Winter in the basement, brandy in a demijohn and money in a jar - these are some of the most popular stereotypes about Bulgarian prudence and lifestyle. However, soon "Burkanbank" will be put to the test due to Bulgaria's entry into the eurozone. One of the most preferred places for exchanging coins for banknotes is the BNB cash center. Up to 120 leva are exchanged there without a fee, writes Nova TV.
When we enter the eurozone, cash exchange will be possible without a fee both in banks and in the offices of "Bulgarian Post". In some branches you can still exchange stotinki for banknotes, but there are conditions – the pennies should be sorted by 1, 2, 5, etc.
In order not to waste money on taxis, banker Levon Hampartzumyan advises that „Burkanbank” should remain intact until January 1.
„When we introduce the euro, there will be a period of 6 months in which this exchange will be cashless. That's why everyone says don't rush ahead”, explained Hampartzumyan.
One of the people who didn't rush is Krasi. He recently found his hidden savings from the 90s. He holds 6,000 leva in his hands. It sounds like a lot, but 30 years ago it was nothing. „Then there was a devaluation of the leva, and that's why it's such a big amount of money. This money is now only suitable for collection. I could have exchanged it, but the deadline has passed long ago. It was tucked in the wardrobe between sweaters, clothes, here with this wallet”, says Krasi.
Both before and after the eurozone, we can legally pay for everything with the money from the jars. “There are reprisals. For example, when someone pays fines in small coins. They are part of the money in circulation and they cannot refuse them”, says Levon Hampartzumyan.