The number of banknotes in circulation in Bulgaria is decreasing. For the first nine months of the year, they have decreased by 10%, according to data from the Bulgarian Central Bank.
Atanas Kirilov often buys books and says that he shops more often with a card than with cash. The reason – it's more convenient.
In the bookstore where Atanas shops, managers report that the number of card purchases is growing, while the number of people paying with banknotes is decreasing.
Thus, there are increasingly smaller amounts in the cash register of the store, while the money goes directly to the company's account.
Analysts point out that some consumers prefer card payments because they save time and can easily check later through their mobile banking where and what they spent.
Deposits in banks are also growing, and this is money that businesses and households do not use for a certain period of time.
The exchange of levs for euros on our way to the eurozone also has an impact.
The forecasts are that as we approach the eurozone and digital banking becomes more widespread, the banknotes we use will be fewer and fewer.