Yes.... this is a huge issue! I had 4 days notice to be on the plane, and I went to MANY banks trying to get Brand New bills with NO Markings, dog-ears, creases, etc. It was the most stressful thing to do. I was told that I should have put in the 'written request' in at least 2 weeks prior to needing it! O.K., that was impossible. I was able to gather the bills, and still, while in Russia, I had several $100 bills REFUSED by the exchange. They said... "NYET!!! DIRTY!!!" Nope, they where not, but under their special lights, they saw something
The problem is, is that the exchange places or individuals that take the $$$, they then have to get Rubles for it from the National Bank, and they are ones that have the strictest policy, or they can not get their money!
Yes, I had to take THOUSANDS of $$$ in brand new bill for each trip!