Bulgaria
Lev (Lv) = 100 stotinki. Notes are in denominations of Lv50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 stotinki.
Note
(a) The Lev is tied to the Euro at a fixed rate; €1 = Lv1.955. (b) Notes dated 1997 and earlier are now out of circulation.
The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, provided declared on arrival. The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared on arrival. Local currency can be exchanged at the airport on production of a bordereaux.
Note
Travelers should check the currency regulations just prior to departure, as they may change.
Mon-Fri 0900-1600.
A bordereaux receipt indicating the amount of currency exchanged will be given, and must be kept until departure. Visitors are advised to exchange money at banks and at large hotels. Travelers should not change currency on the black market , and they should exercise caution when exchanging money in bureaux de change since some have been known to dupe customers with misleading rates of exchange. No store, bank or change bureau will accept mutilated, torn or excessively dirty foreign currency. ATMs are widespread, although it is best to check with the relevant bank/card provider prior to travel.
American
Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in large cities, in
larger hotels and car hire offices, and in some restaurants and shops, mainly
in Sofia. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant
acceptability and other services that may be available. However, Bulgaria is still a country that operates mainly on currency, rather than credit cards.
Accepted
in major hotels and restaurants. To avoid additional exchange rate charges,
travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars or Pounds
Sterling.
