21.   A similar contest is already under way for euro notes.

22.   Another experiment -- actually using euro notes -- is going on in the Tuscan towns of Fiesole and Pontassieve.

23.   As of then, European currencies participating in monetary union were fixed against each other until they disappear with the introduction of euro notes and coins next month.

24.   But for most consumers, the psychologically significant moment will be when they can spend actual euro notes and coins.

25.   But for many people the change will only hit home when the euro notes and coins appear.

26.   Confusion over the single European currency began in the Netherlands Friday as one bank illegally dispensed euro notes to customers while another transferred euros amounts instead of guilders.

27.   De Silguy said he backs blue as the color for euro notes.

28.   Euro notes and coins will not go into general circulation until three years after that.

29.   European Central Bank unveils euro notes.

30.   European travel experts agree, saying the window of opportunity for bargain-hunting tourists may close when euro notes and coins begin circulating next year.