According to the central bank’s data, there were 1.455 billion euros (59 percent) and 991 million euros worth of litas (41 percent) in circulation on Thursday morning.
“In terms of value, the amount of euros in circulation now exceeds the amount of litas by nearly 50 percent. The euro is making its way into Lithuania in a steady and consistent way. People are getting used to the new currency that has smoothly replaced the litas, which was in circulation for more than two decades,” Vitas Vasiliauskas, the governor of the central bank, said in a press release.
Between 1 and 14 January, 695.1 million euros worth of litas, including 22.2 million banknotes and 38.8 million coins, were withdrawn from circulation. From 1 January 2014, 2.46 billion euros worth of litas were withdrawn in total, including 421.6 tons of litas coins and 61.2 tons of bills.
Bank branches are providing unlimited cash exchange services free of charge in Lithuania until 30 June. In post offices, free exchange services will be provided until 1 March. After 30 June, 89 bank branches will continue to provide unlimited and free of charge exchange services for six more months.
The Bank of Lithuania will exchange unlimited amounts of litas cash into euro for an unlimited period of time and free of charge.
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