Getting small bills while abroad
Jan 15, 2015 | 7:11 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2011
Programs: AA
Posts: 377
Getting small bills while abroad
ATMs tend to spit out large bills. If the ATM gives out multiple denominations, I'll punch in an amount such that I get as many of the smaller bills as possible.
But this doesn't last long. And often my first purchases are little things, and I've run into shopkeepers that don't want to break that 50-Euro or 500HKD or 50MYR bill for a piece of fruit or trinket.
I'm assuming these are cash-only situations or I'd use a credit card.
Does anyone have tips on how or where to break big bills in various countries?
But this doesn't last long. And often my first purchases are little things, and I've run into shopkeepers that don't want to break that 50-Euro or 500HKD or 50MYR bill for a piece of fruit or trinket.
I'm assuming these are cash-only situations or I'd use a credit card.
Does anyone have tips on how or where to break big bills in various countries?
Jan 15, 2015 | 7:17 pm
#2
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 215
Jan 15, 2015 | 7:23 pm
#3
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SJC/SFO
Programs: WN A+ CP, UA 1MM/*A Gold, Mar LT Tit, IHG Plat, HH Dia
Posts: 6,377
Three approaches I use are:
- Request an odd amount from the ATM to force it to dispense both smaller and larger bills. For example, in HK I might withdraw 800 HKD to get 1x500, 1x200, and 1x100 notes.
- Change larger bills at the hotel. They deal in large amounts anyway, and they're more understanding of a foreigner's needs. Also, they have your credit card information (and often passport number, too) so they trust you more than a small-time shopkeeper would.
- When you know you'll be visiting the same country again, keep small change (e.g., enough for a simple meal or a short taxi ride) for your next trip.
Jan 15, 2015 | 8:30 pm
#4
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Central California
Programs: Former UA Premex, now dirt
Posts: 6,531
For what is might be worth, if you are interested in Japan, even small businesses have no problem breaking 10,000 JPY bills (+/- $100.) Most ATMs dispense smaller 1,000 or 5,000 yen notes.
Jan 15, 2015 | 8:33 pm
#5
formerly known as Tad's Broiled Steaks
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,424
In Indonesia and China, I find hypermarkets (e.g. Carrefour and Wal-mart) and supermarkets to be the places where A) cashiers complain the least about big bills and 2) small bills are rarely in short supply.
Then there's Japan where using 10K to buy a 110 drink in a convenience store won't ruffle feathers, OTOH every time I spend a 500 coin, it hurts...
Then there's Japan where using 10K to buy a 110 drink in a convenience store won't ruffle feathers, OTOH every time I spend a 500 coin, it hurts...
Jan 15, 2015 | 8:54 pm
#6
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: YEG
Programs: Aeroplan, Westjet Rewards
Posts: 329
If you are dining out with friends, take turns paying the whole tab with your larger bills vs everyone trying to pay their share with small bills.
In Argentina there was a chronic shortage of small denominations so everyone hoarded their supply. I had difficulties over the 2 weeks I visited. I have no idea how the locals managed.
As other posters have mentioned Japan had no issues. It was wonderful breaking a 10,000 note and receiving change back on a tray, quickly and efficiently, not getting yelled at.
In Argentina there was a chronic shortage of small denominations so everyone hoarded their supply. I had difficulties over the 2 weeks I visited. I have no idea how the locals managed.
As other posters have mentioned Japan had no issues. It was wonderful breaking a 10,000 note and receiving change back on a tray, quickly and efficiently, not getting yelled at.
Jan 15, 2015 | 9:31 pm
#7
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 42,571
The largest bill has become so worthless, it isn't nearly the problem that it was even a year or two ago.
Jan 15, 2015 | 10:02 pm
#8
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,583
Those 50-euro notes are the worst! But I find more and more ATMs that let you explicitly choose the denominations you receive. When I do get stuck with 50s, I tend to use them to pay for meals in the EUR 20-30 range where I would otherwise use a credit card. That way I get some euros back in small bills.
Jan 15, 2015 | 11:36 pm
#9
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Sydney (for now), GVA (only in my memories)
Programs: QF Lifetime Silver (big whoop)
Posts: 9,288
And Switzerland. Those Swiss do love their cash! Paying for 1.20 CHF package of mints or a 3.00 CHF train ticket with a 100 CHF bill? No problem!
Jan 16, 2015 | 4:56 am
#12
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: NRT / HND
Programs: AA EXP, A3 Gold, Former UA 1K
Posts: 6,365
In countries where getting change from large bills is problematic, I hide my small bills that I do have and try every place I go to pay with the largest bill possible. Somehow they will usually find change though it may take a minute. I'll usually insist it's all I have because it's what the ATM gives out.
I have learned that you really have to hide the small ones though, if they get the slightest glimpse of them in your wallet they are quick to point out that you have one, lol.
I have learned that you really have to hide the small ones though, if they get the slightest glimpse of them in your wallet they are quick to point out that you have one, lol.
Jan 16, 2015 | 3:07 pm
#13
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: DCA
Programs: DL FO; A3 *G; AA PLT; et cetera
Posts: 163
I generally use a combo of these tricks to obtain and keep small denominations. The easiest is generally larger stores (the cashiers usually have plenty of change and/or just don't care), or at the desk of your hotel.
And yes, hide your small bills well if you are trying to break a larger bill in a smaller shop or in a place where they don't like taking larger denominations. I usually will pull the larger bill out of my wallet/money clip before I get to the cashier so the only thing the cashier sees is the single note.
I sometimes make a game out of it...how many large bills can I break, while still getting rid of as much small-denomiation shrapnel as I can during the day.
And yes, hide your small bills well if you are trying to break a larger bill in a smaller shop or in a place where they don't like taking larger denominations. I usually will pull the larger bill out of my wallet/money clip before I get to the cashier so the only thing the cashier sees is the single note.
I sometimes make a game out of it...how many large bills can I break, while still getting rid of as much small-denomiation shrapnel as I can during the day.
Jan 16, 2015 | 4:25 pm
#14
formerly known as Tad's Broiled Steaks
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,424
For some countries where the bills are easily tattered - anywhere that uses the US dollar, the pound in Egypt and the birr in Ethiopia come to mind - and when the temperature/humidity is high, I keep them in a small plastic bag.
If they are just left to their own devices in my pocket, they'll all but disintegrate.
If they are just left to their own devices in my pocket, they'll all but disintegrate.