Using good-as-new notes for lai-see

As the Chinese New Year draws near, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) encourages the public to continue supporting the use of good-as-new notes, instead of brand-new ones, for lai-see.  Good-as-new notes are perfectly suitable for use as lai-see, given that Hong Kong's currency notes are maintained at a high standard of cleanliness.
 
The HKMA started to promote the use of good-as-new notes for lai-see in 2006.  Thanks to the support of the public and the note-issuing banks, the share of good-as-new notes issued in the run-up to each Chinese New Year has increased from 20% at the outset to around 45% in recent years.
 
The three note-issuing banks will start exchanging new notes on 21 January. As in previous years, they will provide sufficient new and good-as-new notes to meet demand for notes.

Hong Kong Monetary Authority
8 January 2014