It's alright for our dollar-spending brethren across the pond, whose smallest paper money denomination is worth about 55p, but what do other UKers use when a trick requires a torn half of a bank note? Do you use the real thing?

I can't imagine half a fiver having a long enough lifespan as a continuously handled prop in a magic trick to justify ripping one up, but I also can't imagine any kind of easily reproducable facimile being able to pass muster as a genuine note.

I could always move to Scotland, I suppose.

I'm in the states, but I'll rip up a $20 for the right trick and I don't loose any money at all... I just charge an extra $20 for the show. (Maybe an extra $50, just in case.)

Scan one side and print, switch it at the last moment.

As above, scan the note, or quality colour photo copy. use quality paper. rub paper together to soften and lightly age. I have a 20 note that is perfect and feels perfect.. only differance is its one sided!!! It took about 3 mins to make..

Any specific paper you could recommend?

DONE this myself just used asda's own ,500 sheets for under £2 smart price ,works for me when I do a bill switch from the spec and set it on fire .Great to see the expression on ther face lol. ITs only 80 gsm and ain't that thick the paper.