Pre-2000 bills aren't accepted in Kenya and I've read even early 2000 might be a problem but haven't encountered that myself. Is this for visas, to exchange or ???

Usually, it's best to take bills dated 2006 or later. As you note, "great condition" would be no marks or tears. Unless you're in Zimbabwe where they are using US dollars, the locals must always exchange it for the local currency. The issue is that banks there can't repatriate the cash if it's not in good condition, so they won't accept it from their clientele (your guides, camp staffs, etc.)

Darn, i thought from the title you will pay me to go to Africa!!

Best place to exchange $ in Kenya is in Westlands area banks. I had pre 2000 notes to exchange in July and the downtown banks and Exchange Bureau gave me trouble but not the places in Westlands. This is the place where US Embassy and lots of other international NGO's are located

They must circulate them among that clientele.

Would say any older than 5 years might be rejected. This past May in Tanzania we had person asking for another $1 as one we gave her had a slight tear. And, at visa either in Uganda or Kenya we had request to exchange a $50 as one was torn.

I had the same idea as CaliNurse. Now I'm deflated.

Bring many US $1s in good shape.

What I do is figure how much cash I think I'll need and in what denominations (the accountant in me, I guess.) Then, I call up my bank and tell them what I need. They prescreen the bills, but I sit there and do it myself before I leave. It's easy to miss an ink blotch on the edge of a bill, or a slight tear. A fold is okay, though.

Thanks everyone. Calinurse & atravelyn I laughed at your responses. Shay I am not an accountant but do the same thing. One of the banks we use is a small local branch & they are kind of use to us doing this. When we went to Burma they got us brand new bills which was great. They are way more picky in Burma than anywhere else we have been.

USD notes, NO older than 5/years, so currently dated 2006 or later.

Like ShayTay and jules39, I advise my bank what denominations are needed and though they do a good job screening quality and dates, when I pick-up the small envelope, do go thru what has been provided and if any not to my liking, have them exchanged.