Bulgarian Lev to Euro: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

💰 Click here to see Bulgaria Budget Breakdown

💰 Prices updated: June, 2026. Budget figures are estimates — always verify before travel.

Exchange Rate: $1 USD = €0.88

Daily Budget (per person)

Shoestring: €40.00 – €60.00 ($45.71 – $68.57)

Mid-range: €100.00 – €180.00 ($114.29 – $205.71)

Comfortable: €250.00 – €450.00 ($285.71 – $514.29)

Accommodation (per night)

Hostel/guesthouse: €5.00 – €40.00 ($5.71 – $45.71)

Mid-range hotel: €50.00 – €100.00 ($57.14 – $114.29)

Food (per meal)

Budget meal: €10.00 ($11.43)

Mid-range meal: €30.00 ($34.29)

Upscale meal: €60.00 ($68.57)

Transport

Single metro/bus trip: €0.80 ($0.91)

Monthly transport pass: €25.50 ($29.14)

A surprising number of travelers arrived in Bulgaria in early 2026 clutching leftover Bulgarian lev from a previous trip — only to find they couldn’t spend them anywhere. Bulgaria’s switch to the euro on January 1, 2026 happened quickly, and not every travel blog caught up in time. This guide cuts through the confusion. Whether you’re flying into Sofia next week or planning a summer trip to the Black Sea coast, here is exactly what you need to know about money in Bulgaria right now.

Bulgaria’s Big Switch — What Happened on January 1, 2026

After years of political debate and economic preparation, Bulgaria officially adopted the euro as its national currency on January 1, 2026. The Bulgarian lev (BGN), which had been the country’s currency since 1999, was retired.

The transition followed a well-established Eurozone playbook. For the entire month of January 2026, Bulgaria operated under a dual circulation period. During those 31 days, both lev and euro were accepted in shops, restaurants, and transport. Prices were displayed in both currencies side by side. When customers paid in lev, change was returned in euros. By February 1, 2026, that window closed. The lev was officially no longer legal tender.

The conversion was locked at a single, irrevocable fixed rate: 1 EUR = 1.95583 BGN. This rate was not negotiated by shopkeepers or exchange offices — it was set by the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) and approved by the European Central Bank. Every price, every salary, every utility bill, and every bank account was converted using this exact figure.

Bulgarian commercial banks — including UniCredit Bulbank, DSK Bank, Postbank, and Raiffeisenbank — automatically converted all BGN accounts to EUR accounts on January 1, 2026, free of charge. Customers woke up that morning with euro balances. No paperwork, no visits to the branch required.

For tourists arriving in Bulgaria from February 2026 onward, the practical reality is simple: Bulgaria is now a euro country. All prices are in EUR. All ATMs dispense EUR. All card terminals process EUR. The lev is history.

Do You Still Need to Worry About the Bulgarian Lev?

If you have never been to Bulgaria before, the answer is no. You will not encounter the lev in any transaction, and you do not need to know its value for day-to-day spending.

However, there is one group of travelers for whom this matters: anyone who visited Bulgaria before 2026 and still has leftover BGN cash sitting in a drawer at home. Those banknotes and coins are no longer accepted anywhere in Bulgaria for purchases. But they are not worthless.

The Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) will exchange old BGN banknotes and coins for EUR free of charge, at the fixed rate of 1 EUR = 1.95583 BGN, for an unlimited period. There is no deadline on this. You can walk into the BNB, hand over your old lev, and receive euros. The BNB’s main office is in Sofia, and it does accept foreign visitors for this purpose. For current procedures and branch information, check the official BNB website at bnb.bg.

Commercial banks in Bulgaria — UniCredit Bulbank, DSK Bank, Postbank — also offered free BGN-to-EUR exchange for a limited period after the transition (typically six months to one year post-adoption). After that window, they may direct you to the BNB. If you are traveling in mid or late 2026, contact the specific bank in advance to confirm whether they still offer this service.

One practical note: if you find old BGN prices quoted on out-of-date travel blogs or guidebooks, you can still use the fixed rate to mentally convert. Divide the BGN figure by 1.95583 to get the euro equivalent. A 2024 train ticket that cost 12.70 BGN, for example, is now approximately 6.50 EUR.

