Does paper money ever expire?

[Gingerbread Demon]

I am just jumping in here boots and all but I thought that they replace printed notes every so often with new notes and destroy old ones.

Howcome some countries still use paper money while ones like mine have gone the way of these plastic notes that don't feel like real money?

 

[MacLeod]

Well aside from the fact that polymeyer notes are more durable than the paper/cotton based ones. The other big reason is security to minimise forgeries.

 

[CorporalCaptain]

Here you go, MLB, from Canada's gummint website:

http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-52/page-1.html#h-5

Linked from there, from the Bank of Canada Act:

Note Issue
[...]
Notes previously printed

(5) Notwithstanding anything contained in this section, each note of the Bank printed before June 23, 1936, whether issued before, on or after that date, is a valid and binding obligation of the Bank.

MLB should be good, but I'd suggest trying taking the notes and coins to any bank and simply trading it in for current issues, to avoid complications. You might try a numismatist first, though, to see if you get greater than face value.

 

[Gingerbread Demon]

Well aside from the fact that polymeyer notes are more durable than the paper/cotton based ones. The other big reason is security to minimise forgeries.

I still remember paper money and to me it just felt more "real" if that makes sense.

Also the USA seems to be the only country where people still get paid in cash or a cheque for wages. Over here they really pushed and pushed and since the mid 80s that was all done away with. Intrusive government and all. Wages became all direct bank deposit.

 

[Timewalker]

I am just jumping in here boots and all but I thought that they replace printed notes every so often with new notes and destroy old ones.

Howcome some countries still use paper money while ones like mine have gone the way of these plastic notes that don't feel like real money?

I get the impression that the U.S. does occasionally invalidate certain notes (according to the dates issued? Not sure...).

Polymer money costs more to produce, which is probably why some countries still use paper money. As mentioned, though, polymer notes are harder to counterfeit.