Top payment methods in Bulgaria: A guide on best ways to pay
Wondering what the most popular ways to pay are in Bulgaria? Explore the top payment options and choose wisely.
Bulgaria, with a population of around 6.32 million people, has a GDP of approximately 117.01 billion making it the 67th largest economy in the world. The official currency of Bulgaria is the Euro (EUR)
The economy is driven by services, manufacturing (especially machinery and parts), and agriculture. As a member of the European Union, it is fully integrated into the EU single market, with Germany and Romania as major trade partners.
| Country | Bulgaria |
|---|---|
| Population | 6.32 million |
| GDP (USD) | 117.01 billion |
| Global Ranking | 67th |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
Spend abroad with the mid-market exchange rate - no markups, and no sneaky transaction fees.
What is the main payment method in Bulgaria?
Physical cash, the Bulgarian Lev, is still a very common and trusted payment method, especially for smaller value transactions and at local markets. In urban areas and for online payments, debit and credit cards have widespread acceptance and are frequently used. For paying utility bills and other recurring expenses, bank transfers are the standard and most common method.
How to pay in Bulgaria
Each country has its own way of moving money, and choosing the right method can sometimes be difficult. That’s why we have curated the most popular and best payment options for you to use in Bulgaria.
| Payment Method | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wise | Wise provides international money transfer services. It is known for offering transparent, low-cost currency exchange rates and fast transfers. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and charges a small, upfront fee, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional banks for sending money abroad. The platform also offers multi-currency accounts, allowing users to hold and manage money in multiple currencies. | Online/In-person |
| Cash (Lev) | Cash remains a very popular and dominant payment method in Bulgaria, widely used for daily expenses, in shops, restaurants, and markets. | In-person |
| Cards (Visa, Mastercard, BORICA) | Debit and credit cards are widely accepted, especially in cities. Besides Visa and Mastercard, the national card scheme BORICA is also a key part of the infrastructure. | Online/In-person |
| Digital Wallets (Apple/Google Pay, Phyre) | International wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay are available. Local fintech solutions like Phyre also provide mobile payment services. | Online/In-person |
| Bank Transfers | Bank transfers are a standard method for larger payments and are commonly used for paying utility bills. | Online |
Traveling beyond Bulgaria? Explore payment methods by country.
Is PayPal available in Bulgaria?
Yes, PayPal is accepted in Bulgaria.
Cover all your international travel expenses with the Wise Multi-Currency Card
Whatever you need to buy during your trip, whether it’s a travel adapter, train ticket or an extra bottle of sunscreen, the Wise Multi-Currency Card has you covered.
You can spend like a local in 150+ countries, as this clever contactless card automatically converts currency at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend - for just a small conversion fee.
And for extra convenience, you can add your Wise Multi-Currency Card to your Google Wallet or Apple Wallet. Then you can travel even lighter and pay using just your phone, with no need to pack the physical card.
Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.