"Old dollars are not accepted": The National Bank responded to complaints from Kazakhstan citizens.

The National Bank has commented on the increasing complaints from Kazakhstani citizens regarding exchange points refusing to accept cash US dollars issued between 1996 and 2013, as reported by IA "NewTimes.kz" citing the bank's press service.

“The National Bank of Kazakhstan acknowledges a rise in complaints from citizens concerning the refusal of both banking and non-banking exchange points to exchange cash US dollars issued between 1996 and 2013. In this regard, the NBK reminds that these banknotes are legal tender and should be accepted at exchange points in Kazakhstan without any fees, provided they are genuine and undamaged,” the bank's statement reads.

The bank noted that the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan does not allow for fees on the exchange of cash foreign currency as long as the banknotes are undamaged and not deemed unfit for circulation. Fees may only be charged by exchange points if the banknotes being exchanged are non-negotiable or unfit for further circulation.

“If an exchange point charges a fee or differentiates cash foreign currency based on the year of issue of the banknotes, as well as in cases of unjustified refusal to exchange currency, it is necessary to file a complaint with the territorial branch of the National Bank located where the exchange point is situated. The complaint should include information along with any available documents to take appropriate legal action,” the National Bank stated.

Previously, the National Bank reached out to Kazakhstani citizens regarding a new banknote.