Around 60 countries use polymer banknotes fully or partly. Australia pioneered plastic currency, while several nations have adopted the durable notes for better security and longer circulation.

List of countries that use plastic currency notes instead of paper money

Polymer banknotes are becoming increasingly popular worldwide for their durability and security. While about 60 countries use them in some form, only a smaller group has fully switched.

18 Jul 2026, 06:35 by India Today Information Desk · India Today

In Short

Around 60 countries use polymer banknotes fully or partly
Australia becomes the first country to introduce plastic currency
India has tested polymer notes but has not fully adopted them

Plastic currency notes, also known as polymer banknotes, are now used fully or partly by around 60 countries across the world. These notes are made from a durable plastic material instead of traditional paper, making them harder to counterfeit, longer-lasting and more resistant to water and dirt. While many countries have adopted polymer notes for select denominations, only a smaller group has completely switched to them.

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:

Australia
Canada
New Zealand
Romania
Vietnam
Brunei
Papua New Guinea
Maldives
Mauritania
Nicaragua
Vanuatu
Eastern Caribbean states
United Kingdom
Barbados

Oman also joined this group in 2026 after introducing a polymer 1-rial banknote.

COUNTRIES THAT USE POLYMER NOTES PARTLY

Many countries have introduced polymer banknotes only for certain denominations while continuing to use paper notes for others. These include:

Singapore
Malaysia
Thailand
Indonesia
Philippines
China
Hong Kong
India
Bangladesh
Sri Lanka
Nepal
Nigeria
South Africa
Mexico
Brazil
Chile
United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia
Kuwait
Israel

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.

WHY 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.

- Ends