Currency of Bulgaria: The Bulgarian Lev (BGN)

Bulgaria's official currency is the Bulgarian lev (plural: leva), denoted by the symbol лв and ISO code BGN.

Key Facts

• Subdivision: 1 lev = 100 stotinki (singular: stotinka)
• Issued by: Bulgarian National Bank (BNB)
• Exchange rate regime: Currency board arrangement pegged to the euro at 1 EUR = 1.95583 BGN (fixed since 1997)
• EU status: Bulgaria is an EU member but not yet in the eurozone; adoption targeted for 2025 (subject to convergence criteria)

History

Introduced in 1881 after liberation from Ottoman rule, replacing the Ottoman lira. The lev has undergone several redenominations (1952, 1962, 1999) due to inflation and political changes. The current "fourth lev" has been stable since 1999.

Banknotes & Coins

Banknotes: 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 leva (2 and 5 leva notes are rare; coins used instead)
Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 stotinki; 1, 2 leva

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Euros are not legal tender; exchange at banks, licensed bureaus, or ATMs.
• ATMs widely available; notify your bank before travel.
• Credit cards accepted in cities/tourist areas; cash needed in rural/small establishments.
• Keep receipts for currency exchange to reconvert leva on departure.