Problems exchanging money?
 

Was advised recently by my travel service provider prior to a scheduled trip to Hanoi that "If cashing US dollars, be aware that foreign banks will NOT change any dollars which are torn, written on, generally in bad shape, or have large denominations (over $20)."

The part about bills in bad shape isn't news anywhere in Asia, but no exchange for bills over US $20? In a bank? Never heard of that before. It certainly wasn't an issue during my previous visit to Hanoi in 2008.

Can any recent travelers comment upon this alleged restriction? What was your experience?

No exchange over $20 is crazy. Indeed, you usually get the best rates for $100 bills. Maybe you need a new travel company.

In any case I find it easier to get dong from an ATM. Just know what kinds of charges your bank levies for using a foreign ATM and any foreign exchange premium they charge.

As Kathie says, the way to get Vietnamese currency is to use an ATM. In Asia I do carry a couple of $100 and $50 bills in case of emergency, but then bring them home. It's always a problem for my bank to find really new currency.

i never have trouble newish currency

t/s/b finding newish currency

$20 is not that big amount. crazy... better to find other trip provider...

Thanks to the above responders for confirming that what I have always found to be true is, in fact, still true.

Happy travels to all!