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I've got a stopover of a few hours in LAX on Monday evening.

Firstly, I assume I'll be spending some of that time in customs, getting my bag, being searched, probed and whatnot.

However, after all that fun:

  1. Is there free Wi-Fi anywhere in the airport?
  2. Are there power recharge points?
  3. Is there any food where I don't need American cash to pay for it (ie can use card)?
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    For what it's worth, the U.S. is practically cashless these days. You will have a much harder time finding a shop or restaurant that doesn't take cards than one that does. This is especially true at places like airports (including LAX,) but it's largely true for the entire U.S. Most (if not all) U.S. airlines have actually gone to the opposite extreme for on-board purchases: they don't take cash, only cards are accepted.
    – reirab
    Commented Dec 22, 2016 at 21:00

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LAX now offers Free WiFi throughout the airport, along with a relatively cheap upgrade for 'premium' connection speeds.

Credit cards are accepted at most (all?) shops and restaurants, and power outlets can be found around the airport. Expect competition for an ideally located open outlet at peak times - traveling with a splitter or power strip can make you a hero to fellow travelers and guarantee access for yourself.

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Speaking from personal experience:

Firstly, I assume I'll be spending some of that time in customs, getting my bag, being searched, probed and whatnot.

If you are a US citizen, you'll probably spend about an hour with immigration and customs. If you're not, wait times could be up to four hours during a busy period, and that assumes you're not suspicious. Theoretically, this has gotten a bit better in recent years, but do expect to spend time waiting in line for them to process everyone.

Is there free wifi anywhere in the airport?

Not really, unless you have or pay for access to an airline lounge. Even then, you should check with the lounge staff as only a few have free Wi-Fi.

Are there power recharge points?

Yes. Every terminal is equipped with easily accessible power outlets.

Airside (the secure area), there are power stations for charging mobile phones and other small electronics in the domestic terminals, and there are sockets in the ground in every terminal.

Landside (non-secure area), there are usually a few in the walls but they're not exactly near chairs and the like. I'm also not sure that the ones landside are intended for public use, but the worst case scenario is that a security officer asks you to leave, so it's probably worth a shot if you're desperate.

Is there any food where I don't need American cash to pay for it (ie can use card)?

The vast majority of shops will accept credit or debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, Discover are the common ones, but some will only take Visa and Mastercard). There's also a currency exchange in the international terminal, if you need one.

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    Possibly worth updating the answer as they now have Wifi.
    – Mark Mayo
    Commented Jun 16, 2014 at 23:48
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I can't answer for the free wifi or power charge points. Usually for electrical plugs, you'll see people sitting on the floor near a wall. All food facilities will take a credit card as long as it's VISA or MasterCard. Discover and American Express are less widely accepted.

Update: Here's a link to LAX on wifi access: LAX - Airport Information - Internet Services

In general wifi is not free except in some first/business class lounges.

I haven't been able to find any information on electrical outlets.

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