U.S. dollar may be the only type of currency that’s even accepted in Turks and Caicos.

Last but not least, there’s the nation of Belize. As a part of Central America, Belize is surrounded by the Caribbean Sea on one side of the country and thick rainforests on the other. While Belize prints its own money called the Belize dollar, you’d be hard-pressed to find a place that doesn’t take American money. As a matter of fact, most companies in Belize will gladly receive the U.S. dollar.