What Currency Does Bulgaria Use?
Facts last checked 31 August 2026.
Exchange rate (approximate):
1 USD ≈ 1.7123 BGN
1 GBP ≈ 2.2955 BGN
Rates are indicative (July 2026) and change daily. Always check live rates before travelling. Rates by Exchange Rate API.
Travel Money Card
Travelling to Bulgaria? Avoid poor airport exchange rates — a prepaid travel money card or multi-currency card usually gets you a far better deal on Bulgarian lev spending.
What is money called in Bulgaria?
Money in Bulgaria is called the Bulgarian lev — its ISO 4217 currency code is BGN, and its symbol is лв. The Bulgarian lev is the official legal tender in Bulgaria and is used for all everyday transactions — from paying for goods and services to converting money at banks and exchange bureaus. When travelling, you may also see it referred to as the Bulgaria currency or simply money in Bulgaria. The Bulgarian lev is subdivided into 100 stotinki, though small-denomination coins may not always be in everyday circulation.
Is the Bulgarian lev used anywhere else?
No — Bulgaria is the only country on this site using the Bulgarian lev as its official currency.
Practical money tips for Bulgaria
Card payments are widely accepted in most cities, but it's still worth carrying some Bulgarian lev in cash for smaller vendors, local transport and rural areas. Notify your bank before travelling to avoid transactions being blocked, and compare card fees — many cards charge a foreign transaction fee that a dedicated travel money card avoids.
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Money essentials for Bulgaria
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Bulgaria currency — FAQ
What is the currency of Bulgaria?
The currency of Bulgaria is the Bulgarian lev (currency code: BGN, symbol: лв).
What is the currency code for Bulgaria?
The ISO 4217 currency code for the Bulgarian lev is BGN.
What is the Bulgarian lev symbol?
The symbol for the Bulgarian lev is лв. You will see this on price tags and receipts throughout Bulgaria.
What currency is used in Bulgaria?
The official currency used in Bulgaria is the Bulgarian lev (BGN).
Can I use US dollars in Bulgaria?
The official currency of Bulgaria is the Bulgarian lev, not the US dollar. While USD may be accepted in some tourist hotels and major cities, you will generally get better rates paying in Bulgarian lev and should exchange money before or on arrival.
What is the exchange rate for Bulgaria?
As of July 2026, approximately 1 USD = 1.7123 BGN and 1 GBP = 2.2955 BGN. Rates change daily — always check a live source before travelling or sending money.
What is money called in Bulgaria?
Money in Bulgaria is called the Bulgarian lev (BGN).
Do other countries use the Bulgarian lev?
No — Bulgaria is the only country on this site using the Bulgarian lev as its official currency.
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