The Bulgarian lev (BGN) has been pegged to the euro at a fixed rate for years. Since 2026, Bulgaria has joined the eurozone: here is what that means in practical terms for your trip to Sofia or the Black Sea coast.
The Bulgarian lev: a currency historically pegged to the euro
For more than twenty years, the Bulgarian lev operated under a currency board arrangement, a mechanism that fixes the national currency to a reference currency. In practice, the lev was pegged to the euro at a fixed and unchanging parity of 1 euro = 1.95583 lev, an official rate inherited from its original anchoring to the German mark. This stability long made the lev one of the most predictable currencies in Europe: unlike floating currencies such as the dollar or the pound, its value did not fluctuate with the markets.
This reference rate remains an essential conversion figure, but the situation has reached a major turning point. To compare the lev with the other currencies we handle, see our available currencies.
2026: Bulgaria adopts the euro
The big news for travellers is Bulgaria's entry into the eurozone on 1 January 2026. The country switched to the euro at the historical conversion rate of 1.95583 lev to 1 euro. After a short period of dual circulation at the start of the year, the euro is now the country's official currency.
For you, this makes things much simpler: in practice, you now travel in Bulgaria with euros, exactly as in France, Greece or Spain. In the vast majority of cases, there is no longer any need to exchange your euros for lev before departure. If you still hold old lev banknotes (from a previous stay, for example), it is still worth checking whether they can be converted before you leave.
Cash in Bulgaria: what you need to know
Bulgaria remains a country where cash still plays an important role, especially outside the major cities. In Sofia, Plovdiv or Varna, bank cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and large retailers. But at markets, in small shops, taxis, mountain villages or the Black Sea seaside resorts (Sunny Beach, Nessebar, Sozopol), having cash on hand saves a lot of hassle.
- Small denominations: favour low-value notes for everyday purchases, tips and local transport.
- ATMs: withdrawals are possible in the cities, but watch out for your bank's fees and the charges of independent ATMs, which are often high.
- Tipping: it is customary to leave around 10% in restaurants, preferably in cash.
Preparing your cash in Paris before you leave
Even though the euro is now legal tender in Bulgaria, setting off with cash already in your pocket remains the best way to travel with peace of mind, without relying on local ATMs or their fees. At Paris Change, a bureau de change approved by the ACPR (Banque de France), you can prepare your travel budget with no commission, at our counter at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel (75005 Paris), just steps from Saint-Michel metro station (line 4, RER B and C).
Our shop is open 7 days a week (Monday-Saturday 9am-8pm, Sunday 10am-7:30pm) and offers more than 53 currencies. For less common currencies, we recommend that you book online in advance to guarantee that the notes are available: you reserve, then pick up your order in store. The displayed rates are indicative counter rates, which vary every day.
Frequently asked questions
Do you still need to exchange euros for lev to visit Bulgaria?
Since Bulgaria adopted the euro in 2026, you can travel directly with your euros. Exchanging for lev is no longer necessary for everyday life there.
What was the conversion rate between the euro and the lev?
The official, fixed conversion rate is 1 euro = 1.95583 lev. It is this historical rate that served as the basis for the switch to the euro.
Is there a limit to the amount of cash I can take with me?
When entering or leaving the European Union, any sum equal to or greater than €10,000 in cash must be declared to customs. Within the EU, travel with a reasonable and secure amount.
Prepare your trip with complete peace of mind: come and see us at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel, 7 days a week and commission-free, or book your currency online today for quick pickup in store.
