Getting Bulgarian Lev for Your Trip to Bulgaria

Bulgaria is one of Europe's best-kept secrets for budget travelers - ancient Roman ruins, beautiful Black Sea beaches, ski resorts, and charming mountain villages, all at remarkably low prices. The country uses the Bulgarian Lev (BGN), which is conveniently pegged to the Euro at about 1.96 BGN per Euro - making mental conversions simple.

While Sofia and Plovdiv have embraced card payments, Bulgaria remains more cash-oriented than Western Europe. The Black Sea resort towns, while touristy, often have small vendors, beach bars, and local restaurants that prefer cash. Rural areas and mountain villages are almost exclusively cash-based.

The smart approach is to bring a fee-free debit card for hotels and larger restaurants, plus have a healthy amount of Lev cash for everyday expenses, especially if heading to the coast or mountains.

Understanding the Bulgarian Lev

The Lev (plural: leva) is one of the easiest currencies to calculate thanks to its Euro peg:

Quick Reference

• 1.96 BGN = 1 EUR (fixed peg since 1999)
• £1 ≈ 2.3 BGN (varies slightly)
• 10 BGN ≈ £4.30 / €5.10
• Quick math: Divide by 2 for approximate Euros

Common Notes and Coins

• Notes: 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 BGN
• Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 stotinki + 1, 2 leva
• 100 stotinki = 1 lev

Best Ways to Get Bulgarian Lev

1. Fee-Free Debit Cards (Recommended)

Cards like Wise and Revolut give you the real mid-market exchange rate. Great for hotels, larger restaurants, and ATM withdrawals when you need cash.

2. Bank ATMs

Essential for getting cash in Bulgaria. Use ATMs from major banks: UniCredit Bulbank, DSK Bank, Postbank, or First Investment Bank. Always decline currency conversion and withdraw in BGN.

3. Card Payments

Accepted in Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna city centers at hotels, malls, chain restaurants, and supermarkets. Coverage is spottier elsewhere - always carry backup cash.

4. Caution: Exchange Bureaus

Bulgaria has strict regulations on exchange bureaus, but some tourist-area offices still offer poor rates. Look for offices displaying "no commission" and calculate what you'll receive before exchanging.

Using Cards in Bulgaria

Where Cards Work Well

• Hotels and major hostels
• Shopping malls (Mall of Sofia, Paradise Center)
• Supermarkets (Billa, Kaufland, Lidl)
• Chain restaurants and cafes
• Petrol stations
• Large tourist attractions

Where Cash is Essential

• Beach vendors and bars on the Black Sea
• Small restaurants and mehanas (taverns)
• Rural guesthouses and mountain huts
• Local markets and street food
• Minibuses and some taxis
• Small shops throughout the country

ATMs in Bulgaria

Best ATMs to Use

• UniCredit Bulbank: Large network, reliable
• DSK Bank: Major Bulgarian bank, widespread
• Postbank: Good coverage across the country
• First Investment Bank (Fibank): Common in cities

ATMs to Avoid

• Euronet: High fees and aggressive DCC offers
• ATMs in casino areas
• Standalone ATMs with unclear bank branding

Important: Decline Currency Conversion

Bulgarian ATMs frequently offer to convert to your home currency. Always decline and withdraw in BGN - the ATM's conversion adds 5-8% extra costs compared to your card provider's rate.

Costs in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is exceptionally affordable - one of Europe's cheapest destinations:

Typical Costs (2026)

• Restaurant meal: 12-25 BGN (£5-11)
• Beer: 3-6 BGN (£1.30-2.60)
• Coffee: 3-5 BGN (£1.30-2.20)
• Public transport: 1.60 BGN (£0.70)
• Museum entry: 6-15 BGN (£2.60-6.50)
• Hotel (mid-range): 60-140 BGN (£26-60)
• Beach sunbed rental: 10-20 BGN (£4.30-8.70)