Carrying Cash in EUR — How Much and Which Denominations

Bulgaria is not a cashless country. Card infrastructure has improved dramatically since 2024, but cash still plays a meaningful role in everyday life — especially outside the main cities. The smell of fresh gevrek (a sesame bread ring) from a street cart on a Sofia morning, or a cold Zagorka beer handed to you from a kiosk on Sunny Beach, are both transactions that often still run on cash.

For most travelers, carrying between 50 and 100 EUR in cash at any time is a sensible buffer. This covers small purchases, market stalls, independent taxis, tips, and those moments where a village café simply does not have a card terminal.

When it comes to denominations, think practical. Request smaller notes when withdrawing from ATMs — 10 EUR and 20 EUR notes are the most useful for daily spending. Shopkeepers and market vendors frequently struggle to break a 50 EUR or 100 EUR note for a small purchase. A 200 EUR or 500 EUR note will likely be politely refused at a kiosk or street stall.

Euro coins are also worth keeping. The 1 EUR and 2 EUR coins are useful for tipping, public toilets, parking meters, and vending machines. Bulgarian euro coins — which entered circulation in 2026 featuring the Madara Rider on one side — are legal tender across the entire Eurozone, so any unspent coins are usable when you travel elsewhere in Europe.

Counterfeit euro notes do circulate in busy tourist areas. The most reliable check is the feel-look-tilt method endorsed by the European Central Bank: genuine notes have a rough texture, a watermark visible when held to light, and a holographic stripe that shifts when tilted. When receiving change from a market vendor or informal transaction, take a quick look before pocketing the notes.

Paying by Card in Bulgaria — What Actually Works

The short version: Visa and Mastercard work everywhere. American Express works in larger hotels, restaurants, and international chains, but is less reliable at independent shops. Discover and Diners Club are rarely accepted and not worth relying on.

Contactless payment is the norm in Bulgaria in 2026. Almost every point-of-sale terminal in a city or major tourist area supports tap-to-pay. The contactless PIN-free limit sits at 50 EUR per transaction — anything at or above that amount will prompt you to enter your PIN. Below 50 EUR, a tap of your card or phone is all you need.

Apple Pay and Google Pay are fully functional in Bulgaria. Most major Bulgarian banks support both platforms, and merchants that accept contactless card payments will accept these digital wallets without issue.

One trap that catches travelers every year: Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). When you pay with a non-euro card — say, a British pound or US dollar card — the terminal may offer to charge you in your home currency instead of euros. The screen might say something like “Pay in GBP — rate guaranteed.” Do not accept this. The exchange rate used for DCC is set by the merchant’s payment processor and is almost always worse than what your own bank will charge. Always select EUR when given the choice.

Merchants in Bulgaria are not legally permitted to add a surcharge for card payments, so you should never see an extra fee added to your bill simply because you used a card. If a shop tries this, it is not following the rules.

Your home bank may charge a foreign transaction fee — typically 1 to 3% — on purchases made in EUR if your account is in a different currency. This fee is applied by your bank, not by Bulgarian merchants. Check with your bank before you travel. Better yet, consider a travel-friendly card that waives this fee (more on that below).

Using ATMs in Bulgaria — Fees, Limits, and How to Avoid Getting Stung

ATMs are easy to find in Bulgaria. Bank branches, shopping centers, supermarkets, petrol stations, and main squares in most towns all have them. In remote villages and mountain areas, availability drops significantly, so withdraw before heading off-grid.

Here is the fee reality for foreign cardholders:

• ATM operator fee (Bulgarian side): Independent ATM operators — most notably Euronet and B-pay machines — charge a direct fee for foreign card withdrawals. This typically runs between 3.00 EUR and 6.00 EUR per transaction, sometimes as a flat fee, sometimes as a percentage of the withdrawal. ATMs operated by major banks (UniCredit Bulbank, DSK Bank, Postbank) may have lower fees or none at all for the ATM operator side, but this is not guaranteed for foreign cards. Always read the disclosure on screen before confirming.
• Your home bank’s fee: Separately, your own bank will likely charge an international ATM withdrawal fee — commonly 2 to 5 EUR per transaction — plus a foreign transaction percentage of 1 to 3%. These fees add up fast if you make frequent small withdrawals.

