Good to know
Good to Know
- Tipping is considered part of the social contract in Miami; not tipping will earn disapproval.
- In Miami Beach, many restaurants automatically add 18-20% service charge. Always check your bill before adding a tip to avoid paying twice.
- Notify your credit card company before traveling to avoid fraud holds.
- Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) at ATMs offers poor exchange rates; decline it and use standard withdrawal instead.
- Most places accept credit cards, but small cash reserves are essential for toll roads, parking, public transportation, and tips.
- Payment cards at retail counters now typically feature point-of-sale prompts asking for a 15%, 20%, or custom tip—this is standard practice in Miami.
ATM Fees
- Additional Bank Fee
- $1.64
- Non Network ATM Average Cost
- $4.86
- Note
- Fees vary by bank and ATM operator. Using your bank's ATM network is fee-free. Allpoint network and MoneyPass partnerships offer fee-free ATMs at major retailers nationwide.
Tipping Norms
Bars
- Per Drink
- $1-2 per drink
- Running Tab
- 20% of tab
Hotel Staff
- Range
- 10-20% depending on service
Restaurants
- Standard Percentage
- 15-20% of bill before tax
- Exceptional Service
- 22-25%
- Note
- Many Miami Beach restaurants automatically include 18-20% service charge; check bill to avoid double tipping
Spas And Salons
- Percentage
- 18-20%
Point Of Sale Cards
- Note
- Payment tablets now often prompt for tip (15%, 20%, or custom); expected in Miami
Taxis And Rideshare
- Percentage
- 15-20% of fare
- Note
- Round up for short trips
Casual Food Counters
- Note
- Tip jar present; $1 appreciated
Tour Guides And Drivers
- Percentage
- 10-20% of tour cost
Card Acceptance
- Credit Cards Widely Accepted
- Yes
- Description
- Credit cards from any country work throughout Miami at hotels, shops, restaurants, car-rental agencies, and tour companies.
Primary Networks
- Visa
- MasterCard
- American Express
Banking
- Overview
- Florida-based banking system accessible to foreign residents and visitors.
- Considerations
- Bring multiple forms of identification; ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) may be requested but is not always required for account opening. Consider visiting a branch in person for non-resident status.
- Setup For Foreigners
- Most major U.S. banks and many local/regional banks in Miami allow account opening by non-residents. Common requirements typically include: valid passport, proof of current address (can be a hotel or short-term rental), and an initial deposit. Some banks may accept a U.S. address on file or accept international addresses. Requirements vary by institution.
Major Banks Available
- Chase Bank
- Bank of America
- Wells Fargo
- Truist Bank
- Local Miami-area banks and credit unions
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this money & payments research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
- 1.miamitourcompany.com
- 2.oysterlink.com
- 3.wise.com
- 4.tripadvisor.com
- 5.tripadvisor.com
- 6.miamidade.gov
- 7.bankrate.com
- 8.valuepenguin.com
- 9.miamitourcompany.com
- 10.wise.com
- 11.miamitourcompany.com
- 12.umiamihealth.org
- 13.msmc.com
- 14.jacksonhealth.org
- 15.welcome.miami.edu
- 16.jacksonhealth.org
- 17.baptisthealth.net
- 18.borinquenhealth.org
- 19.miamimedconsult.com
- 20.prescription.healthfinder.fl.gov
- 21.mymbchc.org
- 22.floridablue.com
More About Miami
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.