Sofia, Jan. 1 -- Bulgaria joined the eurozone and adopted the euro as its official currency on New Year's Day, becoming the 21st member of the euro area.
To ensure a smooth transition to the new currency, throughout January, the Bulgarian lev will remain in circulation alongside the euro. Starting Feb. 1, the euro will become the country's sole legal tender.
From Jan. 1 to June 30, the exchange of lev for euros is free of charge at banks and post offices. After this period, currency exchanges will be subject to a fee.
The Bulgarian National Bank has stated that it will exchange levs for euros indefinitely, continuing the process for as long as necessary. But it added that the mandatory dual pricing of goods and services in euro and lev w...