If you are a frequent traveller to the UK you may already have an idea about the currency notes which are in use at present. But if you are planning to travel to the UK for the first time or not much familiar with the currency situation in th country this is something you should be aware of before exchanging your money to British Pounds.
Bank of England made an important announcement in September 2021. It says one year after the announcement was made the old series banknotes of £20 and £50 will be expiring. Now that the dates have been passed these old series banknotes have been replaced with a new series of polymer (a plastic that is thin and flexible) notes of £20 and £50 denomination, featuring J.M.W. Turner (English Romantic Painter) and Alan Turing (Famous English Scientist considered to be the father of Artificial Intelligence) respectively.
At present only the new series of polymer £20 and £50 are expected in the UK. Meaning only the new notes will be accepted for payments in all business establishments.
Does it impact the Travellers?
For travelers, this means that when receiving or exchanging cash, they may come across the new series of banknotes instead of the older paper-based notes. It’s important for travelers to familiarize themselves with the new banknotes and their security features to ensure they can identify genuine notes and avoid counterfeit currency. Also the travellers should never except the old banknotes of f £20 and £50 when performing currency exchange.
Additionally, if you are planning to travel to other countries from the UK some countries or businesses may be less familiar with the new banknotes initially, so it’s advisable to be prepared with alternative payment methods, such as cards or mobile payment apps, in case the acceptance of the new notes is limited.
Features of the new currency notes
Here are few key features of the new banknotes.
£20 Note
- Polymer Material: The new £20 note is made of polymer, a thin and flexible plastic material that is more durable and resistant to wear and tear compared to the older paper-based notes.
- Holographic Window: There is a large see-through hologram featuring a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and a silver foil patch with a 3D image of the coronation crown, which appears to move and change when tilted.
- Raised Print: The words “Bank of England” on the front of the note are raised and can be felt by touch.
- Hidden Number: Within the Queen’s portrait, there is a small, clear window containing a silver foil patch with a unique number and the pound symbol.
- Ultraviolet Feature: When the note is under ultraviolet light, a red and green series of small squares become visible on the front and back.
£50 Note
- Polymer Material: Similar to the £20 note, the new £50 note is also made of polymer.
- Holographic Window: It has a holographic strip with alternating images of the pound symbol and the number “50.”
- Raised Print: As with the £20 note, the words “Bank of England” on the front of the note are raised.
- Hidden Number: There is a small, clear window containing a silver foil patch with a unique number and the pound symbol.
- Microlettering: The note features tiny letters and numbers that can be seen under a microscope.
These are just some of the key security features present on the new £20 and £50 notes. It’s worth noting that the Bank of England regularly updates its banknote designs and security features to stay ahead of counterfeiting threats. For the most up-to-date information on the specific features of the latest banknotes or to know the latest updates of the banknotes referring to official sources such as the Bank of England’s website is always recommended.
Why did the UK replaced their Old Banknotes?
The Bank of England has been gradually replacing the older paper-based banknotes with polymer banknotes in the United Kingdom. There are several reasons behind this transition.
Enhanced Durability
Polymer banknotes are more durable than paper notes. They can withstand folding, creasing, and general wear and tear much better, resulting in a longer lifespan. This durability reduces the need for frequent reprinting and replacement of worn-out notes, saving costs for the central bank.
Improved Security Features
Polymer banknotes offer enhanced security features that make them more difficult to counterfeit. The incorporation of advanced security elements, such as holograms, raised print, transparent windows, and intricate designs, makes the notes harder to replicate successfully. The Bank of England continuously strives to stay ahead of counterfeiters by introducing new and improved security features with each new banknote series.
Cleanliness and Hygiene
Polymer banknotes are more resistant to dirt, moisture, and general soiling compared to paper notes. They are easier to clean, which is particularly relevant in the context of public health concerns and the need for increased hygiene standard
Accessibility and Inclusivity
The design and features of polymer banknotes can be optimized to improve accessibility for visually impaired individuals. By incorporating tactile elements, high contrast, and larger fonts, the new banknotes aim to ensure that people with visual impairments can easily distinguish between different denominations.
the Bank of England may periodically introduce new series of banknotes with enhanced security features and updated designs. In such cases, older banknotes may gradually be phased out of circulation. If the Bank of England were to announce the withdrawal of older banknotes from circulation, they would typically provide a deadline by which those notes must be exchanged for newer ones. After the specified deadline, the old banknotes may no longer be accepted as legal tender.
So if you are planning to travel to the UK makesure you except only these newer series of £20 and £50 polymer notes from the currency exchange centers.
It’s important to stay informed about any announcements or updates from the Bank of England regarding the usage and withdrawal of older banknotes. Checking with reliable sources or the Bank of England itself will provide the most up-to-date and accurate information on this matter.