I came back from vacation with $300 in francs. One French person said I could exchange them next summer for euros, another one said I should have spent it all. What is the truth? Anyone know?

A little less of a problem in France than in other countries. As a general rule legacy currencies should be disposed of this year. <BR> <BR>The franc will cease to be legal tender on February 17 of next year. However, beyond that the franc can be exchanged at banks, indefinitely. You may have to stand on line a bit, but it shouldn't be a bit hassle.

Have no fear Lulu! In most European countries you will be able to exchange the French Francs for the new Euro at banks or exchange offices. You will not be able to spend them next summer though. The Euro will be the only currency excepted at all business establishments. Most of the European countries going to the Euro have an indefinte timetable to totally phaseout their currency and coins.

Here in France, after February 17th, you will be able to exchange your francs at ANY bank until the 1st of July - after that date, you will be able to exchange francs for euros only at the Banque de France. <BR>This holds true for FF Travelers Checks as well. <BR> <BR>You will be able to exchange coins until 2005 and bills until 2012. <BR> <BR>PB

This answer seems to be considerably different from a similar one a few weeks ago, which indicated that all money would have to be exchanged before next summer. Can someone tell me that I will still be able to exchange my Italian Lira for Euros in Italy in July?

The questions, and answers, must be given &gt;&gt;by country&lt;&lt;. The currency may be common, but the procedures, especially as relates to the changeover, are not. <BR> <BR>Go to http://europa.eu.int/euro/html/home5.html?lang=5 and click on "National changeover plans" ... you will find Italy is quite different from France, and much more troublesome.

I wouldn't keep any lira you have.<BR>We will be able to change them for euro for only a short time and then after we will be charged to do it.<BR>Be very careful of what you do.<BR>The news is being very vague about telling us the dates of when we will start being charged and how much.<BR>I am assuming that each bank will charge thier own exchange rate as they would with any other currency.<BR>Try to get rid of everything you have before you leave any country or change it into euros before you leave.<BR>

I have been told repeatedly by reliable sources that we will be able to exchange francs, lira, etc. for euros at each national bank for at least a year. In other words if you go to Italy in July you can change lira for euros without a fee and at the standard preset exchange rate (which will not change) at a national bank of Italy in virtually every major and most minor cities. I am not sure why people are indicating that you will be stuck with those other currencies. Of course, don't expect to walk into any French bank and expect to get euros for lira in August. You will need to do it in the appropriate country and at a national bank.

To elaborate a little on what Patrick said, the long-term redemption can be done only at a branch of each country's national central bank, e.g., the Banque de France, the Banca d'Italia, etc. That's different from what people in the US usually think of as a national bank, which can be any of a multitude of nationally chartered banks. If you just want to go into any old bank, the deadline is generally the end of February.<BR><BR>You can find the schedule for each country's changeover at the official Euro site:<BR> http://europa.eu.int/euro/html/entry.html

I've read where the changeover will actually be a great revenue enhancer for the European countries. Apparently, there a billions in country coins (pfennings, etc.) that will never be redeemed.