Accessibility of Hong Kong Banknotes
Banknote Design
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority is committed to promoting the accessibility of Hong Kong banknotes to people with visual impairments. The Hong Kong Banknotes (2010 and 2018 Series) have new features to help the visually impaired differentiate the denominations.
- 1High-tactility Numeral (The feature is on top left-hand corner of the note)
- 2Braille (The feature is on bottom left-hand corner of the note)
- 3Tactile Lines (The feature is on bottom left hand corner of the High-tactility Numeral)
Note-measuring Template
A note-measuring template sponsored by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the three note-issuing banks has been introduced to help the visually impaired differentiate the denominations by measuring the length of the note. It can be used to measure notes currently in circulation. The template is embossed with Braille on one side and symbols on the other. It is available for free distribution through voluntary agencies serving the visually impaired community.
Symbols | $10 | $20 | $50 | $100 | $500 | $1000 |
User Guide for the Note-measuring Template
- Step 1
Insert the note into the template. Pull the note to the hinge through the round window.
- Step 2
Bend the loose-end of the note firmly onto the template. The symbol directly underneath the end of the note identifies the denomination.
- Step 3
Alternatively, bend the note to the other side of the template with Braille. Braille marking for the $1,000 note is not necessary since the end of the note will square neatly with the edge of the template.