The best strategy: withdraw larger amounts less frequently to minimise per-transaction fees. A single withdrawal of 200 EUR costs the same in fixed fees as a withdrawal of 40 EUR.

Step-by-step for using a Bulgarian ATM with a foreign card:

1. Insert your card. English is always available as a language option — select it on the first screen.
2. Enter your PIN.
3. Select “Withdrawal” (shown in English or Bulgarian as Теглене).
4. Choose or type your desired amount in EUR.
5. If the ATM offers to convert your withdrawal to your home currency — decline. Choose to proceed in EUR.
6. Confirm the transaction after reviewing any disclosed fees.
7. Collect your cash first, then your card, then your receipt.

Per-transaction limits at Bulgarian ATMs are typically between 400 EUR and 800 EUR, though your home bank may impose a lower daily limit. If you need a large amount, check your bank’s app or call ahead to temporarily raise the limit.

For security, stick to ATMs inside bank branches or well-lit shopping centers. Check the card slot for anything that looks loose, unusual, or recently attached — card skimming devices still appear occasionally on standalone machines in tourist areas.

Currency Exchange for Non-Eurozone Visitors

If you are traveling from a country that uses US dollars, British pounds, Swiss francs, or another non-euro currency, you will need to exchange money into EUR before or during your trip. This is straightforward — Bulgaria uses the same currency as most of Western Europe, so standard exchange options apply.

Exchanging money at Sofia Airport before you leave the arrivals hall is convenient but expensive. Airport exchange desks operate on thin margins for themselves and wide margins against you. The rates at airport exchange counters are consistently worse than what you will find in the city. Exchange just enough to cover your taxi or bus into Sofia, then find a better rate elsewhere.

In Sofia and other major cities, exchange offices (known locally as change bureaux) are widely available. Rates vary significantly between offices, even on the same street. A few rules:

• Ignore “0% commission” signs. This marketing tactic almost always means the exchange rate itself is the profit — the spread between buy and sell rates absorbs the commission.
• Always ask “how many euros will I receive for X dollars/pounds?” before handing over any cash. A legitimate bureau will show you the calculation.
• Compare the displayed “buy” rate (the rate at which they buy your currency) against rates at a second office before committing.

Commercial banks — UniCredit Bulbank (unicreditbulbank.bg), DSK Bank (dskbank.bg), and Postbank (postbank.bg) — offer currency exchange at generally fair rates. The process is slower than a street bureau and may require showing your passport for larger amounts, but the rates are reliable and the transaction is secure.

For most travelers, the easiest and cheapest approach is simply to use a travel-friendly debit card (see next section) and withdraw euros directly from Bulgarian ATMs. This bypasses the exchange office entirely.

2026 Budget Reality — What Things Actually Cost in EUR

One of the genuine concerns after euro adoption was price inflation — whether vendors would round up prices during conversion and effectively make Bulgaria more expensive. The Bulgarian government implemented price monitoring through 2026 to address this, but some rounding has inevitably occurred. That said, Bulgaria remains one of the most affordable countries in the European Union.

Here is a realistic breakdown of daily costs across spending tiers:

Food and Drink

• Budget: A large coffee (espresso or filter) at a local café: 1.50–2.00 EUR. A banitsa (cheese pastry) from a bakery: 0.80–1.20 EUR. A set lunch menu (soup, main, drink) at a neighbourhood restaurant: 6–9 EUR.
• Mid-range: A full sit-down dinner for two with drinks at a good city restaurant: 30–50 EUR. A craft beer in a Sofia bar: 3–5 EUR.
• Comfortable: Fine dining in Sofia or Plovdiv: 25–50 EUR per person with wine.

Accommodation

• Budget: Hostel dorm bed in Sofia: 12–18 EUR per night.
• Mid-range: Double room in a 3-star city hotel or guesthouse: 45–80 EUR per night.
• Comfortable: Boutique hotel or 4-star property in Sofia or Plovdiv Old Town: 90–160 EUR per night.

Transport

• Budget: Single Sofia Metro ticket: approximately 1.00 EUR. City bus ticket: similar.
• Mid-range: Taxi from Sofia Airport to city center: 10–15 EUR. Intercity bus Sofia to Plovdiv: approximately 7–9 EUR.
• Comfortable: Renting a small car for a day in 2026: 30–50 EUR including basic insurance.

