Queues for new banknotes to slip into lai sees this year are so long that two elderly men fainted after waiting outside a bank for more than an hour for the bank to open.
With the approach of Lunar New Year, many are queuing outside early before banks are even open to exchange new banknotes.
Both men are over 80 years of age and were taken to a hospital immediately after they fainted.
To ease the crowding, some banks have been opening early while others have been distributing tokens for collection ahead of time.
With between 350 million to 400 million new bank notes prepared for the annual tradition, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority is encouraging citizens to use old notes to protect the environment. If you’re not too fussed about traditions, it’s definitely a good idea if you want to avoid the crowds!
Source: The Standard
Photo: Coconuts Hong Kong
