Money (Currency) in Bulgaria
Euro – the currency in Bulgaria (Updated for 2026)
As of 1 January 2026, Bulgaria has officially adopted the Euro (€) as its national currency. The country joined the Eurozone, replacing the Bulgarian Lev (BGN), which had been in circulation for more than a century.
Editor’s note: This article was updated in January 2026 following Bulgaria’s official adoption of the Euro (€). Information about the former Bulgarian Lev (BGN) is preserved at the bottom of the page for historical reference.
The official currency of Bulgaria
The official currency in Bulgaria is now the Euro (EUR). All prices, payments, salaries, and official transactions are carried out in euros.
During a transitional period, prices may be displayed in both EUR and BGN for informational purposes only. However, payments are made exclusively in euros.
What happened to the Bulgarian Lev (BGN)?
The Bulgarian Lev was withdrawn following Bulgaria’s entry into the Eurozone. For many years prior to the changeover, the Lev had been firmly pegged to the euro at a fixed rate:
1 EUR = 1.95583 BGN
This fixed exchange rate was used for the official conversion of prices, bank balances, and contracts.
Bulgarian banknotes and coins in Levs can still be exchanged for euros at commercial banks, in accordance with national regulations. Untill 30 June 2026 commercial banks will exchange Levs for Euro at no charge.
Book your holiday villa in Bulgaria
Book your holiday villa in Bulgaria
Cash, cards and ATMs in Bulgaria
Cash payments in euros are accepted everywhere in Bulgaria. Debit and credit cards are widely used and accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops, and tourist areas.
ATMs dispense euros and are available in all cities, resorts, and most towns. The most secure ATMs are those located inside or directly in front of banks.
Practical tips for travelers
- You no longer need to exchange money into Bulgarian Levs before or during your trip.
- Euros brought from other Eurozone countries can be used directly.
- Check whether prices shown in BGN are indicative only during the transition period.
- Keep receipts during the first months after the changeover, especially for larger purchases.
Bulgaria’s adoption of the euro makes travel easier, eliminates currency exchange costs, and aligns the country fully with the Eurozone economy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I still use Bulgarian Levs (BGN) in Bulgaria?
No. As of 1 January 2026, the Bulgarian Lev is no longer accepted for payments. All purchases and services must be paid in euros (EUR). Bulgarian Levs can still be exchanged for euros at commercial banks and at the Bulgarian National Bank.
Can I pay in cash in Bulgaria?
Yes. Cash payments in euros are accepted everywhere in Bulgaria, including shops, restaurants, hotels, and tourist areas. Visitors are advised not to carry large amounts of cash and to use cards when possible.
Are debit and credit cards widely accepted?
Yes. Debit and credit cards are widely accepted throughout Bulgaria, especially in cities, resorts, and tourist destinations. Smaller shops and rural areas may still prefer cash.
Do ATMs dispense euros?
Yes. All ATMs in Bulgaria now dispense euros. ATMs are widely available in cities, towns, resorts, and near hotels and shopping areas.
Will prices still be shown in Bulgarian Levs?
During a transitional period (first 6 months), some prices may be displayed in both euros (EUR) and Bulgarian Levs (BGN) for informational purposes only. Payments, however, are made exclusively in euros.
Archive: Currency in Bulgaria before 1 January 2026
The information below is kept for historical reference only. Until 31 December 2025, Bulgaria’s official currency was the Bulgarian Lev (BGN).
Currency
The Bulgarian national currency unit is called LEV (LEVA in plural form) and has the international currency code BGN. The coin is called STOTINKA (STOTINKI in plural form). One Lev is worth 100 Stotinki. The name “Lev” comes from the archaic Bulgarian word for “lion”.
Pictures of Money in Bulgaria
Notes in Bulgaria
The banknotes in Bulgaria come in denominations of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 Levs and the coins – in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50. There is also a coin worth 1 Lev which was issued in 2002 to replace the 1 Lev banknote in the everyday usage.
See the notes in circulation on the Bulgarian National Bank website
Coins in Bulgaria
See the coins in circulation on the Bulgarian National Bank website
The currency board in Bulgaria
Since 1997 the economy in Bulgaria operates under a Currency Board where the Lev was firstly fixed to the German Mark (1 BGN = 1 DM), and then to the Euro (1 EUR = 1.95583 BGN).
