Nevertheless, certain things are cheaper here such as cars (3
times less for most models), electronics, branded clothes (depending on the
brand and seasons), ice-cream/yogurt, alcohol and medicine/supplements.
Movie tickets cost $11-18 and most movies are available later
than in Malaysia, surprisingly (but without censorship though). Bus fare is about
$1.50 for Metro LA and 50 cents for Big Blue Bus and Culver City Green Bus. You
will do a lot of converting, but eventually it will not bother you as much
unless you spend heavily (mind you it was > RM3.50 = $1 few years back).
Tipping is a common practice and one is expected to give tips
for certain services mainly because for some professions, a large part of the
income is comprised of tips. For those who might feel reluctant to do so, the
best way to think about it would be to put yourself in the shoes of the person
you should be tipping who could very well be your friend. Some of these people
might be students working to pay their school fees, a scenario which is not
uncommon here. Students typically tip 10% for lunch and 15% for dinner, and it
can go higher depending on your satisfaction. A useful guide to the practice of
tipping can be found here.
Another hidden cost here is
tax. Most non-essential items (except food) are subjected to a 7.25% state and
county tax. Certain state has higher tax while certain state has no tax, such as Portland. When
you buy items that are recyclable (plastic bottles and electronics), you will
have to pay CRV tax too which is about 5-10 cents for bottles and up to 10% for
electronics such as TV. The CRV tax is refundable when you bring these items to
recycling centers.
