Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Top Cities and Places for ATMs and Currency Services
- Tourist Circuits and Where to Access Cash
- Activities and When You’ll Need Cash
- Festivals and Events: Paying and ATMs On-site
- Suggested Itineraries with Money Access Tips
- Budget Tips and Cost Breakdown
- How to Reach Long Island
- Accommodation and Payment Practices
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture and Money Tips
- Traveler-Specific Tips
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Planning cash access on Long Island is straightforward if you know where to go. The region spans Nassau and Suffolk Counties and blends beach towns, wine country, and suburbs—most places accept cards and contactless payments, but you’ll still want some cash for tips, small vendors, and seasonal events. This guide focuses on finding ATMs, understanding currency exchange options, managing fees, and keeping payments smooth during your trip.
Top Cities and Places for ATMs and Currency Services
ATMs are widely available across Long Island at bank branches, convenience stores, pharmacies, supermarkets, malls, and transit hubs. Dedicated foreign currency exchange is limited, so plan ahead.
Where ATMs Are Most Concentrated
- Western Nassau: Garden City, Mineola, Great Neck, Long Beach
- North Shore Nassau/Suffolk: Port Washington, Roslyn, Huntington, Northport
- South Shore Nassau/Suffolk: Rockville Centre, Freeport, Long Beach, Bay Shore, Patchogue
- Central Suffolk: Smithtown, Lake Grove, Stony Brook
- East End: Riverhead (gateway to both forks), Southampton, East Hampton, Montauk, Greenport
Common Places to Find ATMs
- Major bank branches: Chase, Bank of America, Citibank, TD Bank, M&T Bank, and local credit unions (e.g., Bethpage FCU, Teachers FCU)
- Pharmacies and convenience stores: CVS, Walgreens, 7‑Eleven (often part of Allpoint/MoneyPass or surcharge ATMs)
- Malls and outlets: large centers such as Roosevelt Field (Garden City), Walt Whitman Shops (Huntington Station), Smith Haven Mall (Lake Grove), Tanger Outlets (Deer Park and Riverhead)
- Transit and airports: Long Island Rail Road stations in larger towns and Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) typically have ATMs
Currency Exchange Options (Foreign Currency)
- Order in advance from your bank: Many U.S. banks (e.g., Chase, Bank of America, TD Bank, Citibank) allow customers to pre-order foreign currency for pickup; availability varies by branch.
- JFK/LGA airports (off-island): Offer limited exchange services; hours and providers can change—verify before going.
- Manhattan currency exchanges (off-island): Often better availability and competition than on Long Island.
- Mall kiosks: Occasionally operate in larger malls, but hours and rates vary—call ahead. Expect less favorable rates versus ATMs or banks.
Tip: For the best rates, use a debit card with low international ATM fees and decline dynamic currency conversion (DCC) if offered at terminals.
Tourist Circuits and Where to Access Cash
Gold Coast and North Shore Towns
Huntington–Northport–Oyster Bay corridor offers frequent bank branches and walkable downtowns. You’ll find ATMs near main streets, LIRR stations, and supermarkets. Street parking often uses meters or pay-by-app.
South Shore Beaches
Long Beach, Jones Beach, and Robert Moses have limited on-beach services. Parking tolls use cards; small concession stands sometimes prefer cards but keep small bills for tips and occasional cash-only vendors.
North Fork Wine Country
Greenport–Jamesport–Cutchogue–Mattituck: Wineries and farm stands mostly accept cards; carry $20–$60 cash for tastings, farmers’ markets, and tips. ATMs are available in Greenport and Riverhead.
The Hamptons and Montauk
Southampton–East Hampton–Montauk: Upscale venues are card-friendly. Summer pop-ups and local fairs may be cash-preferred. ATMs cluster in village centers; expect higher surcharges in convenience stores.
Fire Island
Cash is handy for water taxis, small bars, and tips. ATMs are limited; withdraw on the mainland (Bay Shore, Patchogue, Sayville) before boarding ferries.
Activities and When You’ll Need Cash
- Beaches and parks: Small bills for lockers, tips, or occasional cash-only stands.
- Wineries and breweries: Cards widely accepted; bring cash for tastings, food trucks, or driver tips.
- Charters and tours: Fishing and boat charters often prefer cash tips (15–20%).
- Farm stands and markets: Increasingly accept cards; some offer small cash discounts.
- Nightlife: Bars and music venues accept cards; cash expedites cover charges and bar tips.
Festivals and Events: Paying and ATMs On-site
- Oyster Bay Festival, Port Jefferson events, Patchogue’s Great South Bay Music Festival, Riverhead street fairs: Cards are common, but not universal. On-site ATMs can carry higher surcharges and run out of cash—withdraw before arrival.
- Parking and shuttles: Often card- or app-based; keep a backup of $10–$20.
- Food vendors: Some minimums for card payments ($10–$20). Small bills help.
Suggested Itineraries with Money Access Tips
1-Day: North Fork Tasting Trail
- Morning: Withdraw in Riverhead (multiple bank branches).
- Midday: Wineries near Mattituck/Cutchogue—mostly card-ready; keep $40 cash for tastings/food trucks.
- Afternoon: Greenport shopping—ATMs near harbor; small boutiques accept cards.
