A Cuban identified as Camilo Velazco Montero reported on social media that a small and medium-sized enterprise refused to accept a $100 bill because, as he explained, it was crumpled.
In a video posted on Facebook, Velazco displayed the bill in front of the camera and questioned the decision of the private business.
"Because it's folded. It's not broken, it's not dirty, it's not fake. It's folded. The small and medium enterprises don't want to accept the money because it's folded," he stated.
The man pointed out that bills often get folded when stored in wallets or pockets and considered it exaggerated that some establishments require cash in almost perfect condition.
With an ironic tone, he recommended that businesses in need of "smooth" bills go directly to the Mint to obtain them freshly printed.
"If you need cash, please go to the Mint and get it at the Mint," he said.
The post generated numerous reactions from users who claimed to have experienced similar situations with both private and state-run establishments.
"Not only in the micro, small, and medium enterprises, but also in state-owned stores," commented a user. Another responded humorously: "You're outdated; you need to laminate it and soon you'll need to frame it."
Some users tried to explain the practice by pointing out that certain businesses seek to receive bills in good condition because they later have to use them for payments, bank deposits, or purchases abroad, where there may also be restrictions on the physical condition of cash.
The rejection of banknotes due to their physical condition is not a new phenomenon in Cuba. In November 2025, , while in 2026 reports emerged about businesses refusing certain denominations of Cuban pesos.
In light of these situations, the Central Bank of Cuba warned that no establishment may arbitrarily decide which denominations it will accept.
The debate occurs against the backdrop of a growing dependence on cash in the Cuban economy. The U.S. dollar recently hit record values in the informal market, while difficulties with electronic payments have kept physical money as a crucial tool for many transactions.
In mid-September, the Cuban government approved new regulations that allow micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (mipymes) and other private actors to receive cash in foreign currency and deposit it into bank accounts in foreign currency, a measure that has increased the significance of handling dollars within everyday economics.
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