Best way to obtain new USD notes (or best $$$ for Burma)

[N860CR]

I've got a trip to Burma coming up thanks to the recent United promo.

I've been told I need brand new USD notes. I have several grand in cash available, however they're all used 20s. Is there an easy way to either swap them for new notes or withdraw new notes from the US? (I'll be in LA before the Burma trip).

Additionally, for anyone who has been there recently, is USD cash still the way to go? I've heard ATMs are available, but not sure if I should rely on that or not

 

[Clarkes]

ATMs are available and you can change money at the hotel. Resturants will accept the local currency or US $s. We had no problems when we were there last year.

 

[drron]

You only need good quality notes to change money.If folds,tears or writing on them they are not accepted.Out and about some locals preferred USD but they want new notes.However they do take others if pushed-At Mingun one of the local stall workers approached me to change her slightly worn US notes for local currency at a rate about 10% above what you get from the money changers.Had I had a lot more local notes I could have had a thriving little business.

 

[RooFlyer]

ATMs are becoming much more widespread, so the need for US$ cash much less. All the better hotels I stayed in in Dec last year had an ATM in the lobby.

But if you do offer US$ then yes, the notes must be pristine and belong to the more recent series, not older ones.

I got my crisp US$ from my bank - just went to the regular FX teller and exchanged A$ and asked for new notes (but even then, inspected closely - one was crisp but had a pen mark on it). The bank might exchange old notes for new if you are a known or 'good' customer (ie have a relationship manager).

As I noted in my trip report, I went to an ATM at the airport on arrival, using a Citi debit card, so didn't use my US$ much.

 

[dajop]

Are they still fussy about USD? I've been twice to MM in last 12 months and both times changed SGD at the airport (money change booths seemed to take SGD, EUR and USD, not sure if that has expanded to other currencies since then) and topped up later at ATM. They didn't look for pristine SGD. I guess changing "on the street" is probably different.

 

[N860CR]

Thanks. I might chance it with the ATMs if it's not a major issue anymore. I'm guessing one doesn't actually use USD as day to day currency there?

 

[RooFlyer]

You mean to buy something in a shop? No. Prices will be in Kyats, but it might also give a US$ price if its in a tourist zone.

That said, there were a few times when dealing with a 'small trader' (such as horse & cart driver, river boat) where the price was quoted to me in US$. I think US$ are still prized by sellers but if you didn't have any on you, they'd obviously accepts Kyats (pronounced 'chats').