Yes Machka, it is the same in the U.S., at least as far as I have traveled. $20, $40, $60 not a problem in most places, it's there on the little thingie where you swipe the card.

Is there really a reason to carry more than $75 or $100? I haven't carried even that much on my limited excursions. It's a matter of what you are comfortable with, I suppose. These days with credit and debit cards making purchases so easy and the digital foot print that it leaves, is advantageous in several respects. Understanding that the comfort level is not the same for everyone. I want to think that touring cyclist are not carrying much cash, and would like for the rest of the world to know that.