Zimbabwe's illegal money changers back on streets as authorities fight to protect new currency

HARARE, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe's illegal money changers are back on the streets after a brief hiatus following the introduction of a new gold-backed currency, the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG).

Although the currency is still only available electronically as the new notes and coins are still under production, the money changers are offering slightly higher rates than the official one, which was 1 U.S. dollar to 13.3437 ZiG on Wednesday, according to ZB Financial Holdings.