A torn banknote, money washed with clothing or currency damaged by a pet does not necessarily mean the cash has been lost. Azerbaijan allows qualifying damaged banknotes to be exchanged at face value.
Shops may refuse damaged money, but that does not automatically make the note invalid. Eligibility depends mainly on how much of the banknote remains, whether it is authentic and whether its pieces can be identified as belonging to the same note.
Where to Apply
Members of the public may apply to regional offices of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, participating operator banks or other commercial banks. The Central Bank says national-banknote exchanges are available free of charge through its regional offices and participating branches of the International Bank of Azerbaijan and Kapital Bank.
Other commercial banks may provide the service free or charge a fee under their own internal rules.
Which Banknotes Qualify
Under Central Bank rules, a banknote generally qualifies when at least 60% of its surface remains and the applicable serial-number conditions are met. Entire or consecutive parts from the same banknote require at least one of the two serial numbers to remain intact. Nonconsecutive parts require both serial numbers.
The Central Bank measures the surviving area using a 200-square grid; 120 retained squares equal the required 60% threshold. A bank may refer doubtful or difficult cases for examination.
Damaged foreign currency is handled under separate criteria set by commercial banks, so customers should confirm the terms before applying.
Sources: Vesti Baku; Central Bank of Azerbaijan