The euro in Bulgaria: how the changeover will work

The transition is planned to take place in stages

• Since the beginning of summer 2025, various European bodies have been commenting on the changeover. On 8 July the Economic and Financial Affairs Council of the EU will take its final decision.
• From August 2025 all prices in Bulgaria will be shown in both leva and euro. Some shops (Lidl, for example) already show prices in both currencies. Until the end of 2025, however, payments in Bulgaria can only be made in the national currency.
• In 12.2025 Bulgarian banks will be supplied with euro cash. A test batch of euro banknotes and coins was produced in Bulgaria as early as last year. When the rest will be produced is not being publicised, but the necessary quantity of banknotes and coins will be available by the time the euro is introduced.
• On 1 January 2026 Bulgaria officially joins the eurozone. All bank accounts in leva, whatever their type, will be automatically converted into the European currency. The conversion will be entirely free of charge, at a rate of 1,95583 leva to 1 euro. From the new year ATMs will dispense euro only.
• Throughout January 2026 two currencies will officially be in circulation in Bulgaria. Goods and services can be paid for in leva, but change will be given exclusively in euro.
• Up to and including the end of June 2026, cash leva can be exchanged for euro at any bank or post office (in localities with no banks) free of charge at the official rate. Exchanging large sums may require a request to be submitted in advance.
• From 1 July to 31 December 2026 the exchange of cash leva for euro in Bulgaria at banks and post offices may become chargeable. The fees are set by the banks and by Bulgarian Posts EAD, and will be announced after 01.07.2026. It is important to exchange cash before the end of 2026 — after that banks may refuse to provide this service. Only the BNB offers exchange free of charge, at the official rate, in any amount and with no time limit.

What the introduction of the euro will affect

Not all residents of the country support the introduction of the euro — a wave of protests against the European currency even swept the country. The most common concerns are that prices will rise and that Bulgaria will lose its independence.

Given that the Bulgarian lev has long been pegged to the euro, it is hard to speak of the Bulgarian currency being independent. As for price increases, that depends not on the currency but on the suppliers of goods and services. Some of them will no doubt take advantage of the situation and raise prices, but overall inflation in Bulgaria in 2026 is not expected to be higher than in 2025. The Consumer Protection Commission is responsible for making sure that unscrupulous sellers do not cheat buyers and that they convert prices at the official rate.

How to make the switch from the lev to the euro easier

The main piece of advice given to Bulgarians and foreigners in Bulgaria alike is to take their lev savings to a bank before the end of the year. Many banks, UniCredit Bulbank for example, are currently offering free account opening for new customers and the option of paying no maintenance fees for several months. After 1 January the account can be closed and the money withdrawn in euro. This is more convenient and simpler than exchanging cash.