There is provided a paper currency handling apparatus (1) persistent to the demand for reduction in size and increase in capacity to improve the satisfaction level of users. In a paper currency handling apparatus (1), a temporary housing (40) is arranged behind a paper currency deposit and withdrawal port (20); a paper currency discrimination part (30) is arranged behind the temporary housing (40); conveyance paths (51a and 51b) conveying a paper currency from below the paper currency let-out part (20b) to ahead of the paper currency discrimination part (30), conveyance paths (52, 53 and 54) conveying a paper currency from behind the paper currency discrimination part (30) to the temporary housing (40) once ascending upward, and a paper currency sorting gate (50a) going from behind the paper currency discrimination part (30) to the conveyance path (52) to implement sorting to conveying destinations for a first time are included, wherein the paper currency sorting gate (50a) is arranged in an upper part behind the temporary housing (40).