Attractions

• Most national museum entry fees fall between 3 and 8 EUR. The Rila Monastery complex is free to enter; guided tours cost extra. Many archaeological sites across Plovdiv charge 3–5 EUR.

Tipping in Bulgaria — The Real Expectations in 2026

Tipping is not mandatory in Bulgaria, but it is genuinely appreciated and is standard practice in restaurants, hotels, and taxis. The customs are similar to other Southern European countries.

In restaurants and cafés, 10% of the total bill is the expected tip for good service. For exceptional service, 15% is generous and warmly received. The physical experience of leaving a tip in Bulgaria typically goes like this: the server brings the bill in a small folder, you place cash inside or hand it to them directly. If you tell them “It’s fine, keep it” or state the exact amount you want to pay, they understand you are including a tip in the amount.

If paying by card, you can ask whether the tip can be added to the card transaction — many terminals in 2026 now offer a tip prompt on the screen. However, cash tips are still preferred by most serving staff, as it guarantees the amount reaches them directly rather than going through the till.

For taxis, round up the fare to the next whole euro, or add 5 to 10% for a helpful driver who assists with luggage or navigates difficult traffic. You do not need to tip for a standard, uneventful ride.

Hotel tipping expectations:

• Porters: 1–2 EUR per bag.
• Housekeeping: 2–5 EUR per day or per stay, left as cash in an envelope or on the pillow. Daily tipping is better than a lump sum at the end, since different staff may clean your room each day.

For guided tours — especially private or small-group tours of Sofia, Plovdiv, or national parks — a tip of 5–10 EUR per person for a half-day, and proportionally more for a full day or private guide, is a fair acknowledgment of good work. Tour guides in Bulgaria are typically well-educated and knowledgeable; the tip is meaningful.

The Best Cards to Use in Bulgaria in 2026

Your standard high-street bank card will work in Bulgaria without any technical problems. The question is cost. Most traditional bank cards charge 1.5 to 3% on every foreign currency transaction, plus a separate ATM withdrawal fee. On a two-week trip, these charges add up to a noticeable sum.

The two most widely used travel card options among visitors to Bulgaria in 2026 are Wise and Revolut. Both are available as apps with linked debit cards.

Wise (wise.com) converts your home currency to EUR at the mid-market exchange rate with a small, transparent conversion fee — typically under 1%. ATM withdrawals are free up to a set monthly limit (around 200 EUR free per month, then a small fee per transaction above that). Wise is particularly good if you want to load euros before you travel and lock in a rate.

Revolut (revolut.com) offers similar functionality. The free tier allows a certain amount of fee-free currency exchange per month (limits depend on your plan), and ATM withdrawals within the free allowance are fee-free. Revolut’s paid plans (Standard, Plus, Premium) offer higher withdrawal limits and added travel insurance benefits. Many regular travelers to Europe use Revolut as their primary spending card.

Both apps work with Apple Pay and Google Pay, so you may not even need to carry a physical card for most transactions in Bulgarian cities.

If you prefer to stick with your existing bank card, check whether your bank offers a travel-optimised product. Several UK banks (Starling, Chase UK) and US banks (Charles Schwab, Capital One) offer accounts that refund international ATM fees or charge no foreign transaction fees. These are worth using if you already have them.

Getting Around — Transport Costs in EUR

Understanding the cost of getting around Bulgaria is easier now that everything is priced in euros. Here are the key figures for 2026:

BDZ Rail (Bulgarian State Railways)

BDZ (bdz.bg) remains the most scenic and often cheapest way to cover long distances. Fares are now displayed and sold exclusively in EUR, both at ticket windows and online. Approximate standard 2nd-class single fares:

• Sofia to Plovdiv: approximately 6.50 EUR
• Sofia to Varna: approximately 18.00 EUR
• Sofia to Burgas: approximately 16.50 EUR

Fares vary by train type — fast trains and intercity express services cost more than regional slow trains. Seat reservations are sometimes required and carry a small additional fee. Buy tickets online at bdz.bg or at station ticket offices, which accept both cash (EUR) and card.

Intercity Buses

Private bus operators, including Etap-Adress and Biomet, serve routes that BDZ does not cover well. Prices are comparable to or slightly higher than train fares on the same routes. The main Sofia bus station (Sofia Central Bus Station, also called Centralna Avtogara) has ticket windows accepting cash and card. Comfortable buses with air conditioning are standard on intercity routes.

