Bulgaria and the Euro: What UK Travellers Need to Know

Update (1 January 2026): Bulgaria has officially adopted the euro as its currency. Euro banknotes and coins have entered circulation today, and the Bulgarian National Bank has joined the Eurosystem as Bulgaria becomes the 21st euro area member. Source (ECB)

If you’re travelling to Bulgaria in 2026, here’s what that means in practice — including how long you might still see the lev, what to take, and how to avoid poor exchange rates.

Bulgaria has adopted the euro — what happens now?

From 1 January 2026, the euro is Bulgaria’s official currency. ATMs are now dispensing euros, and you’ll see prices increasingly displayed in euros (often alongside the lev during the transition). Source (AP)

Important for travellers: there is a short transition period. During January 2026, the Bulgarian lev may still be accepted for cash payments, but change is typically given in euros. Source (AP)

Do I still need Bulgarian lev (BGN)?

For most UK travellers visiting from now on, you’ll want to use euros.

• If you’re travelling in January 2026: you may still encounter lev in circulation (especially cash already held by locals), and some businesses may accept it temporarily — but you should expect to pay and receive change in euros more and more as the month goes on.
• If you’re travelling after January 2026: plan to use euros as standard.

Tip: If you happen to have leftover lev from an earlier trip, it can be exchanged during the transition at the official conversion rate, with rules varying by country/bank.

What is the conversion rate from lev to euro?

Bulgaria’s lev has long been pegged to the euro. The fixed conversion rate used for the changeover is:

1 EUR = 1.95583 BGN

You may still see this rate referenced during the changeover and on conversion calculators. Example source

Check current rate info on holidaycurrencyexchange.com:

• • Euro exchange rate

Will prices rise for tourists?

Some travellers worry that switching currency can lead to short-term price rounding, especially in tourist hotspots. That said, Bulgaria’s long-standing peg to the euro may reduce “shock” compared with countries that move from a freely-floating currency.

Realistically, UK travellers may notice:

• Some rounding on small everyday items (coffee, snacks, attractions)
• More price transparency compared with other euro destinations
• Potentially easier budgeting — because you’re no longer converting lev in your head

Cash or card in Bulgaria in 2026?

Cards and mobile payments are widely used in cities and resorts, but cash is still useful for:

• Local markets
• Taxis (especially outside major cities)
• Smaller cafés and rural areas

A simple approach that works well for most travellers:

• Carry a small amount of euro cash for day-to-day flexibility
• Use a fee-free travel card for larger spending where possible

Compare travel card options here:
https://www.holidaycurrencyexchange.com/currency-cards

How this fits into wider 2026 travel money changes

Bulgaria’s euro changeover is one of the biggest travel money updates of 2026.

Related reading:
Welcome to 2026: Travel, Currency & Exchange Rate Changes UK Travellers Should Know About

Final thoughts

For UK travellers, the takeaway is simple: take euros for Bulgaria from now on, and during the January 2026 transition expect to see a mix of lev and euros — with euros increasingly dominant.

As always, the easiest win is comparing providers before you buy:

https://www.holidaycurrencyexchange.com

FAQs