Paying in orlando

Question

As I'm traveling from the UK my plan for spending money was to use my revolut account. I will be bringing a small amount of physical cash as well.

But I dont have a physical card for revolut just a payment option through Google pay.

We will mainly be at Universal/ international drive. Is contactless payment common in most places or will I need physical card?

Also for tipping in restaurants ect. how does it work? Do I need to pay in cash or can I ask for it to be added to the bill?

Thank you

Answer

Hi! Traveling from the UK to Orlando is exciting, and it's great that you're thinking ahead about payment options. Here’s a breakdown of how things work in Orlando when it comes to payments and tipping:

Contactless Payment in Orlando
Contactless payment, including Google Pay and Apple Pay, is widely accepted in most places, especially in tourist areas like Universal and International Drive. Many restaurants, shops, and theme parks will accept Google Pay, and you can use your Revolut account through that method without needing a physical card. However, it's always good to have a backup just in case, as some smaller businesses might not accept contactless payments. In general, major attractions, stores, and larger restaurants should have no issues with Google Pay or any other mobile payments.

For smaller shops, convenience stores, or some restaurants, it’s still good to check if they support mobile payment before making a purchase, though the trend in Orlando is moving towards contactless as the norm.

Tip for Restaurants
When dining at restaurants, tips are an important part of the service culture in the United States. Tipping is generally expected at sit-down restaurants, and the usual tip amount is around 15-20% of the pre-tax total of the bill.

Can I add the tip to the bill?
Yes, you can ask the server to add the tip to the bill when paying with Google Pay, credit/debit cards, or cash. Many places will even prompt you to select a tip amount when paying with a card or mobile payment.
Is cash preferred for tipping?
While it’s common to tip in cash, it is by no means required. You can easily add the tip to the bill when paying by card or mobile payment. If you’re using Google Pay, you’ll likely have an option to add a tip when you review your payment before finalizing it.
How to tip in other places?
For taxis, ride-sharing apps like Uber, and some other services, tips can also be added directly through the app or paid in cash. For valet parking, bellhops, or other services, tipping in cash is common, but you can still use your card in some places if they have a tipping option included in the service fee.

General Tips:
- Currency and ATM Usage: While you’ll be using Google Pay or a card most of the time, it’s still a good idea to have some physical cash on hand for small tips, small shops, or places that might not take card payments.

ATMs are widely available, and you can withdraw cash using your Revolut card if needed.

In summary, as long as your Revolut account is linked to Google Pay, you should be able to use it without any issues at most places in Orlando. It’s always helpful to have a small amount of cash for tipping and small purchases, but you shouldn’t need to rely heavily on physical cash.

Have a fantastic time in Orlando, and enjoy your trip!