Currency in Bulgaria: Your Essential Guide to the Lev, Payments and Money Matters

by Editor Digital finance innovation
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Whether you are visiting Bulgaria for a city break, a coastal escape, or a longer stay, understanding the currency in Bulgaria is a practical first step. This guide explains the official currency, how the lev is managed, how to pay, where to exchange money, and what to expect when using cash, cards, or digital payments. It also covers common questions travellers have about currency in Bulgaria, helping you budget with confidence and avoid unnecessary fees.

Currency in Bulgaria: what is the official money?

The official currency in Bulgaria is the Bulgarian lev, abbreviated as BGN. The lev is the country’s monetary unit and is divided into 100 stotinki. In everyday use you will see coins such as 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 stotinki, as well as 1, 2, and 5 lev coins. Banknotes are issued in higher denominations, including 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 lev. For most practical purposes, tourists will encounter the lev in cash and on price tags, menus and signs across Bulgaria.

The lev’s history and current status

The lev has a long history in modern Bulgaria and is central to the country’s financial stability. Since the late 1990s, Bulgaria operates a currency board arrangement that pegs the lev to the euro at a fixed rate of 1 euro = 1.95583 lev. This fixed exchange rate provides price stability and predictability for travellers and businesses alike. Although the euro is used widely in tourist areas, the Bulgarian lev remains the official currency for all financial transactions conducted within Bulgaria. The Bank of Bulgaria (Bulgarian National Bank) manages the currency board, ensuring that the supply of lev remains aligned with the euro’s valuation. The long‑term plan remains to join the eurozone in due course, subject to meeting economic and legal criteria, but for now Currency in Bulgaria means working with the lev as the primary unit of account.

Currency in Bulgaria and the euro: what you should know

While the euro is not the official currency in Bulgaria, it is a familiar and widely used benchmark, especially in tourism, hospitality and some retail settings. Price displays in popular destinations may show amounts in euros alongside leva, and some shops or hotels may accept euros, particularly near border crossings or in tourist hotspots. However, you will usually receive change in leva, and the official tax and accounting systems operate in BGN. In practice, using the lev will usually yield the most straightforward experience and avoids any potential mispricing or confusion when settling the bill.

Euro acceptance in daily life

Expect more euro visibility in major cities and seaside resorts than in rural villages. When in doubt, ask whether prices are quoted in leva or euros and consider paying in leva for a simpler transaction. If a merchant offers to convert to euros using dynamic currency conversion (DCC) at the point of sale, it is generally better to decline and pay in the local currency (lev), as DCC can include unfavourable exchange rates and additional fees.

Banknotes and coins: denominations and security features

Understanding the physical money you are likely to encounter makes handling currency in Bulgaria smoother. The denominations are designed to cover most everyday needs, from small purchases to larger expenses such as accommodation or dining.

Banknotes

  • 5 BGN
  • 10 BGN
  • 20 BGN
  • 50 BGN
  • 100 BGN
  • 200 BGN
  • 500 BGN

Banknotes feature a range of security features, including holograms and watermarks. In everyday use you are likely to handle the 10, 20, 50 and 100 BGN notes most often, with 200 and 500 BGN notes appearing in larger transactions or at ATMs.

Coins and small change

  • 1 stotinka
  • 2 stotinki
  • 5 stotinki
  • 10 stotinki
  • 20 stotinki
  • 50 stotinki
  • 1 lev
  • 2 leva
  • 5 leva

Small denomination coins are useful for everyday purchases, tips, and public transport in some cities. While you can pay with cards in most urban areas, having a small amount of leva in coins often comes in handy for market stalls, vending machines or small cafés.

Where to exchange currency in Bulgaria

Exchanging money safely is a practical skill for travellers. In Bulgaria you have several reliable options, each with its own considerations for the currency in Bulgaria.

Bank branches

Banks offer currency exchange services with transparent rates and a clear fee structure. They are generally reliable, and consult with a teller to confirm the exact rate before exchanging. Bank staff can also provide a receipt showing the amount exchanged, which is useful for record‑keeping on your trip.

Official currency exchange offices

Dedicated currency exchange offices are common in cities and near transportation hubs. While often convenient and competitive, you should compare a couple of rates and ensure you understand any commission or service fees before exchanging. Look for offices that display the current rate publicly and avoid offices without clear rate boards.

Airports and hotels: convenience vs rate

Airports and hotels typically offer currency exchange, but the rates may be less favourable than city banks or official exchange offices. If you must exchange at the airport, limit the amount and plan to use more competitive options for future exchanges. Hotels can be convenient but often impose higher fees or less competitive rates.

Avoid street and informal exchanges

Street traders or unofficial kiosks may offer tempting rates, but these can be unreliable and unsafe. If a deal seems too good to be true, it usually is. Always prioritise reputable institutions, and ensure you receive a proper receipt and the correct currency in return.

Using cards and digital payments in Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, most urban and tourist-focused businesses accept major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and sometimes American Express). Contactless payments are widely supported, and mobile wallets are increasingly common. However, cash remains important, especially in smaller towns, markets, and for manual transactions such as taxi fares outside major cities.

