Bulgarian Currency

Find out what currency is used in Bulgaria, tips and tricks for Bulgarian currency exchange, and how you can save money on your visit with the Wise Bulgarian lev card.

Learn about the Bulgarian lev card

What is the currency in Bulgaria?

From the 1st of January 2026, Bulgaria officially joined the Eurozone, and the currency Lev (BGN) was replaced by the Euro (EUR).

When you’re buying currency for Bulgaria, look out for the currency code EUR. Once you're in Croatia, you'll see the symbol € used to show prices.

You'll find Euro banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500, although the 200 and 500 EUR notes are seldom used. There are also 1 and 2 euro coins.

Cents come in coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50.

Get a Wise travel money card to spend in Bulgarian currency.

The Wise travel money card lets you top up in your local currency, and switch to Euro to spend when you’re in Bulgaria. You’ll get the best rate for spending in Euro - and can also hold and spend 40+ other currencies with the same card.

Get your Wise travel money card online, to send and spend money around the world at the mid-market exchange rate.

Simply top up your card and convert to the currency you need in real time using the Wise app.

You’ll always get the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden costs, and you’ll avoid foreign transaction fees while withdrawing from ATMs abroad, paying in restaurants and shops, and buying your accommodation and flights.

Learn more about the Euro card

Tips for exchanging currency in Bulgaria.



The mid-market rate is the true exchange rate - with no sneaky hidden fees. Use an online currency converter before your trip to get a feel for what your money is worth and make sure you get a fair rate when you buy your travel money.



Being offered to pay in your own currency at an ATM is a sneaky trick and causes many travellers to pay more than they need to. Always choose to pay in the local currency - in this case, EUR - to cut your costs and get the best rates available.



Currency exchange desks at airports and hotels often markup the exchange rates they use, and may charge hidden fees. Avoid this expensive option whenever you can.



Withdraw money, pay for meals in restaurants or spend in shops in EUR, all at the mid-market exchange rate with the Wise debit card.

Spending money in Bulgaria.

Paying by credit or debit card in Bulgaria

Major credit and debit cards are accepted in Bulgaria's cities and larger towns.

However, if you're headed somewhere more rural or planning on making purchases at markets or roadside stalls, carry cash.

ATMs in Bulgaria

ATMs are everywhere in Bulgaria - you’ll be able to find one in most hotels, supermarkets, and banks in major towns and cities. Areas which are popular with tourists - even the smaller islands - also tend to be well served with ATMs.

To get the best deal when spending on card or withdrawing money in Bulgaria, don’t forget to use the Wise travel money card to avoid sneaky exchange rate markups and excessive fees.