Uber and Bolt passenger rides do not currently operate in Bulgaria. In Sofia, use licensed taxi apps such as TaxiMe, Yellow Taxi 91119 or OK Taxi. Yellow is the official airport taxi partner. In Plovdiv, use Eko Taxi Plovdiv or Taxi One App. Bulgaria adopted the euro on 1 January 2026, and it has been the sole legal tender since 1 February. Cards are common in cities, but carry euro cash for smaller businesses, some taxis and less urban areas. Sofia public transport accepts contactless bank cards directly, while ticketing differs elsewhere and Varna and Burgas have separate apps. Drivers should buy an e-vignette only through BGTOLL or an official partner and verify the plate and registration country before payment. Save 112, download offline maps and Bulgarian translation, and confirm mountain weather, road closures and intercity schedules shortly before travel.
Bulgaria adopted the euro on 1 January 2026, and the euro has been the sole legal tender since 1 February 2026.
The former Bulgarian lev is no longer valid for purchases. The compulsory dual display of euro and lev prices ended on 8 August 2026, although an old label may remain in circulation. No Bulgaria-specific payment app is needed for a normal short visit. Use an existing Visa or Mastercard with no foreign transaction fee and keep a second physical card separately.
Contactless payment is common in Sofia and other major cities at hotels, supermarkets, established restaurants, attractions and larger shops. It is not universal. Recent travelers still report cash-only situations at small shops, markets, some taxis, beach businesses and places outside urban centers. Carry a practical amount of euro cash and ask before ordering when card acceptance matters.
Use an ATM attached to a recognizable bank in a secure location. Inspect the machine, cover the PIN and decline any offer to convert the withdrawal or purchase into your home currency. The local currency is already euro, so conversion by the terminal adds no value. Check the amount and currency before approving a taxi or restaurant terminal.
Revolut can still be a useful personal travel card, but it is not a Bulgarian arrival requirement, and converting money to lev is no longer relevant now that Bulgaria uses the euro. Never accept lev as change and do not send money through an unsolicited QR code, payment link or bank transfer request.
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How to Pay in Bulgaria