The central bank (NBS) on Tuesday restricted the number of euro start-up packages that can be bought from a bank to 10 each.
"Due to the extraordinarily high interest, with some people buying as many as hundreds or even thousands at once, the central bank has decided to limit sales to 10 per person," NBS spokesperson Jana Kováčová told the TASR newswire.
The NBS recommended that commercial banks and the Post Office, which are also selling the packages containing euro coins worth a total of €16.60, should restrict sales in order to ensure the widest-possible distribution.
The central bank also pointed out that the start-up packages are only one way of getting hold of euro cash. People who need higher amounts of cash in the first days of 2009 and haven't signed a contract with commercial banks on stocking up in advance will still be able to change crowns for euros at commercial banks.
The NBS also reminded people that they needn't worry if they don't have any cash in euros in the first few days of new year.
"Dual circulation will be in place during the first 16 days of January, which means the public will still be able to pay in Slovak crowns," Kováčová said. TASR
Compiled by Zuzana Vilikovská from press reports
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