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If you try to pay for a product or service in France using a banknote that has been damaged, stained, ripped or partly burned, your money may be refused. 

To avoid this issue, certain bank notes can be exchanged or refunded. The service is free of charge and there is no limit to the amount of banknotes that can be replaced. 

Your local bank branch in France will be able to provide more information and guidance on exchanging or refunding banknotes. 

The also suggests two alternative ways that you can go about replacing damaged euro banknotes:

Visit the Caisse de Paris

The Caisse de Paris is a branch of the Banque de France that can exchange damaged notes for new ones. 

The office is located in Paris and to process the request you must go there in person and be aged over 18. Bring a valid physical ID and a photocopy. Note that foreign driving licenses may not be accepted.

You can submit your own damaged banknotes or do so on behalf of a third party.

Only authentic banknotes will be accepted and they must have more than 50% of their surface area remaining to be refunded. 

The notes will be assessed and if approved you should leave with your new banknotes on the same day.

The Caisse de Paris is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00 to noon and from 13:15 to 15:30. You must make an appointment if you want to go in the morning, walk-ins are accepted in the afternoon.

If you have a particularly large sum of money to exchange or want to ask any questions then you can email caissedeparis@banque-france.fr 

Visit a French post office partnering with the Banque de France

You can also request a banknote exchange at , although the system is more complicated and will take longer to process. 

Banknotes will also be exchanged in €5,000 installments if processed via La Poste. 

You will need to fill out a form and the person benefiting from the exchange or refund must provide supporting documents:

• A valid ID that has not expired (take both the physical version and a photocopy),

• Bank account details (RIB) as you will receive a bank transfer for the amount in question rather than physical notes,

• A document proving the origin of the funds, such as your latest income tax notice, bank statements, an official letter or receipt confirming a cash withdrawal, or any other official proof. This document is not mandatory but it may be requested.

Your completed form, documents and banknotes will then be sent by La Poste to the Banque de France. 

Note that you should never independently send your banknotes by mail. La Poste prohibits this.

Read also: Are old euro banknotes still valid in France?