With just over a week to e-day, the final preparations for the euro changeover at Bank of Valletta have been made and all is in place to welcome the euro as Malta’s new currency on 1 January.

All branches are now geared for this change. Bank employees have been trained to handle this new currency and systems will automatically convert accounts denominated in Lm to the euro on the stroke of midnight. At this crucial time, all EPOS terminals will be automatically converted to euros and all BOV ATMs will be dispensing euros and putting the new currency into circulation.

To make the transition for customers as smooth and seamless as possible, the bank’s branches will be opening for business on 2 January, a day on which branches are traditionally closed for the general public.

Branch working hours on Wednesday 2 January and Thursday 3 January will be extended to 4pm. Services being offered during these two days will be cash deposits in both Maltese lira and euro, cash exchanges from Maltese lira to euro, and exchange of foreign currency banknotes into euro banknotes and coins.

In keeping with this important event, all branch staff will be wearing specifically designed sweatshirts to welcome the new currency, as a way of joining in the festivities that will be taking place over the New Year.