15

I exchanged money at the bank. At this point, they have the best rates as gov't is trying to make sure this is the case. I would recommend it because they don't screw you over. My friends exchanged money at a changing place and got a worse rate. Stick with the bank. You can't get much better than 850 per $1.

16

Hi, thanks for the reply, I read your report too, useful to know.

So is it that guesthouses want the crisp new bills but banks/changers/travel agents etc are not so fussy, hence you saying that I should be using the larger notes for these. My 100's are in good, almost new condition, still pretty crisp and without any stains/marks/tears. They just have this one crease down the center which looks like it's been ironed out.

I was thinking of trying to get around by bus as much as possible, I have a month in the country so it doesn't matter if I have to spend an extra day here or there to fit around timetables/availability.

Thanks

Rich

17

Hm, I had brand new $100s to exchange at the bank, so not sure. But the people collecting the tourist fees for Bagan and Inle and at pagodas etc weren't as picky (they still wanted nice bills, but not pristine was ok).

18

Okay, I'm sure mine will be okay, I might change up a couple for smaller notes to use for guesthouses etc.

Thanks
Rich

19

They just have this one crease down the center

Mine too. I carefully wiped that stain out with and eraser on my notes. It worked fine for me. I think it's a mark from the soft rubbers of a counting machine.

20

Black market - no point. Rates about the same. Crisp perfect notes? The banks are getting more relaxed BUT the hoteliers are NOT all getting so relaxed Better safe than sorry!