Bulgaria adopted the euro on 1 January 2026 and used both currencies for one month. Since 1 February, only euro is legal tender. That distinction matters: an old BGN 20 note still has exchange value, but a merchant no longer has to accept it as payment.
The changeover in four dates
One rate, no negotiation
Official conversion uses the full fixed rate, EUR 1 = BGN 1.95583, before the result is rounded to two euro decimals. Dividing by two is a useful mental estimate, but the official calculation does not replace 1.95583 with 2.
Where old lev can go in July 2026
| Exchange route | How long | Cost and conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Bulgarian National Bank and named cash-service centers | No time limit | Free, unlimited exchange at the fixed rate |
| Commercial banks | Required through 31 December 2026 | A fee may apply after 30 June; advance notice for very large amounts |
| Selected Bulgarian Post offices in places without a bank | Through 31 December 2026 | A fee may apply; daily limits and advance-notice rules apply |
| Shop, restaurant or taxi | Ended 31 January 2026 | Lev is no longer legal tender |
Identification and source-of-funds requirements can apply to larger exchanges. Check the current institution rules before traveling with a significant amount.
Why you can still see two prices
Mandatory dual pricing runs through 8 August 2026. A shelf label may therefore show one amount in euro and a second in lev for comparison, even though payment happens in euro. Look for EUR, the euro symbol or the Bulgarian word ЕВРО rather than assuming the larger number is the amount due.
Protect the story without losing the value
A clean lev note or coin may be worth keeping as a souvenir of Bulgaria's monetary history. For the rest, use an official exchange route. Avoid street offers, hotel improvisation and anyone claiming the official rate changes from day to day.
A five-minute old-cash check
- Separate lev from euros so it cannot enter the spending pocket.
- Count notes and coins by denomination.
- Estimate the euro total by dividing by 1.95583.
- Choose BNB for a guaranteed free, timeless route.
- Check fees and notice requirements before using a bank or post office.
- Keep the exchange receipt.