2–3 Days: Hamptons and Montauk
- Day 1: Southampton/East Hampton—withdraw at village center branches to avoid convenience-store surcharges.
- Day 2: Beach day—carry $20–$40 for tips and sundries; use cards for dining.
- Day 3: Montauk charters—cash tips for crew; some bait shops are cash-preferred.
Weekend: Fire Island Escape
- Mainland: Withdraw in Bay Shore/Patchogue/Sayville before the ferry.
- On-island: Card acceptance varies by venue; keep $50–$100 cash for the weekend.
Budget Tips and Cost Breakdown
Typical Fees and Costs
- Out-of-network ATM surcharge: About $2.95–$5.50 per withdrawal (plus your bank’s fee, if any).
- International ATM fees: Your home bank may charge 1–3% + a fixed fee; use banks that reimburse.
- Currency exchange kiosks: Poorer rates than ATMs; compare total cost.
- Sales tax: ~8.625% in both Nassau and Suffolk Counties (added at checkout).
Daily Cash Needs (Typical)
- Solo traveler: $20–$40
- Couple: $30–$60
- Family of four: $40–$80
Most larger purchases are best on a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card.
Ways to Save
- Use fee-free ATM networks such as Allpoint or MoneyPass via participating banks/credit unions.
- Withdraw larger amounts less often to reduce per-withdrawal surcharges.
- Decline dynamic currency conversion on card terminals.
- Consider bank teller cash back or card cash-back at supermarkets to avoid ATM fees.
How to Reach Long Island
- By train: Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) from NYC’s Penn Station, Grand Central Madison, Atlantic Terminal, and Jamaica to most LI towns; stations in larger towns often have nearby ATMs.
- By air: Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) serves domestic routes and has ATMs. JFK and LaGuardia (off-island) are common gateways, with limited currency exchange services.
- By road: I‑495 (Long Island Expressway) and Southern/Northern State Parkways connect the island; service plazas and large exits often have ATMs.
- By ferry: Bridgeport–Port Jefferson and New London–Orient Point ferries; withdraw in port towns before boarding.
Accommodation and Payment Practices
- Payment methods: Hotels, resorts, inns, and B&Bs accept major cards; many require a card for incidentals.
- Security deposits: Expect holds on your card; debit holds may take longer to release.
- Average nightly rates:
- Nassau/Suffolk (non-peak): ~$150–$250
- Summer/holidays: ~$250–$450
- East End (Hamptons/Montauk in peak): ~$300–$800+
- Vacation rentals: Cards or platforms handle payment; keep cash for housekeeping tips.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture and Money Tips
- Dining: Cards and contactless widely accepted. Tipping norms 18–20% at sit-down restaurants; $1–$2 per drink at bars.
- Seafood shacks and diners: Often card-ready; keep small bills for counter jars.
- Shopping: Boutiques accept cards but may set $10–$20 minimums; farmers’ markets may give small cash discounts.
- Culture: Museums and historic sites are card-friendly; donation boxes may be cash.
- Parking: Mix of meters, pay stations, and mobile apps; carry quarters or small bills as backup.
Traveler-Specific Tips
Families
- Withdraw near your accommodation to avoid last-minute fees at event ATMs.
- Keep $10–$20 in small bills for beach snacks, lockers, and tips.
- Use supermarket cash-back to dodge ATM surcharges.
Honeymooners/Couples
- Use a primary no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card; keep one debit card for ATM.
- For wineries and fine dining, cards are standard; reserve cash for valet and service tips.
Friends/Groups
- Split bills with payment apps; ensure at least one member carries a physical card for bars and covers.
- Withdraw before festivals; on-site ATMs can have long lines and high fees.
Packing & Safety
- Bring a backup card, photo ID, and keep them separate from your wallet.
- Use bank-branch or in-lobby ATMs when possible; cover the keypad and stay alert.
- Set travel alerts and enable transaction notifications on your bank apps.
FAQs
Q: Are there currency exchange offices on Long Island?
A: Dedicated exchange counters are limited. Your best options are ordering foreign currency from your bank in advance, using ATMs for local USD cash, or visiting exchange providers at NYC airports or in Manhattan.
Q: Which ATMs have the lowest fees?
A: If your bank participates in Allpoint or MoneyPass, those ATMs can be fee-free. Otherwise, bank-branch ATMs typically have clearer fee disclosures than convenience-store machines.
Q: Is it better to exchange cash or withdraw from an ATM?
A: ATMs generally provide better overall rates than exchange kiosks, especially if you use a debit card with low fees. Decline dynamic currency conversion when prompted.
Q: Do I need cash for beaches and festivals?
A: Cards are widely accepted, but small cash is useful for tips, lockers, and occasional cash-only vendors. Withdraw in town to avoid high festival ATM surcharges.
Q: What are typical tipping norms?
A: Restaurants: 18–20% pre-tax. Bars: $1–$2 per drink. Valet/porters: $2–$5. Charters/tours: 15–20%.
Conclusion
Long Island is highly card-friendly with strong ATM coverage in town centers, malls, and transit hubs. Currency exchange services on the island are limited, so plan ahead by ordering from your bank or using airport/Manhattan providers. Keep a modest cash reserve for tips and small vendors, use fee-free ATM networks when possible, and decline dynamic currency conversion to keep costs down while you explore beaches, wine country, and lively downtowns.
