An Aussie traveller has sparked an intense online debate after revealing a little-known flaw on a $100 note that landed him in hot water.
Sharing on a prominent Facebook group, the man explained that he’d recently tried to exchange the cash for local currency in Thailand.
However, he claims that the banknote was ”rejected” because of an easy-to-miss blue marking, found just below the words “one hundred”.
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A photo posted by the man shows the stamp, which includes a symbol and the number 53.
“Went to exchange Australian currency for Thai baht in Thailand and they rejected this note because of this little blue stamp,” he wrote on the Cash Is King Australia Facebook page.
“Anyone got any idea why?”
The post prompted hundreds of reactions, with a few criticising the man for spending cash abroad.
“You could try vacationing in Australia and keeping money in Australia instead of spending money overseas!” one said.
Another added: “One more reason not to go to Thailand!”
Many were quick to point out that the stamp was from “a currency exchange point” — and warned others to be wary of similar markings.
“Yeah, you have to be very careful in Thailand — they will not accept if there is any writing on the note or if it is slightly torn,” one said.
“Sometimes even too crumpled they won’t accept, it is pretty standard there.
“However, you can go from shop to shop, trying your luck till someone doesn’t notice/care. But yeah, this is normal for Thailand I am sorry to say.”
Another added: “They will literally only take new-looking notes, they check every single note.”
A third wrote: “Only clean undamaged new notes will be exchanged. Always check the notes in Australia before you leave.”
One more said: “Any marks, ink, tears they won’t take — I check every note before I go or it’s useless, been caught before.”
Others said it was just another challenge for people who prefer to use cash.
“As if we haven’t got enough troubles using our own cash in our own country,” one responded.
Another said: “Cash is legal tender, use it.”