Dick Hanscom forwarded this BBC News article about the currency changeover in Belarus. Thanks. -Editor
Belarusians are preparing for a major change in the way they handle money, with coins being brought back into circulation as part of a
currency redenomination.
For years coins have been issued purely as collectors' items in Belarus, as rampant inflation has made small change redundant - the
exchange rate currently stands at 20,000 roubles to the dollar. But from 1 July, existing banknotes will be replaced by a new mixture of
coins and notes, all with much smaller denominations.
Under the new system, Belarusians will use notes valued between five and 500 roubles, and a range of lesser-value kopek coins. It means
that if something cost 21,700 roubles under the old system, Belarusians will now hand over two roubles and 17 kopeks, the US-funded Radio
Free Europe website explains.
Those struggling to get their heads around the change have a few months to work things out - the National Bank has said old and new
banknotes will be in parallel circulation until the end of the year, and shops will have to show both prices. From the start of 2017,
people will have to exchange their old notes for the new versions.
To read the complete article, see:
Belarus prepares for currency changes
(www.bbc.com/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-36651144)
Dick also found this non-numismatic story about Belarusians, who, if nothing else, have a good sense of humor. -Editor
To read the complete article, see:
#getnakedandgotowork: President's unfortunate Freudian slip sees dozens of Belarusians put on their birthday suits for the office
(www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3664418/getnakedandgotowork-President-s-unfortunate-Freudian-slip-sees-dozens-Belarusian-people-birthday-suits-office.html)
Wayne Homren, Editor
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