Anything smaller?

SIR – We lived in a Swiss village and were going for the summer to France. The local bank recommended taking 500-euro notes. But in France shops and banks refused them (Letters, October 28). They suggested the Banque de France, 60 miles away, with odd hours. The solution was the local airport’s bureau de change. The staff laughed to hear they were the last resort for changing them.

Tony Davis

Taunton, Somerset

SIR – In 1966, aged 18, I was outside the Bank of England in Threadneedle Street in need of fourpence for the bus. I had only a 10 shilling note, so I explained my problem to a uniformed attendant at the main entrance.

He escorted me inside, introducing me to a man who led me deep inside to an office occupied by a gentleman in morning dress behind a huge desk.

He asked if I had an appointment and listened politely to my request. He changed the note with a smile, wished me a pleasant afternoon and called an attendant to escort me to the entrance.

Brighton, East Sussex Mike Dance