Quick Facts (from 1 January 2026)
- Official Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Need to exchange euros? No — Euro is the national currency.
- Other Currencies: Exchange USD, GBP, CHF, etc. directly into Euro at banks or licensed exchange offices.
- Best Place to Exchange: Banks (safer and fairer rates than airports or tourist kiosks).
- Cards & ATMs: Widely available in cities; less so in rural areas. Carry some cash in euros.
- Digital Payments: Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Skrill widely accepted; local system ePay.bg is also used.
- Tip: Avoid exchanging money at airports or tourist-heavy spots, as rates are often lower and service fees are higher.
Bulgaria Adopts the Euro
As of 1 January 2026, the Euro (EUR) is the official national currency of Bulgaria, replacing the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). All transactions, payments, and cash withdrawals are now conducted in euros. This transition brings Bulgaria in line with the Eurozone, simplifying travel and business for both locals and visitors.
For visitors arriving after 2026, there is no longer a need to exchange Euros into another national currency. If you carry other foreign currencies—such as US Dollars, British Pounds, or Swiss Francs—you can exchange them directly into Euros at banks or licensed exchange offices.
Currency Exchange
Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks, exchange offices, and some hotels. Services are also available at Bulgaria’s major airports (Sofia, Varna, Burgas). Be aware that airport and tourist exchange counters may offer less favourable rates and additional service fees. For the best security and rates, it is recommended to use banks.
When paying by card or withdrawing money at ATMs, banks may apply their own exchange rate for converting foreign currencies into euros. Always check the rate and additional charges before confirming a transaction.
Credit Cards and Payments
Major credit cards are widely accepted in large cities, shopping centres, and tourist areas. However, in smaller towns and rural areas, cash remains the preferred method. ATMs are common in urban centres but less so in remote regions, so having some money in Euros on hand is advisable.
Electronic and contactless payments are well integrated into Bulgaria’s banking system. International systems, such as Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, and Skrill, are accepted, while some local services, like ePay.bg, are primarily intended for domestic use. TWINT, popular in Switzerland, is not supported in Bulgaria.
Legacy: The Bulgarian Lev
Until the end of 2025, Bulgaria’s official currency was the Bulgarian Lev (BGN), which had been pegged to the Euro at a fixed rate of 1 EUR = 1.95583 BGN since 1999. This fixed exchange rate ensured stability during the country’s path to adopting the euro. While the Lev is no longer in circulation, this historical link explains why the transition to the Euro was smooth and predictable.
Further Reading
Find more information about Bulgarian Banks and the Banking System.
Bank Scams and How Foreigners in Bulgaria Can Avoid Them, Guide.