Sofia Metro

The Sofia Metro is clean, punctual, and cheap. A single journey ticket costs approximately 1.00 EUR. Ten-trip cards and day passes offer modest discounts. The metro connects Sofia Airport (Terminal 2) directly to the city center — one of the most useful journeys for arriving travelers. In 2026, the metro network continues to serve key points including Serdika (city center), NDK, and Business Park Sofia.

Taxis and Ride Apps

Licensed taxis in Sofia and other cities display rates on the door. Starting fare is typically around 0.50–0.70 EUR, with per-kilometer rates around 0.70–0.90 EUR. For rides ordered through apps — Bolt and Yandex Go both operate in Bulgaria — you will see the estimated fare in EUR before booking. App-based rides are generally more transparent than hailing street taxis, where overcharging of tourists does occasionally occur.

Common Money Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced travelers make avoidable money errors in Bulgaria. Here are the ones that cost people most:

• Accepting Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). At ATMs and card terminals, always choose to pay or withdraw in EUR. The DCC rate is set in favor of the merchant’s bank, not you.
• Exchanging money at the airport. The rates at Sofia Airport exchange desks are reliably poor. Exchange just enough for your immediate needs on arrival, then use city banks, reputable bureaux, or simply withdraw from a bank ATM.
• Using Euronet ATMs without checking the fee. These machines are common and convenient, but the fees for foreign cards are among the highest. Always look for a bank-branded ATM first.
• Assuming cash is dead. Bulgaria has embraced digital payments, but street markets, small village restaurants, and some local transport still run on cash. Arriving with zero euros in your pocket is a gamble.
• Making multiple small ATM withdrawals. Each withdrawal costs fixed fees. Withdraw larger amounts less frequently.
• Not telling your bank you are traveling. Some banks automatically block foreign transactions as a fraud precaution. A quick message or call before you leave prevents your card being declined at the worst moment.
• Ignoring old BGN prices online. Many review sites and travel blogs still quote prices in BGN from before 2026. Use the fixed rate (divide BGN by 1.95583) to get the current EUR equivalent, then verify against current listings where possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Bulgarian lev still accepted anywhere in Bulgaria?

No. As of February 1, 2026, the Bulgarian lev is no longer legal tender and cannot be used for purchases anywhere in Bulgaria. Old BGN banknotes and coins can be exchanged for euros free of charge at the Bulgarian National Bank (bnb.bg) at the fixed rate of 1 EUR = 1.95583 BGN, for an unlimited period. Commercial banks may also offer this service for a limited time post-adoption.

Do I need to bring cash to Bulgaria, or can I use cards everywhere?

Cards work in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in cities and tourist areas. However, cash is still needed for street vendors, local markets, small village cafés, some taxis, and tipping. Carrying 50 to 100 EUR in small denominations is advisable. Contactless payments — including Apple Pay and Google Pay — are widely accepted in urban areas.

What is the best way to get euros in Bulgaria as a foreign visitor?

Withdrawing EUR from a bank-branded ATM (UniCredit Bulbank, DSK Bank, or Postbank) using a low-fee travel card like Wise or Revolut is usually the cheapest option. Avoid airport exchange desks and standalone Euronet ATMs. If you need to exchange foreign cash, use a city-based exchange bureau or a commercial bank rather than airport counters.

Will my debit or credit card work in Bulgaria?

Yes. Visa and Mastercard are accepted virtually everywhere. American Express works at larger establishments but not all. Your card will work at ATMs and card terminals across the country. Be aware that your home bank may charge a foreign transaction fee of 1–3% on EUR purchases if your account is in a different currency. A travel-optimised card like Wise or Revolut avoids most of these charges.

Has Bulgaria become more expensive since switching to the euro?

Some rounding occurred during the price conversion process, and the Bulgarian government monitored for unjustified price increases through 2026. Overall, Bulgaria remains one of the cheapest countries in the EU. A good restaurant meal for two with drinks still costs 30–50 EUR, and a hostel bed is available from 12 EUR per night. The switch to euros has not fundamentally changed Bulgaria’s reputation as an affordable destination.

---

📷 Featured image by Lukasz Radziejewski on Unsplash.