Frommer's lists exact prices in the local currency. However, rates fluctuate, so before departing consult a currency exchange website such as www.oanda.com/convert/classic to check up-to-the-minute rates.
ATMs (Cashpoints) are everywhere in Maui -- at banks, supermarkets, Longs Drugs, and in some resorts and shopping centers. The Cirrus (tel. 800/424-7787; www.mastercard.com) and PLUS (tel. 800/843-7587; www.visa.com) networks span the country; you can find them even in remote regions. Go to your bank card's website to find ATM locations at your destination. Be sure you know your daily withdrawal limit before you depart.
Note: Many banks impose a fee every time you use a card at another bank's ATM, and that fee is often 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. To compare banks' ATM fees within the U.S., use www.bankrate.com. Visitors from outside the U.S. should also find out whether their bank assesses a fee on charges incurred abroad.
Credit cards are accepted everywhere except taxicabs and some small restaurants and bed-and-breakfasts.
Taxes[en]The United States has no value-added tax (VAT) or other indirect tax at the national level. The state general excise tax (GET) can vary in Hawaii due to county surcharges; on Maui, it’s 4.166% on all purchases. The transient accommodations tax (TAX) is 10.25%; combined with GET, it means 14.416% will be added to your bill for hotel or other lodgings.
Tipping[en]Especially in Hawaii, tips are a very important part of certain low-wage workers’ income, and gratuities are the standard way of showing appreciation for services provided. (Tipping is certainly not compulsory if the service is poor!) In hotels, tip bellhops at least $2 per bag (more if you have a lot of luggage or very bulky bags), and tip housekeepers $2 to $5 per day depending on the size of the room (more if you’ve left a disaster area to clean up). Tip the doorman or concierge only if he or she has provided you with some specific service (for example, calling a cab for you or obtaining difficult-to-get theater tickets). Tip the valet-parking attendant $3 to $5 every time you get your car.
In restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, tip service staff and bartenders 15% to 20% of the check, and tip valet-parking attendants $3 to $5 per vehicle.
As for other service personnel, tip cab drivers 15% of the fare; tip skycaps at airports at least $2 per bag; and tip hairdressers and barbers 15% to 20%.
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.
