How to Pay in Bulgaria

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The former Bulgarian lev is no longer valid for purchases.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.