Economy
A successful euro changeover in Lithuania
Lithuania's changeover from the litas to the euro has been smooth and successful. As of today (16 January), it is no longer possible to make payments in Lithuanian litas, the 15 days dual circulation period having ended on 15 January. No major problems were encountered and banks, post offices and retailers coped well with the extra workload caused by the changeover process and the parallel handling of two currencies.
According to a European Commission survey[1], on Wednesday 14 January 2015, nearly nine out of ten citizens made cash payments in shops in euro only. Virtually all customers were getting their change in euro. Around two out of three citizens polled said they carry only euro cash in their wallets.
Litas may still be exchanged free of charge at the official conversion rate (3.45280 litas to one euro) at the Lithuanian Post and some credit unions until 1 March 2015 and at commercial banks until 30 June 2015 (at some 90 bank branches all year long). Bank of Lithuania will exchange litas into euro for an unlimited period of time and free of charge.
With a view to preventing abusive practices and dispelling erroneous perceptions of the evolution of prices, prices will have to be displayed in euro and litas until 30 June 2015.
More information on the Lithuanian changeover
Lithuania's national changeover website
More information on the euro
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