No, people don't walk around with "bundles" of US dollars. US dollars in large denominations don't take up much room. Be sure your Dollars are in good shape since it's hard to change ones that are worn. Don't change any money at the airport as it's the official rate and much lower. Change at the Scott market at one of the many jewelry shops or Hotes/ Guesthouses. I've been to Myanmar 11 times and never had a short change problem. I don't even bother to count my Kyats when I get them. It is considered rude to count your change anyway just like Japan. You won't find more honest people anywhere in the world. That honesty and friendly smile are just some of the attractions of the Burmese people. $100 notes are best, but you will need smaller ones as well. Like $20 notes and smaller. Away from Yangon you really need some smaller bills for train tickets etc.
Some of you posting on this topic say to bring "new" $100 USD notes, and some say to bring notes in good condition. Will both be accepted?
Secondly, I have gone into a few U.S. banks and none of them (in Florida) had "new" $100 USD notes, only those in "good" condition. Where do you go to get brand new $100 USD notes?
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<hr>Sounds implausible. There has to be an ATM somewhere ...<hr></blockquote>
Welcome to Myanmar. :)
Strictly speaking, there are a handful of ATMs in Yangon, but they're only for the locals to use. As has already been stated, foreign sanctions render plastic virtually useless.
#11...
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<hr>"new" $100 USD notes, only those in "good" condition.<hr></blockquote>
As long as they don't have any tears, ink-stains, biro-marks or creases, they are acceptable. I'm surpriced to read that you can't get new notes in the US, as I've always been able to find them in Australia?
$100.00 notes with a "CB" serial number are not aceptable.. but the notes don't need to be new... "As New" condition is fine.... Remember that new or as new notes gives you a better rate of exchange and guarantees you that you have useable currency.. anything less.. and you may have a problem.
I get my US dollars from a money exchange in town, I ring and order them a day before, by now the people there know what I require, good clean notes with no CB prefix. Must order some today as the US $ is sitting on 93. Unbelievable really, when we went to Vietnam in 2000 the dollar was 50cents.
Have you tried the "Nationwide" currency exchange, trip?... Their rate tends t be a little better than the Banks.. and they don't charge commission.
Guess you didn't like the idea of my crochet offer, Trip?... I was even going to tatt your monogram "TM" on them for you:-)
I think the OP is in for a some surprises is his travels, if you read his posting history.
Yes Mose, I love the idea, lots of little crocheted bags with TM on them especially, I could just cover my entire body in them and no one would know how cashed up I am. Going to look at that site in a sec thanks.
And solo, I knew there was no ATM's in Myanmar, but I didn't take heed. With all the hustle and bustle of Bangkok and my just busting at the seams to get to Myanmar it all just slipped my funny ol mind.
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