Exchanging national currency

You can exchange your old national currency free of charge during a changeover period to the euro in your country. In some countries this period is limited, and in others there is no deadline.

During the changeover process to the euro, national central banks gradually withdraw the national currency from circulation. This process includes a ‘dual circulation period’ where both euro and national currencies can circulate together as legal tender. During this period, retailers help remove the old currency by giving euro in change, and people can swap the old currency for euro at banks.

High street banks allow you to exchange old currencies for euro during the dual circulation period, and sometimes longer. There can be time limits, and charges may apply after these expire. Restrictions may also apply on the amounts that you can exchange.

You can exchange your old currency at a central bank for a much longer period. Like retail banks, central banks might apply limits on the amount per transaction. Very old cash may not be exchangeable.