Torn Euro Note
 

What can I do with a torn Euro note? I have both pieces and it's a clean tear, can I scotch tape it together and use it? In the USA they say if you have a torn dollar and still have both pieces you can use it, is the same true in Europe?

Of course. Euro notes are known to be of crappy quality; a few fall apart when you touch them. Any bank in the EU will exchange it. I have no idea about banks in the US, though.

There are a lot of torn €5 notes floating around...just tape it together and chances are very good you will be able to spend it...if someone gives you grief just try to use it elsewhere.

Interetingly enough, if you have at least 60% of a US currency note, it is legal tender - so you only have to get the scotch tape out if it is torn down the middle :)

While this is true, I imagine that most businesses won't except 3/4 of a dollar bill.

I believe banks are however required to exchange 60% plus bills for new money.

Please continue to follow this thread in the FT Europe Forum.
Thanks..
Obscure2k
TravelBuzz Moderator

I have no idea what the requirements are for Euro notes, but I thought for dollars one must posses not just 60% of the bill, but also 3 out of the 4 corners.

I have a 100 Euro note with a small corner torn off, like 2 centimeters. Will it be turned away when I try to use it? I find that often banks require you to have one of their cards to enter some branches via an automated door. Can I exchange it at an airport?

Nobody will care about a torn €5 or €10 but some people would refuse a €100 note with a part missing.

The chances of it being refused increase as the amount you are spending decreases. If you are spending several hundred euros then it is more likely to be accepted than spending ten euros and wanting €90 change. The country where you propose to spend the damaged note also makes a difference.

Yes, sometimes you need a bank card in order to enter a bank branch when it is closed, in order to use the self-service facilities. Not sure how this is relevant to your problem though.

Generally you won't be able to swap a damaged note for an undamaged note at an airport currency exchange, unless it is an actual bank. If you are exchanging it to another currency, then it might be accepted. If you are attempting this outside the eurozone then the likelihood approaches zero.

If you are unable to get a retailer or commercial bank to accept your damaged note, then you can always go to one of the eurozone central banks, where there will be no problem exchanging a single damaged note for a brand new one. Some of them require ID in order to make the exchange and opening hours may be limited. Queues may be longer in big cities unless you turn up when it opens.

The official policy in most Eurozone countries is quite easy:

If you possess more than 50% of the banknote you can exchange it for a new one.
This is also possible if you possess less than 50% of it and have proof that the rest of it has been destroyed.

See here : DAMAGED BANKNOTES - ECB - Our Money

This should be possible at any bank during opening hours.

Absolutely correct, still here's an additional caveat: The fear of certain bank people that they'll be held responsible for paying up a crook makes some of them require that a complete serial number and a small part (i.e. 1 digit) of the second serial number on the same note are visible. Prepare to fight this stupidity. For non €-used people. The two numbers are on the reverse side of the note.