Frequently Asked Questions

Where are banknotes printed? los billetes?

Banknotes are printed in specialized high security companies, such as Casa de Moneda de Chile, by instruction of the Central Bank of Chile.

Does the Central Bank of Chile buy or sell antique banknotes?

The Central Bank of Chile does not trade banknotes with numismatic purposes. If you need information about numismatic banknotes and coins you can contact:

Asociación Numismática de Chile
Luis Thayer Ojeda N° 0115

Local 35 – 36

Providencia

Santiago, Chile

Telephone/Fax: (562) 234-1463

In what cases can mutilated banknotes be exchanged at their nominal face value?

Section 32 of the Central Bank of Chile’s Basic Constitutional Act indicates the following:
“The damaged banknotes clearly keeping over half of their original text may be exchanged at the Bank at their nominal face value; should they have a lesser percentage, they may be exchanged at their nominal face value provided the Bank is satisfied with the evidence presented that the missing portion has been totally destroyed.
The Bank shall not be compelled to exchange damaged banknotes not covered by the preceding paragraph.”

Who selected the designs of the Chilean banknotes? ?

The Board of the Central Bank of Chile selected the designs.

Do $500 pesos banknotes continue to be legal tender?

On September 29th, 1975, the existing currency "ESCUDOS" was devaluated and replaced with the new currency "PESOS ". The devaluation was of E ° 1.000 for $ 1. Therefore, any minted coins or banknotes issued after the specified date is legal tender in Chile and has current value.

What should I do if I think I have a counterfeit note?

If possible retain the note, record as much information as you can of the person who gave you the note, where and how you received it and surrender it to any financial institution -for example, one that you might be a client of. If the financial institution determines that it is likely to be counterfeit, the banknote will be retained in exchange for a receipt. The banknote will be remitted to the Central Bank of Chile for the corresponding forensic analysis. The Central Bank of Chile will replace the value of the note if it determines that it is authentic.

You can also:

  • Surrender it directly to the Central Bank of Chile

  • Send it, along with the enclosed form, to the following address:

BANCO CENTRAL DE CHILE
Gerencia de Tesorería
Agustinas 1180
Santiago

Surrender it along with your verbal or written accusation directly to your nearest police station (Carabineros or Policía de Investigaciones), Public Ministry, or competent Court. In these cases the banknotes and coins that are suspected to be counterfeit will be retained.