Marcos Ortiz Blog - Bring Money

Cash Welcome in California

Maybe its the economy or the state of California. But during our trip to San Francisco it was surprising that 90% of restaurants, coffee shops and service stations demand cash.  When asked they said they didn't want to pay the fee credit card companies charge them. That's understandable.  But at eateries for example, they have ATM's next to their cash register.  Guess who owns them?  The owner of the restaurant.  And who gets a $1.50 fee to take cash out of the ATM?  The customer.  I've seen it happen in years past, but never to this extent.  So next time, do like grandpa and grandma used to do. Get traveler's checks.