Changing EUR, USD and GBP into Levs
You should not have difficulties exchanging your currency for Levs, because in every town and city in Bulgaria there are many offices of local and big international banks, which are most often situated in the center of the city and along the main streets. Generally, the banks close early – at 16.00-17.00 o’clock and are usually not opened during the weekend, but there are also the so called “Change Bureaus” which stay open longer and have flexible opening and closing hours. Such currency exchange offices are very common in the resorts and the tourist areas, but you have to be careful about the rates which they offer. Currency exchange at the airports and in the big hotels are also possible, but it would be better to check the rates first – while some of the offices will offer a fair rate, some of them will not. It is absolutely unadvisable to exchange money on the streets. The most secure places for this are the banks.
The fixed daily exchange rates of the Bulgarian National Bank for the most common currencies to the Lev can be found here: www.bnb.bg
Changing EUR into Levs
The EUR/BGN exchange rate is fixed and most of the banks will exchange 1 EUR for 1.95 BGN
1 EUR = 1.95 BGN
Keep in mind that these are the fixed rates on a national level and the actual rates can vary slightly from bank to bank, as all other banks (except the National Bank) operate as private institutions and decide their own exchange rates.
More information about the fixed exchange rates of the Bulgarian National Bank
Changing GBP and USD into Levs
Again we strongly recommend to exchange money at the Banks only. The Bulgarian banks will give you much more competetive rate than you bank at home. The exchange rates vary every day – as they are defined by the international EUR/USD and EUR/GBP rates. You could exchange a small amount of money at the airport or at your bank at home just enough for a couple of days until you get to a bank.
Payments Options in Bulgaria
Cash
Cash is accepted anywhere, though it is not recommended to carry large amount of money in cash. This rule is valid anywhere in the world. You could use alternative methods of payment which are widely accepted in Bulgaria
ATM / Cach machines
The best way to access money while in Bulgaria is through the ATMs that are present in every large or small city – in front of hotels, shops, on the main streets. The most secure ATMs are those in front or inside the banks.
The ATMs disperse Bulgarian Levs. The exchange rate is the official exchange rate of the bank. These are the international exchange rates which is pretty fair. The banks has usually has an updated currency conversion chart/biard displayed on its fron, so you will have an ides about the exchange rate.
Before you go to Bulgaria, we advise you to find out if your destination has an ATM. Some small villages don’t have a bank or ATM. Also it it good to get money from ATMs a day or two before you need it, just in case the ATM is is out of service for a period of time.
Most banks in Bulgaria have a limit on the amount that can be withdrawn through ATMs. Most of the ATMs will not give you more than 400 Levs (EUR 200) per withdrawal. There might alse be a daily or a weekly limit. It is good to check with your bank about the limits before travelling to Bulgaria.
ATM locators in Bulgaria:
Traveller cheques
Traveler’s cheques can be changed inside a bank.
More information about how the Bulgarian Banks operate with the Traveler’s Cheques can be found here:
First Investment Bank
Unicredit Bulbank
Raiffeisen Bank
Debit and Creidt card
The bigger shops, restaurants and hotels accept payments with debit and credit cards. If you see these symbols or similar at the entrance or inside the shops, the hotels and the restaurants, then you can be sure you will not have any problems paying with cards.
When will Bulgaria acept the EURO?
Great news for travelers! Bulgaria will adopt the euro as its official currency on January 1, 2026, making your visits to this beautiful country even more convenient. The switch to the euro will simplify payments, eliminating the need to exchange currency and reducing transaction costs. Whether you’re exploring Sofia’s vibrant streets, relaxing on the Black Sea coast, or skiing in Bansko, you’ll enjoy seamless transactions with a familiar currency. The euro adoption is expected to stabilize prices and make budgeting for your trip easier. Plus, it strengthens Bulgaria’s integration into the EU, potentially attracting more tourism investments to enhance your travel experience. Preparations are underway to ensure a smooth transition, so you can focus on enjoying Bulgaria’s rich culture and stunning landscapes. Plan your 2026 getaway with confidence!
See also “Prices in Bulgaria“
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