Paying with cards: tips for the currency in Bulgaria

  • Carry a small amount of leva for places that do not take cards or for small purchases where card processing is not available.
  • Check whether you are charged a foreign transaction fee by your card issuer and consider cards designed for travellers with low or no fees.
  • Be mindful of the local price display: some venues show prices in euros or leva. If the option is presented, choose leva to avoid DCC charges.

Digital wallets and contactless payments

Digital wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, or local equivalents are increasingly accepted in hotels, restaurants and larger shops. Ensure your card is enabled for online security features and that you have a backup payment method in case a merchant’s terminal is offline.

ATMs and cash withdrawal tips

ATMs are widely available in cities, airports and larger towns. Withdrawing leva using a local card is usually straightforward, but you should be aware of potential fees and daily withdrawal limits.

What to expect at ATMs

  • Most ATMs dispense banknotes in BGN and some machines may offer euros in addition to leva; select the local currency (BGN) when withdrawing to avoid DCC.
  • Check for withdrawal limits and any per‑transaction fees before you confirm the withdrawal.
  • Use ATMs located inside banks or alongside reputable branches where possible for higher security.

Fees and hidden charges

Fees can vary by card issuer and bank. Common charges include a fixed withdrawal fee and a percentage of the withdrawal amount. If you are travelling with multiple accounts, compare whether a local card or a travel partner card offers better terms for cash withdrawals in Bulgaria.

Practical budgeting: how much money to carry and when to use cash

Your daily spending in Bulgaria will vary by city and activity. In city centres and tourist zones you may find prices aligned with Western Europe, while rural areas can be more affordable. Here are rough cost indicators in the currency in Bulgaria to help you plan a budget:

  • Coffee and pastry: around 3–6 BGN
  • Breakfast or a light lunch: 7–15 BGN
  • Mid‑range dinner for one: 15–35 BGN
  • Public transport in a city (one journey): 1.5–4 BGN
  • Taxi fare in city centres: from around 1.20–2.00 BGN per kilometre (plus a small flag‑fall fee)
  • Souvenirs or informal markets: highly variable, often negotiable in leva

Having a mix of cash in leva and a card for larger purchases is a sensible approach. If you plan to visit rural areas or smaller towns, keeping some cash in BGN is particularly useful, since card coverage may be limited.

Regional variations: how currency use differs by area

In larger urban areas such as Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna and Burgas you will encounter a higher prevalence of card acceptance and currency exchange services, alongside a wider selection of ATMs. In more remote regions and smaller villages, cash is king in many situations, and some establishments may barely accept cards at all. Planning ahead by withdrawing leva in a larger urban centre before heading to rural destinations can save time and avoid last‑minute hassles.

FAQs about Currency in Bulgaria

Below are common questions travellers ask about the currency in Bulgaria, with concise answers to guide your planning and spending.

Is the euro accepted everywhere in Bulgaria?

No, the official currency in Bulgaria is the lev (BGN). The euro may be accepted in some tourist areas, but change will typically be given in leva, and not all merchants offer euro pricing. For transparency and convenience, use leva for most transactions.

Should I exchange money at the airport?

Airports often offer convenient exchange services, but rates can be less favourable than city banks or official exchange offices. If possible, exchange a small amount at the airport for immediate needs, and use more competitive options for the bulk of your money once you reach the city.

Can I rely on credit/debit cards in Bulgaria?

Card acceptance is strong in cities, hotels and major restaurants, but cash remains essential in many smaller venues. Carry a mix of payment methods and check with your bank about any foreign transaction fees before you travel.

What should I know about the Bulgarian National Bank?

The Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) manages the currency board arrangement, keeping the lev pegged to the euro at a fixed rate. This arrangement provides price stability and lender confidence, and it underpins the ongoing use of the lev as the currency in Bulgaria for everyday transactions.

Practical tips for visitors: getting the most from the currency in Bulgaria

To make the most of your budget and avoid frustration, consider these practical tips related to the currency in Bulgaria:

  • Always check the displayed price in leva before paying, and decline any dynamic currency conversion offers if presented at the point of sale.
  • Keep a small amount of leva for transit, tips, or purchases where card payment isn’t possible.
  • Remember the stotinki denominations for small purchases; they are handy when buses or kiosks do not accept cards.
  • Use reputable exchange offices or banks and request a written receipt for the exchange transaction.
  • If you lose your wallet or card, report immediately to your bank and the local authorities; carry contact details for your embassy or consulate as a precaution.

In summary: currency in Bulgaria and what it means for travellers

The currency in Bulgaria is the Bulgarian lev (BGN), with a euro peg that provides stability and predictability. While you will encounter euro signs and some euro‑based pricing in tourist‑heavy areas, the lev remains the official currency for all transactions. Understanding the basics of banknotes and coins, knowing where to exchange money safely, and balancing cash with card and digital payments will help you manage your money smoothly while enjoying everything Bulgaria has to offer. By planning ahead and staying aware of exchange rates and potential fees, you can maximise your time and minimise financial surprises during your visit.