How to Exchange Francs

Exchange Francs for Euros.

France adopted the Euro in 1999 and began to circulate this new currency on Jan. 1, 2002. The central banks of all the member states in the European Union will exchange the old currency for the Euro for a limited time. Banque De France stopped accepting coins on Feb. 17, 2005 and will accept banknotes until Feb. 17, 2012. The Commission Exchange also accepts old currency. At the time of the conversion, the exchange rate was permanently set at 6.55957 French Francs to 1 Euro.

Instructions

1. Determine if the series of banknotes you have is redeemable. Banque De France will not exchange Francs issued before 1994. The bank provides a list of notes that it will accept on its website.

2. Exchange your French banknotes at Banque De France. You may also exchange it via mail, a more convenient option for those who are unable to visit the bank. Send your money by registered mail to:

   Banque de France
   Caisse Générale
   - Service 18 -
   10, Boulevard Duclaux
   63407 Chamalières Cedex
   France

   Your mail can contain Francs worth up to 5,000 Euros. Do not send coins.

3. Redeem your French banknotes with the Currency Commission (see Resources). The Commission continues to accept old banknotes after the local French banks have ceased this process. It will exchange your notes free of charge but will give you lower rates than the amount established at the time France converted to the Euro. You must register for an account to begin the process.

Tips & Warnings

• Make inquiries on the amount you can exchange. According to the European Commission, central banks may have a limit on the amount of money you can change to Euros at each transaction.

References

• The European Commision: Economic and Financial Affairs
• Banque Du France: Banknotes that are No Longer Legal Tender
• European Central Bank

Resources

• The Currency Commission: A/C Registration