Frommer’s lists exact prices in the local currency. Exchange rates fluctuate, so before departing consult a currency-exchange website such as www.oanda.com/convert/classic to check up-to-the-minute rates.
In general, Colorado is not particularly expensive, especially compared with destinations on the East and West coasts. In Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs, you’ll find a wide range of prices for lodging and dining; admission to most attractions is less than $10 (it’s sometimes free, especially in Boulder). Those traveling away from the major cities will discover prices in small towns are usually quite reasonable, but ski resorts such as Vail and Aspen can be rather pricey, especially during winter holidays. Traveler’s checks and credit cards are accepted at almost all hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions, plus many grocery stores.
Hotel rooms in the area are typically $100 to $200, but there are exceptions that are lower and higher--particularly higher when it comes to peak seasons. You’ll find main courses for dinner typically running $10 to $25 up and down the Front Range.
In the United States, the most common bills are the $1 (a “buck”), $5, $10, and $20 denominations. There are also $2 bills (seldom encountered), $50 bills, and $100 bills (the last two are usually not welcome as payment for small purchases).
Coins come in seven denominations: 1¢ (1 cent, or a penny); 5¢ (5 cents, or a nickel); 10¢ (10 cents, or a dime); 25¢ (25 cents, or a quarter); 50¢ (50 cents, or a half dollar); the gold-colored Sacagawea coin, worth $1; and the rare silver dollar.
The easiest and best way to get cash away from home is from an ATM (automated teller machine). Look at the back of your bank card to see which network you’re on; then call or check online for ATM locations at your destination. Be sure you know your personal identification number (PIN) and daily withdrawal limit before you depart. Also, if you have a five- or six-digit PIN, change it to a four-digit PIN before coming to Colorado.
Remember that many banks impose a fee every time you use a card at another bank’s ATM, and that fee can be higher for international transactions (up to $5 or more) than for domestic ones (where they’re rarely more than $2). In addition, the bank from which you withdraw cash may charge its own fee.
Beware of hidden credit card fees while traveling. Check with your credit or debit card issuer to see what fees, if any, will be charged for overseas transactions. Recent reform legislation in the U.S., for example, has curbed some exploitative lending practices. But many banks have responded by increasing fees in other areas, including fees for customers who use credit and debit cards while out of the country--even if those charges were made in U.S. dollars. Fees can amount to 3% or more of the purchase price. Check with your bank before departing to avoid any surprise charges on your statement.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
