Another country starts using euros and retires its currency

Membership is expected to promote cross-border trade and investment, and the Bulgarian government pressed for years to get in - (AP Photo/Valentina Petrova)

Bulgarians have begun withdrawing euros for the first time after the former communist nation joined the euro currency union as its 21st member.

Cash machines in the capital, Sofia, dispensed brand new euro banknotes, which are replacing the lev. It will still be in use for cash payments in January.