Currency and Money in Bulgaria — Euro Guide for Travelers
practicalLast updated: March 18, 2026
Key Takeaways
- Bulgaria adopted the euro on January 1, 2026 — all prices and ATMs now use EUR
- Budget travelers can explore on 25-35 EUR per day; mid-range on 50-70 EUR
- Bulgaria remains 50-60% cheaper than Western Europe despite eurozone membership
- Card payments widely accepted in cities, but carry cash for rural areas and markets
- Tip 10% at restaurants, round up taxis, always tip in cash
- Old Bulgarian lev banknotes can be exchanged at the BNB indefinitely
Introduction
Bulgaria officially adopted the euro on January 1, 2026, replacing the Bulgarian lev (BGN) after years of preparation. This is the most significant change for travelers in decades — all prices, ATMs, and transactions now use the euro. If you are visiting Bulgaria in 2026, here is everything you need to know about money, payments, and costs.
The Euro Changeover
On January 1, 2026, Bulgaria became the 21st eurozone member. The Bulgarian lev was retired at the fixed exchange rate of 1.95583 BGN = 1 EUR. During the dual-circulation period (January 1 to January 31, 2026), both lev banknotes and euro are accepted in shops. After January 31, 2026, only the euro is legal tender. Old lev banknotes can be exchanged at the Bulgarian National Bank indefinitely.
Prices may still show both currencies during the transition period, but all new pricing is in euros. If you have leftover lev from a previous trip, exchange them free of charge at commercial banks during the transition period, and at the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) indefinitely thereafter.
ATMs and Card Payments
ATMs dispense euros and are widely available in cities, airports, and resort towns. Most ATMs accept Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro. Withdraw from bank-branded ATMs (UniCredit Bulbank, DSK Bank, Postbank, Fibank) to avoid independent ATM surcharges of 3-5 EUR per transaction.
Card payments are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, shops, and supermarkets in cities and tourist areas. Visa and Mastercard are universally accepted. Contactless payments work at modern terminals. However, carry cash for smaller establishments, rural guesthouses, market stalls, taxis, and mountain huts. Some traditional taverns (mehana) remain cash-preferred.
Daily Costs in Bulgaria (2026)
Despite joining the eurozone, Bulgaria remains one of Europe's most affordable destinations.
- Budget traveler: 25-35 EUR/day — hostel dorm, street food, public transport, free attractions
- Mid-range: 50-70 EUR/day — private hotel room, restaurant meals, intercity buses, paid sites
- Comfort: 100-150 EUR/day — boutique hotel, fine dining, car rental, guided tours
Typical Prices
- Coffee: 1-2 EUR
- Local beer (bar): 1.50-3 EUR
- Meal at a mehana: 8-14 EUR per person
- Fine dining: 25-40 EUR per person
- Hostel dorm: 10-15 EUR/night
- Mid-range hotel: 35-60 EUR/night
- Sofia metro single ride: 0.80 EUR
- Intercity bus (Sofia-Plovdiv): 8-12 EUR
- Museum entry: 3-6 EUR
Tipping Customs
Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated for good service. Leave 10% at restaurants. Round up taxi fares. Tip hotel porters 1-2 EUR per bag. Tour guides typically receive 3-5 EUR. Always tip in cash, even when paying the bill by card.
Money-Saving Tips
- Eat at bakeries for cheap banitsa and coffee (under 3 EUR)
- Use public transport — Sofia metro, trams, and buses cost under 1 EUR per ride
- Visit free attractions: parks, churches, street markets, old town walks
- Shop at open-air markets for fruit, cheese, and snacks at local prices
- Travel in shoulder season (May-June, September-October) for 20-30% lower hotel rates
- Drink local wine and rakia instead of imported spirits — a glass of wine costs 2-4 EUR