How many fake notes or coins can I bring into France?

fake notes or coins may not be brought into France at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.

Do I have to declare fake notes or coins at France customs?

There is nothing to declare — fake notes or coins cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.

What happens if I do not declare fake notes or coins in France?

If you declare the excess yourself, the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Code des douanes, article L. 513-3, if it is treated as smuggling: it is prosecuted as a criminal offence. Under Code des douanes, article R. 515-5, 1°, if the goods are found without being declared: an administrative fine is imposed; the goods are confiscated.

Can I post or ship fake notes or coins to France instead of carrying it?

Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.

Can I take fake notes or coins out of France?

France publishes no separate rule for taking fake notes or coins out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the France limit for fake notes or coins apply per person or per family?

Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Where does this rule come from?

Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects (DGDDI) states it in Article 442-2 - Code pénal - Légifrance. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does France compare with other countries on fake notes or coins?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 19 prohibit fake notes or coins, 1 limit it and 0 let it through. France is among the strictest.

How much Fake notes or coins can I bring into France?

Prohibited

You cannot bring Fake notes or coins into France.

Carried Not allowed

Declaration Required — surrender

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Article 442-2 - Code pénal - Légifrance Légifrance

Questions about Fake notes or coins in France

How many fake notes or coins can I bring into France?: fake notes or coins may not be brought into France at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare fake notes or coins at France customs?: There is nothing to declare — fake notes or coins cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.
What happens if I do not declare fake notes or coins in France?: If you declare the excess yourself, the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Code des douanes, article L. 513-3, if it is treated as smuggling: it is prosecuted as a criminal offence. Under Code des douanes, article R. 515-5, 1°, if the goods are found without being declared: an administrative fine is imposed; the goods are confiscated.
Can I post or ship fake notes or coins to France instead of carrying it?: Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.
Can I take fake notes or coins out of France?: France publishes no separate rule for taking fake notes or coins out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the France limit for fake notes or coins apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects (DGDDI) states it in Article 442-2 - Code pénal - Légifrance. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does France compare with other countries on fake notes or coins?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 19 prohibit fake notes or coins, 1 limit it and 0 let it through. France is among the strictest.

Related items

Accompanied cash Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Alcohol and alcoholic beverages above 22% vol (or undenatured ethyl alcohol 80% vol and over)

Related countries

Australia Canada China Germany

Other items in this group

Antique and replica weapons Banned knives and edged weapons Buddha images, artifacts/objects, antiques CITES-protected species and products Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) Consumer fireworks