No, this is not a blurry picture – it is the state of some US dollar notes in Zimbabwe. Because they are not official currency recognised by the US, they are reused until they fall apart. Usage is high because most Zimbabweans still do not trust the banking system and keep their cash as just that – cash. And, if the South African authorities are wondering where the country’s coins are going, they may want to look up north. South African R5 and other coins are in big demand in Zimbabwe’s mixed currency environment. Change from shops comes in the form of IOUs or sweets – the customer’s choice.
