Let's unpack what the official rules say, why refusals happen, and what to do if you run into one.

What the National Bank of Kazakhstan says

The official NBK clarification states explicitly: restrictions based on denomination and issue year of foreign currency are not allowed if the banknotes are fit for circulation.

That means:

• 1996-series dollars in normal condition — must be accepted.
• 2003-series dollars — must be accepted.
• 1928-series dollars (theoretically, in collections) — formally still valid, though in practice they may raise questions.
• Bills of any denomination (1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100) — must be accepted.

Source: NBK clarification "On the rules for exchanging foreign cash currency in Kazakhstan," published on nationalbank.kz.

What "fit for circulation" means

A bill is considered fit if it retains its security features:

• The series and serial number are visible and readable
• The main design is preserved (portrait, reverse side)
• Security elements are present (watermark, security thread, color fibers — where applicable for the specific series)
• The bill has not lost more than 45% of its surface area
• There are no chemical traces from treatment (bleaching, dyeing)

If the bill is whole, not torn into large pieces, not "washed," and not fire-damaged — it's fit. The issue year doesn't matter here.

Why you might be refused

In practice, reasons for refusal break down into legitimate and illegitimate ones.

Legitimate (per NBK rules) reasons for refusal:

• Doubts about authenticity (the bank has the right to inspect and refuse if in doubt).
• Serious damage (loss of more than 45% of the surface area).
• Loss of security features or signs of validity.
• Traces of chemical treatment.

Illegitimate (refusal is unlawful):

• "Old-series bill" — with no other complaint.
• "We don't take 1996" — that's a rule violation.
• "New series only" — also a violation.
• "We don't have those bills at the till for change" — that's a different issue, not a refusal to exchange.

If you've been refused for an illegitimate reason, that's a violation of NBK rules and you can file a complaint.

Which dollar series are more "problematic" in practice

Despite the rules, tellers do have attitudes toward different series:

Dollars with minimal security features (older series pre-1990). Technically valid, but poorly recognized by ATM machines and sorters. Some tellers may ask you to wait for a manual check.

100 USD bills, 1996 series. The most widespread "old" series. Accepted everywhere, no problem.

100 USD bills, 2003 series. Same story — widely accepted.

100 USD bills, 2009 series (with the large portrait). A newer series, accepted everywhere, sometimes even with a slightly better rate.

Smaller denominations of older series (1, 5, 10, 20). Accepted, but they may ask for a minimum — usually no less than USD 50 per transaction.

"Foreign" stamps (Arabic, Asian). Technically not grounds for refusal, but in practice tellers sometimes get wary. Better to go to a large bank.

What to do if you're refused

Step 1. Ask for the specific reason for refusal. The teller is required to provide it. If they cite an "old series" with no other complaint, that's an unlawful refusal.

Step 2. Ask for written confirmation of the refusal. NBK rules explicitly provide for this. In practice, not every teller is ready to issue a written explanation, but the request often changes the decision.

Step 3. Move to another bank or exchange office. This is often the fastest route. In Almaty there are always several options within walking distance.

Step 4. If everyone refuses — file a complaint with NBK. The complaint can be sent to the territorial branch of the National Bank where the exchange office is located. In your complaint, include:

• Date and time of the visit
• Address of the exchange office
• The amount and bills you were refused for exchange
• The reason for refusal (as the teller phrased it)

Contacts for the territorial branches are on nationalbank.kz.

Where old dollars are accepted with more confidence

At larger banks, tellers know the rules better and refuse less often:

• Halyk Bank — Kazakhstan's largest bank, with extensive experience handling various USD series.
• Bank CenterCredit, ForteBank, Freedom Bank, Bereke Bank — all consistently work with older series.
• Head offices of banks in Almaty and Astana — usually fewer problems than at small branches.

Among chain exchange offices the picture is mixed: MIG, Yes Exchange, and Limpopo usually work with older series, but small points can be cautious.

Pro tip: checking a bill for fitness

Before heading to the bank, check the bill yourself:

1. Hold it up to the light — you should see the watermark (portrait) and the security thread with "USA" and the denomination on it.
2. Tilt the bill — on newer series (2003+) the denomination numeral shifts color.
3. Check for major damage — tears, holes from stickers, chemical stains.
4. Make sure the serial number is readable and matches on both sides of the bill.

If those signs check out, the bill is fit and must be accepted.

Checklist

• you've checked your bills at home for signs of validity
• you know the NBK rule: issue year is not grounds for refusal
• if you have several bills, you've picked the newer ones in case of nitpicking
• you're ready to switch to another bank if the refusal is unjustified
• you know where to complain (NBK territorial branch)
• for USD 1,000+, you've brought an ID for the large-amount transaction

Common mistakes

Not pushing back on an unlawful refusal. Many people just walk away after hearing "we don't take 1996." That's an unlawful refusal — it's worth demanding written justification or going straight to another bank.

Buying old bills from private sellers "at a favorable rate." This is sometimes how counterfeit or damaged bills get circulated. Buy only at licensed locations.

Exchanging old bills at the airport. Airport staff have less time for inspection, so tellers refuse faster on any suspicion. Better to head into the city.

Storing dollars for too long. Over time bills can wear down, yellow, and lose security elements. It makes sense to periodically refresh your "home stash."

Frequently asked questions

Are 1996-series US dollars accepted in Kazakhstan? Yes. Under NBK rules, the issue year is not grounds for refusal if the bill is fit for circulation.

What do I do if an exchange office refuses because of the issue year? That's an unlawful refusal. Ask for a written explanation or move to another bank. If refusals are systematic, file a complaint with the NBK.

Which older dollar series are guaranteed to be accepted? Series 1996, 2003, and newer are accepted everywhere. Pre-1990 series less often, but by law they must be.

Can I exchange bills with foreign stamps? Technically yes, if the bill is genuine and undamaged. In practice, tellers may be cautious — better to go to a large bank.

Where do I file a complaint about a refusal? With the NBK territorial branch where the exchange office is located. Contacts are on nationalbank.kz.

Which bills will definitely NOT be accepted? Bills with more than 45% of the surface area lost, traces of chemical treatment, destroyed security features, or counterfeits.

Is it better to exchange old or new bills? Rate-wise, no difference. Convenience-wise, new bills are processed faster.

The bottom line

Old dollars are accepted in Kazakhstan — it's the law. A bill's issue year is not grounds for refusal as long as it keeps its signs of validity. In practice, this works without issues at major banks. At small exchange offices teller whims are possible — in that case, knowing the rules and being ready to move to another location resolves the matter.

Open the rates table above, pick the bank with the best offer and a convenient address, and don't fear old series — the law is on your side.