Are you planning to go on vacation? What currency should I bring to Bulgaria? This is a country of the European Union, so you need to go there with the EU currency (Euro). But since it has not yet entered the eurozone, the euro is not a legal tender in Bulgaria yet. Therefore, when asked what currency is in Bulgaria (2013), many answer: “Bulgarian lev is the official currency of the country.” Already in 2014, the country will enter the eurozone and may accept the European currency - the euro. In principle, the levs are exchanged for almost all European currencies in cities and resorts in Bulgaria. However, the exchange rate is completely unprofitable. Therefore, it is better to exchange rubles for euros in advance in Russia.
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What to do if you knew what currency to take to Bulgaria, but for some reason you still need to exchange more money upon arrival in Bulgaria?
Each city has many exchange points, the only thing you need to pay attention to is not to exchange currency at airports and train stations - there is the most “predatory” rate, as well as at points where they charge a commission. It is important to know not only which currency to take to Bulgaria, but also the ratio of rates: 1 lev = 20 rubles, and 1 euro = 1.9 lev. Exchangers of the main bank of the country or simple ones with a sign “without commission” always offer the most favorable rate.
Different institutions - different rules
What currency to take to Bulgaria? In any state organization or store you can not pay with anything other than the national currency.
Restaurants, souvenir shops and travel companies will gladly accept the euro.
Bulgarian levs of small dignity may be needed for tips, small souvenirs, to pay for travel by public transport. In addition, museums and theaters also accept the national currency, and entrance to the territory of open sights is also paid for it. Instead of puzzling over the planning of your travel budget and the question of which currency to take to Bulgaria, get yourself a plastic card with an attached Euro account, and take 50-80 leva with you for small expenses. Remember that on weekends, banks may not work or simply may not accept currency.
A plastic card
This is the perfect solution to your travel budget. She can pay off almost everywhere. You can cash out cash at any ATM. For security reasons, it is best to use the ones on the premises. Remember that when withdrawing money from a card, the bank will write off the percentage for the operation, as well as the conversion. Think about it in advance.
Dollars and rubles
If you come to Bulgaria with US dollars or rubles, then you can also change them. Dollars can be exchanged at exchange offices, but the problem with rubles is that they are not changed everywhere and you may have to look. Do not forget that in Bulgaria it is forbidden by law to change money from hand, so you do not need to chase profitable offers and change money outside exchangers, because for this you can easily get to the police. It is much better to exchange currency at an exchange office with a commission of 1% than to get caught in violation of the law. Rest wisely and comfortably!