Blog · 2024-08-19

Where old US dollar bills are hard to spend in 2025

When planning a trip, many of us prefer to carry US dollars - one of the world's most widely accepted and dependable currencies. Yet not every country is willing to take older-design bills, and those that do often exchange them at a less favorable rate.

What counts as an "old" dollar?

Old dollars are banknotes issued before the newer designs with enhanced anti-counterfeiting features. They may lack the elements found on current bills, such as security threads and watermarks.

How old dollars work in the United States

Within the United States, any banknote remains legal tender and is accepted without restriction, regardless of its year of issue or design.

Where old dollars cause trouble abroad

Travelers frequently run into exchange offices and shops that refuse older-design bills. A few examples:

• Malaysia: old bills fetch a worse exchange rate than new ones.
• Lebanon: many exchange offices refuse older-design notes outright.
• Azerbaijan: some banks and exchangers may decline bills issued before 1996.
• Georgia: notes issued before 1996 are almost impossible to exchange.
• Argentina: pre-1996 bills are accepted, but with a 5-10% commission.
• Japan: in Tokyo, exchangers often turn old dollars away.
• Egypt: old bills are hard to change in tourist areas and hotels.
• Turkey: old dollars may be exchanged only at a poor rate.

How to avoid the problem

The safest move is to swap your old dollars for newer bills before you leave. That way you can enjoy your trip without any needless worry.

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