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Money & currency

Money in Bulgaria

Updated 2026-08-16

Money & Currency
Лв.

Euro (EUR), replaced the lev in January 2026

Currency code: BGN

Practical Money Tips

Bulgaria Adopted the Euro on 1 January 2026 — No Exchange Needed for Eurozone Visitors

Bulgaria joined the eurozone on 1 January 2026, replacing the lev (BGN) at the historic conversion rate of 1.95583 BGN per euro. Visitors from France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Ireland and other eurozone countries no longer need to exchange currency. UK, US, Canadian, and Australian travellers exchange GBP/USD/AUD/CAD to EUR at banks (UniCredit Bulbank, DSK Bank, Postbank), licensed exchange offices, or via ATMs. Some establishments still display dual prices in EUR and BGN during the transition period; from 2027 onward only EUR will be shown.

ATM Availability

ATMs (банкомат) are widely available in cities and towns. Most accept Visa and Mastercard. Use ATMs attached to banks for security. Be cautious of independent ATMs that may charge high fees. Check with your bank about international withdrawal fees before travelling.

Credit Card Acceptance

Credit cards are accepted at hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and larger shops in cities and tourist areas. Smaller establishments, local markets, and rural areas prefer cash. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; American Express less so. Always carry some cash.

Tipping Customs

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. In restaurants, round up the bill or leave 10% for good service. Tip hotel porters 2-5 BGN, taxi drivers by rounding up the fare, and tour guides 10-20 BGN per day. Service charges are sometimes included—check your bill.

Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.

Common Money Questions

What is the currency of Bulgaria?

Bulgaria adopted the euro (EUR, €) on 1 January 2026, replacing the Bulgarian Lev (BGN) at the historic conversion rate of 1.95583 BGN per euro. Eurozone banknotes and coins are now standard tender. The lev was pegged to the euro since 1999, so euro-area travellers experience no real change in pricing — only the symbol and notes are different.

Can I still find old lev banknotes or prices?

During the transition period, some shops display dual prices in EUR and BGN, and old lev banknotes can still be exchanged at the Bulgarian National Bank for several years after adoption. By 2027, dual pricing requirements end and only EUR is in everyday use. As a tourist, you only need euros.

Should I exchange money before travelling to Bulgaria?

If you come from France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Ireland or another eurozone country, no exchange is needed. UK, US, Canadian, and Australian travellers can exchange GBP/USD/AUD/CAD to EUR at banks or licensed exchange offices in Sofia, or simply withdraw EUR from a Bulgarian bank ATM on arrival. Having €50–100 for immediate expenses (taxi from Sofia Airport, first meals) is convenient.

Are ATMs widely available in Bulgaria?

Yes, ATMs are common in Bulgarian cities, towns, and tourist areas. Most accept international Visa and Mastercard. Stick to ATMs at banks (UniCredit Bulbank, DSK Bank, Postbank) for security and fair fees. Some standalone ATMs charge high transaction fees—check before withdrawing.

What's the best way to get cash in Bulgaria?

The most convenient method is withdrawing cash from bank ATMs using your debit card. This gives you the interbank exchange rate minus your bank's fees. Alternatively, exchange Euros or Dollars at licensed exchange offices (look for 'обменно бюро'). Avoid exchanging at hotels or unofficial changers.

Should I tip in Bulgaria? How much?

Tipping is customary but modest. In restaurants, leave 10% or round up the bill if service was good. Check if service charge is already included. Tip hotel porters €1–3 per bag, housekeeping €3–5 per night, tour guides €5–10 per day, and taxi drivers by rounding up. Tipping is less expected in casual cafés.

Is Bulgaria expensive to visit?

Bulgaria remains one of the eurozone's most affordable destinations even after euro adoption. Budget travellers can manage on €25–40 per day; mid-range travellers spending €75–125 daily enjoy comfortable hotels and good restaurants. Prices are lowest outside Sofia and the Black Sea coast in high season (July–August). Bansko ski resort lift passes and accommodation are a fraction of comparable Alpine resorts.

Are contactless payments accepted in Bulgaria?

Yes, contactless payments are increasingly common in Bulgaria, especially in cities and tourist areas. Most modern payment terminals accept tap-to-pay cards and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay). However, always carry cash for smaller shops, markets, public transport, and rural areas where card acceptance is limited.

Entry rules, visa types and practical notes live on the Bulgaria overview.

This overview comes from Visaja's worldwide missions database (visaja.com), checked against official government sources; for binding answers, the mission itself always has the final word.