WhitePelican

I have had bills refused in numerous developing countries. Last month in Bali three of my crisp almost-new $100. bills were refused because of tiny marks on them.

I always travel with a ridiculous number of $1 bills and almost always run out. I'll probably take at least $200 worth of $1 on my upcoming Uganda/Tanzania trip where most everything is paid ahead of time. Also, a good number of $5, some $10s and $20s and plenty of $100s since the rate exchange is better for $100. bills. (I do like to shop and also like to be prepared for whatever comes up.)

In Uganda I gather that bills must be dated after 2001 and of course be crisp and clean.

My bank (Wells Fargo) is not always thrilled with my requests for new money: one teller flatly refused. So calling ahead is an excellent idea if one can get past the automated responses.

wanderlust123

Suzic - I have my bank order the "tip" books from whoever they order money from. They get their orders once a week. The tip books are not always available and I can't always get them and have to resort to the best looking "old" singles my bank can get from the cash drawers. They have been more than happy to do this for me no matter how often I ask, but I still prefer to call ahead as this sorting and counting takes time. And yes, the "tip" books are more available around the holiday season, so this time of year might be difficult. They come in books of $25 and $50.