Tempting though it is, I will refrain from piling on to the above posting since it is going off topic.

Back on topic...the US will be debuting the new $100 bills later this fall. It will be interesting to see how fast these will be recognized/ accepted/ required in Asia. Usually most Asian countries switch over to the new currency very quickly as a requirement. I remember during the last major redesign when the US went from the old-style Ben Franklins to the "Big Heads," that it seemed to take only a matter of a few months before the old style were no longer accepted and only Big Heads were. I suspect this upcoming switchover will work out similarly.

Therefore, anybody traveling towards the end of 2013/first half of 2014 and normally carrying USD 100's as exchange medium in Asia, should keep apprised of the acceptance situation at their destination. And if necessary, before leaving home, switch out your Big Heads for the latest and greatest.

In Bangkok, money changers were offering higher rates for USD 100 bills over smaller denominations.

I never have any trouble getting as many as I want from my Bank, and they're always mint condition.

That said, they usually also have plenty of brand new 100s as well.

This has been the norm for years and was mentioned several times upthread.

I don't particularly feel the need to defend myself over giving $2-4 a night to the housekeeping staff at a 4-star hotel, but your little offhand comment about bribery goes too far. If you think my behavior is in that quote-unquote grey zone, then why not have the courage to come out and say it? :td:

Because I didn't think it was. Have clarified in the post. Hope that's OK, sorry for any offence. I'm leaving it there as the thread has gone back on topic.

Please take this two-way spat on appropriate tipping to PM's or head for another thread rather than derail this one.

Vietnam also has different exchange rates for $100 and the other bills.

Yes and I've often found they will give the same rate for US$50 as for $100 (with the other denominations getting the slightly poorer rate).

Anyone tried to exchange the new (2013) US$100's in Myanmar?

I don't think there are that many new bills floating around the USA yet, much less SE Asia; it's unclear how quickly the US Treasury is distributing this new stuff directly overseas. So data points might be sparse right now. If your trip is imminent (before end of this year), I'd stick with the Big Heads as they will surely still be acceptable in Myanmar and elsewhere. If your trip is in 2014, give it a couple of months or so to see how bill rollout and circulation goes, then check back or ask again.