Banque de France

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How to recognise and use euro banknotes and coins

Find out more about euro banknotes and coins, how to check they are genuine, how to use and exchange them.

Characteristics of the euro banknotes and coins

Euro banknotes are identical in all euro area countries. Their characteristics (size, colour, illustrations, security features) are easy to recognise, including for the visually impaired. Euro...
Where, under what conditions and how much can I pay in cash?

Genuine euro banknotes and coins are legal tender in the 19 countries of the euro area, as well as in the French overseas territories and some countries outside the euro area. This means that they...
How can I check that a banknote is genuine?

To check the authenticity of a banknote, use the simple Feel-Look-Tilt method. This allows you to easily verify the banknote’s security features. Alternatively you can use your smartphone, or...
Where can I find training in banknote authentication?

The Banque de France trains over 25,000 professionals per year, free of charge, in banknote authentication. You can also use the free e-learning tool available on this website.
Where can I exchange a banknote? What do I do if I suspect a banknote is counterfeit?

You can exchange a banknote for another one at your own bank branch. The Banque de France also exchanges banknotes under certain circumstances: high denomination notes for low denomination ones,...
DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK of 19 April 2013