People in Slovakia have shown huge interest in the euro coins start-up packages right on the first day of sale. In fact, some bank branches sold out of them after a few hours.
But people should not forget that they can pay in Slovak crowns until January 16, 2009, added UniCredit Bank spokeswoman Zuzana Dudáková. From January 1, people will be able to exchange crowns for euros in banks and the cash will also be available in ATMs as soon as the New Year. Moreover, payments can be carried out through payment cards.
Tatra Banka has limited the number of packages that can be purchased due to enormous demand. Bank clients can buy a maximum of three euro packages, while others just one. According to Slovenská sporiteľňa, most its branches sold out of packages within three hours.
Nonetheless, banks have enough euro packages for sale. On the whole, 1.2 million euro coins start-up packages were produced. The National Bank of Slovakia (NBS) announced in advance that it would not order more of them. SITA
Compiled by Zuzana Vilikovská from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.