In this article we will tell you what currency is used in Bulgaria and what you need to know about it. We will also provide you with useful information about currency exchange and where to get the most favorable exchange rates.
What currency to bring
In Bulgaria, the national currency is the Leu (BGN). It is one of the most stable currencies in the world.
Rubles and dollars are not accepted here, so bring the euro (EUR) with you before you leave for Bulgaria. But you can only use this currency for very large purchases or when visiting a large supermarket. So it's better to change euros into lions when you arrive.
The import and export of Bulgaria's national currency is prohibited. If you are going to take out BGN, remember that you may be required to fill in a declaration form and the amount should not be large.
Currency exchange in Bulgaria
You can exchange currencies in Bulgaria both in a bank and in exchange offices. Let's describe each of the options in more detail.
Banks
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It is best to do the exchange operation in a bank. In Bulgaria, some of the biggest and most frequented are the following banks:
Open hours: weekdays from 9:00 to 16:00, break - from 12:00 to 13:00. Weekends: Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. Information may vary in larger cities.
Important! Before going to the bank, do not forget to take passport. It will be required before making money transactions.
Exchange offices
There are many currency exchange offices in Bulgaria. Colorful signs entice tourists with favorable rates and the inscription "no commission". In fact, no commission only applies to the sale of currency.
The rate on the sign and at the exchange office may be different. The reason is that on the signboard information about the rate of the National Bank, and the rate of the exchange office itself, look inside.
Before exchanging, always clarify how many BGN you will receive for the currency. Do not throw away the receipt after making the exchange. It may come in handy if you want to make a return exchange. In big cities, such as Sofia, Varna, Burgas, the exchange rate is more favorable.
Important! It's illegal to change currency by hand in Bulgaria. Nevertheless, there are plenty of money changers on the streets of the cities and their rates are tempting. If you do decide to make the operation, check the bills issued to you at once. It often happens that tourists are given old money (issued before 1999).
Methods of payment and cash withdrawal
In Bulgaria, the most common way to pay is in BGN, despite the fact that large supermarkets and stores quote prices not only in local currency, but also in EUR and USD.
Cash or cashless payments
Credit cards will not help you out in most cases. That's because only large hotels or bank branches have terminals.
When you go to the bazaar or a store, you can forget about credit cards - you can only pay in cash.
Bank machines in Bulgaria
It won't take you long to find an ATM in Bulgaria - there are plenty of them. You won't have any problems with them both on the coast and in the mountain resorts.
Important! Before you take your credit card to Bulgaria, check with your bank to see if you will be able to withdraw money from it and what the fee will be.
