Bulgarian media initially reported problems with some ATMs dispensing euros to holders of foreign payment cards.
Bulgarians had reportedly stocked up on cash during New Year’s Eve celebrations, as encouraged by the authorities.
Cashiers were provided with systems that automatically display the amount of change to be returned in euros.
Bulgaria adopts the euro as official currency
As assured by the national broadcaster Polish Radio’s press agency IAR, there have generally been no reports of any major problems with the introduction of the new currency.
Most Bulgarian citizens, however, are still paying in levs for now.
The share of the European currency in financial transactions is expected to increase gradually over time.
A customer in a grocery store looks at prices shown in Lev and Euros in Sofia, Bulgaria, 1 January 2026. Bulgaria became become the 21st member of the Eurozone, transitioning from the national Lev to the Euro amid public concerns that the move could trigger immediate price hikes and a higher cost of living. (Borislav Troshev/PAP/EPA)
Bulgaria’s switch to the euro: rates, exchanges and reactions
Bulgaria has been participating in the euro area’s preparatory mechanism since 2020. The exchange rate was set at 1.95583 levs per euro.
The Bulgarian currency can be exchanged free of charge at banks and at selected post offices in Bulgaria until 30 June 2026.
After that date, the service will remain available until 31 December 2026, but a fee may apply.
Reuters reports that Bulgarians are evenly split on adopting the euro despite social protests, while businesses largely support the move, partly because it eliminates currency conversion costs.
The European Commission welcomes Bulgaria’s adoption of the euro, noting that it will deepen the country’s ties with Europe and make travel, work, and business more seamless.
(mp)
Source: IAR/Reuters/X/@EU_Commission