The currency of Bulgaria is the Bulgarian lev (BGN), divided into 100 stotinki. The lev has been the official currency of Bulgaria since 1881, although it has undergone several revaluations and redesigns over the years.
Coins are available in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 stotinki, and 1 and 2 leva. Banknotes are available in 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 leva denominations.
Bulgaria is still not a member of the Eurozone, a monetary union of countries that have adopted the Euro as their currency. However, the Lev is pegged to the euro (in other words, the Bulgarian currency and the Euro are related), and the two currencies have a fixed exchange rate of approximately 1.95583 leva to 1 euro. This means that the value of the lev is closely tied to the value of the euro, and the exchange rate between the two currencies remains stable.
The Bulgarian lev is not widely accepted outside of Bulgaria, and most tourists and foreign visitors will need to exchange their foreign currency for leva to purchase goods and services in the country. Several currency exchange outlets and all banks in Bulgaria offer currency exchange services.
Some Bulgarian businesses, especially those catering to tourists, may accept payment in Euros. However, it is generally more common to pay in Bulgarian Leva, and it is advisable to have some Leva on hand for small purchases and for use at businesses that do not accept Euros. It is also possible to exchange Euros, USD, and other foreign currencies for Leva at Bulgarian banks and currency exchange outlets.
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