What is the Currency of Bulgaria? 

So, you’ve booked a trip to Bulgaria, land of rose oil, ancient ruins, and shockingly good yoghurt. But before you head off to hike the Rila Mountains or laze along the Black Sea coast, there’s a practical question to tackle: what is the currency of Bulgaria? Because let’s face it, no one wants to be caught at a market in Plovdiv trying to pay for banitsa with an old pound coin. 

This guide is your one, stop resource for all things currency in Bulgaria. From the fresh switch to the euro in 2026, to coin denominations, currency history, and smart exchange tips, consider this your travel money bible. 

Currency in Bulgaria 

Yes, you heard right: as of 1st January 2026, the euro (EUR) is the official currency in Bulgaria. After decades of using the Bulgarian lev (BGN), the country has fully adopted the euro as part of its wider integration into the eurozone. 

So if you’ve previously travelled with a wallet full of colourful lev banknotes, you’ll now be reaching for that familiar € sign instead. 

The euro’s currency code is EUR, and the symbol is, of course, €. It’s used across 20+ European countries, making it particularly handy if your trip to Bulgaria is part of a longer Euro tour. 

So, what does this mean for travellers? 

If you’re heading to Sofia, Varna, or the Rhodope Mountains in 2026 and beyond, you’ll want to arrive with euros in hand, or at least know where to get them. Luckily, Travelex has you covered there. More on that shortly. 

Euro Denominations 

Travelling through the eurozone means you’ll get very familiar with the euro’s mix of notes and coins, each beautifully designed and featuring bridges and arches symbolising unity and cooperation (how continental!). 

Euro Banknote Denominations 

• €5 

• €10 

• €20 

• €50 

• €100 

• €200 

• €500 (rarely used, so don’t worry if you never see one) 

Euro Coin Denominations 

• 1c 

• 2c 

• 5c 

• 10c 

• 20c 

• 50c 

• €1 

• €2 

Handy tip: coins have a common side (used in all eurozone countries) and a national side, so your change in Bulgaria might still feature national symbols like the Madara Horseman or Cyrillic script for a while, even as they’re phased in. 

The History of Bulgaria’s Currency 

Bulgarian Lev 

Let’s rewind a bit. The Bulgarian lev has had a long and storied life. First introduced in 1881, the lev (meaning “lion” in old Bulgarian) was tied to the French franc and later underwent several transformations. 

Over the decades, the lev battled inflation, political change, and multiple revaluations. Notably: 

• In 1952, a major revaluation took place under communist rule. 

• In 1999, the fourth lev (BGN) replaced the third lev at a rate of 1,000:1 to stabilise the economy. 

• The lev was pegged to the euro via a currency board arrangement, which helped maintain economic stability during Bulgaria’s EU accession. 

Introduction of the Euro 

While Bulgaria joined the European Union in 2007, it took time to meet the criteria for joining the eurozone. But after entering the Exchange Rate Mechanism II (ERM II) in 2020, it was full steam ahead. 

The switch finally happened on 1 January 2026, marking a new chapter in Bulgaria’s economic story. For everyday life, this means greater price transparency, simplified travel, and smoother trade across Europe. 

For you, it means: one less currency to worry about if you're hopping from Bulgaria to neighbouring Greece or jetting off to Spain. 

Currency Exchange in Bulgaria 

Let’s get to the good stuff, how to get your euros before your trip and what to do once you’re there. 

Where to Buy Euros 

If you want to hit the ground running in Sofia or soak up the sunshine in Burgas without scrambling for a cashpoint, you’ll want to sort your euros before you go. 

At Travelex, you can: 

• Order euros online for home delivery 

• Use Click & Collect at your local store 

• Load euros onto your Travelex Money Card for cashless convenience 

• Enjoy no commission and competitive exchange rates 

No surprise charges. No airport panic queues. Just euros in your pocket, ready for a round of Shopska salad and a cold Zagorka. 

Are Bulgarian Lev Still Accepted in Bulgaria? 

This is an important one. 

As of the switch to the euro, the Bulgarian lev is no longer legal tender for new transactions. However, like many eurozone transitions, there’s a grace period. 

Here’s what to expect: 

• Bulgarian lev banknotes and coins can still be exchanged at banks and official bureaux de change for a limited time, likely for several months after 1 January 2026. 

• After that, you may need to visit the Bulgarian National Bank or authorised financial institutions for redemptions. 

In other words: don’t panic if you find a few old levs in your wallet from a previous trip. But going forward, it’s euros all the way. 

What Countries Use the Euro? 

If you’re carrying euros, you’re holding one of the world’s most versatile currencies. It’s accepted in: 

• France 

• Germany 

• Spain 

• Italy 

• Greece 

• Portugal 

• Ireland 

• Netherlands 

• Austria 

• Belgium 

• Finland 

• Croatia 

• Slovenia 

• Slovakia 

• And now, Bulgaria 

This makes the euro perfect for multi, country itineraries. Whether you're taking the train from Sofia to Thessaloniki, or flying onwards to Paris, your wallet’s already sorted. 

Ready to Buy Some Euros? 

Get ready for your trip to Bulgaria and order your Euros today. With competitive exchange rates and no commission, we’re the currency experts you can trust.

Travelex Money Card

The Travelex Money Card, powered by Mastercard, is the secure, easy way to spend abroad. You can load up to 22 currencies, including Euros, and it’s not linked to your bank, so your account stays safe while you spend abroad.  

You lock in your exchange rate before you travel, so you don’t have to worry about fluctuations. And it’s accepted at millions of locations around the world, wherever Mastercard prepaid is accepted. Get yours now.