Currency Guide Bulgaria

Currency

Bulgaria Lev(a) = 100 Stotinka(i). Notes are in denominations BGN100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, 1

To view images and descriptions of all these denominations [click here]

Credit Cards

Credit card usage is increasing in Bulgaria and many larger establishments now accept all Major credit cards. Outside the big cities credit cards are largely unheard of. And Bulgaria is still generally a cash based economy. However there is now a large network of cash machines that accept debit and credit cards.

Currency Regulations

The import and export of local and foreign currencies is free up to BGN5000 or equivalent. Larger amounts must be declared and may require permission from the Bulgarian national bank.

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Currency Exchange

You can exchange foreign currency at banks, hotels or bureaux de changes. The bureau de changes have a reputation of giving a misleading exchange rate so it is best to use the banks. A lot of banks will not accept Travellers cheques and the ones that do will generally charge 5% commission. When you exchange money you will be given a bordereaux receipt that must be kept until you depart the country.

Banks

The banking hours in Bulgaria are Monday to Friday 9am till 4pm.

Exchange Rate History

Date   BGN Rate
01/01/02   3.052
01/01/03   2.871
01/01/04   2.645
01/01/05   2.633
01/01/06   2.748

A rough guide to the tourists rates for the Bulgarian Lev since the beginning of 2002

View Bulgarian Lev exchange Rate

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