Which tenge can no longer be exchanged in Kazakhstan? The National Bank answered this question, Tengrinews.kz reports.
Which banknotes can be exchanged and which cannot
Since June 12, 2021, Kazakhstan has had an indefinite period for exchanging banknotes issued in 2006. Banknotes of the 2006 model that have been withdrawn from circulation can be exchanged without any time restrictions at territorial branches of the National Bank.
As reported by the National Bank in response to an official request from the editorial staff of Tengrinews.kz , commemorative and jubilee banknotes are legal tender and are accepted and exchanged indefinitely in all branches of second-tier banks and Kazpost, as well as in branches of the National Bank.
"At the same time, banknotes of the "Kazakh Eli" series, issued between 2011 and 2017, will be withdrawn from circulation during the established period of parallel circulation. After the end of this period, all banks and Kazpost will exchange old-style banknotes for new-style banknotes for 3 years, and branches of the National Bank will accept old-style banknotes indefinitely. All other banknotes issued before 2006 are not subject to exchange and are considered withdrawn from circulation ," the National Bank reported.
Thus, if you happen to have tenge from the 90s, they have no value today and cannot be exchanged .
What banknotes do Kazakhstanis exchange most often?
According to the National Bank, since the beginning of 2024, Kazakhstanis have most frequently exchanged 500 tenge of the 2006 model – 35,058 banknotes worth more than 17 million tenge were exchanged; 1000 tenge of the 2006 model – 18,248 banknotes worth more than 18 million tenge.
Let us recall: in June, the head of the National Bank Timur Suleimenov announced that coins of 1 and 2 tenge denominations will no longer be minted in Kazakhstan . Coins that are already in circulation will continue to be used.