List of countries that use plastic currency notes instead of paper money
Australia led the way by becoming the first country to introduce polymer banknotes, setting the trend for many others to follow.COUNTRIES THAT HAVE FULLY SWITCHED TO POLYMER BANKNOTES
Several countries now issue all or nearly all of their circulating banknotes in polymer. These include:AustraliaCanadaNew ZealandRomaniaVietnamBruneiPapua New GuineaMaldivesMauritaniaNicaraguaVanuatuEastern Caribbean statesUnited KingdomBarbados
Oman also joined this group in 2026 after introducing a polymer 1-rial banknote.
Many countries have introduced polymer banknotes only for certain denominations while continuing to use paper notes for others. These include:SingaporeMalaysiaThailandIndonesiaPhilippinesChinaHong KongIndiaBangladeshSri LankaNepalNigeriaSouth AfricaMexicoBrazilChileUnited Arab EmiratesSaudi ArabiaKuwaitIsrael
Several other countries have also issued polymer notes for limited circulation or commemorative purposes.WHAT IS INDIA'S PLAN?
India has not fully switched to polymer currency. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) previously conducted pilot tests with Rs 10 polymer notes and is now preparing another trial that is expected to begin with Rs 10 and Rs 20 notes. No nationwide rollout has been announced yet.
ALSO READ: India may get Rs 10 and 20 plastic currency notes from next year. Here's whyWHY ARE POLYMER BANKNOTES GAINING POPULARITY?
Polymer banknotes last much longer than paper notes and are more difficult to forge because they include advanced security features such as transparent windows, specialised inks and intricate designs. They are also more resistant to moisture, dirt and everyday wear, reducing replacement costs over time.- EndsPublished By: vaishnavi parasharPublished On: Jul 18, 2026 12:05 IST
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