Bulgarian Currency

Q: What is the currency in Sofia?

The currency in Sofia is the Bulgarian lev. Each lev is divided into 100 stotinki. When you’re in Bulgaria you’ll see the symbol лв written down in shops and on menus, and the currency code BGN used in exchange offices.

Q: Can I use euros in Bulgaria?

Although prices are often shown in EUR, you won't usually be able to spend euro cash in Bulgaria. Transactions are done in BGN, with euro prices shown simply to make it more convenient for tourists to calculate costs. You'll need to get some Bulgarian leva to spend when you're out and about. Your best bet when travelling to Bulgaria is paying in the official Bulgarian currency: the lev. To switch easily between currencies, use the Wise debit card.

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?

The currency in Bulgaria is the Bulgarian lev. Each lev is divided into 100 stotinki.

When you’re buying currency for Bulgaria, look out for the currency code BGN. And once you’re in Bulgaria, you’ll see the symbol лв used to show prices.

You’ll find Bulgarian banknotes in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 40 and 100 - although the 1 BGN note is seldom used. There is also a 1 lev coin.

The stotinki comes in coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50.

Use the Wise Bulgarian lev card to spend in Bulgarian currency.

The Wise Bulgarian lev travel money card lets you top up in your local currency, and switch to lev to spend when you’re in Bulgaria. You’ll get the best rate for spending in Bulgarian lev - 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 Bulgarian lev 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, lev - 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 Bulgarian lev, 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 available in Bulgaria's big cities and towns. The normal limit per withdrawal is around BGN400, although you may be able to make multiple withdrawals from a single ATM.

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.