A bank refused my US dollars because the bill had a tiny corner tear.

ChinaTravelMemo

My friend from the US went to Bank of China to exchange $500. The teller examined each bill.

"This bill is damaged. We cannot accept it."

The damage? A 2mm tear on the corner of a $100 bill.

Why Chinese banks are strict:
They reject foreign cash for: tears, tape, creases, writing, marks, discoloration, and pre-2006 US bills.

Tips:
• Bring crisp new bills (2013+ series preferred)
• Check bills before traveling
• Exchange at major branches (总行)
• Use ATMs instead — no inspection needed
• Daily limit for foreigners: ~$500 equivalent

His solution: Exchanged the damaged bill at airport currency booth. The rest went through the bank.

"One microscopic tear and the bank treated it like counterfeit. Now I check every bill with a magnifying glass."

Anyone else had cash rejected?