ABB: A number of bank branches will work overtime in January for changing leva for euro

To make it easier for individuals and businesses to exchange banknotes and coins from leva to euro, a number of bank branches will operate overtime on Saturdays in January, the Association of Banks in Bulgaria (ABB) said on its website on January 7.

In connection with the introduction of the euro and the period of dual circulation, banks in Bulgaria are taking additional measures to ensure the most convenient and fast process, ABB said.

As The Sofia Globe reported, earlier on January 7, central Bulgarian National Bank announced that its cash desks would open specially on each Saturday in January for exchanging leva for the euro.

ABB said that banks will provide additional staff and a clear organisation of service to ensure a smooth, informed and efficient exchange of currency at the fixed rate, in accordance with the established rules – without fees for customers and without limits, with a prior request required for amounts over 30 000 leva.

When exchanging leva for euro, customers and non-customers are treated identically in each bank, and it may be required to complete the necessary documents in accordance with the Anti Money-Laundering Act.

Detailed information about the specific branches and their opening hours will be published in due time on the websites of the respective banks, as well as on the ABB website, the association said.

“The banking sector remains committed to ensuring that the transition to the euro continues smoothly, with the convenience and peace of mind of citizens remaining a priority,” it said.

The ABB January 7 statement made no direct reference to an announcement earlier in the day that Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva has notified the head of the association, Petya Dimitrova, of reports from the public about problems with the exchange of banknotes and coins from leva to euro in commercial banks.

(Photo: Clive Leviev-Sawyer)