Bulgarian Money and Change of Currencies
Bulgaria’s national currency unit is the LEV (BGL). Valid for current day use are banknotes and coins of 1999 and later emissions. Coins of yellow metal alloy are being used in everyday currency in values of 1, 2 and 5 stotinki, while coins of 10, 20, 50 stotinki and one lev values are in white metal.
One lev is equal to one hundred stotinki. Banknotes have been emitted and given currency in copures of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 leva face values, with effigies of outstanding Bulgarian personalities and in different colors. To avoid being cheated, foreign travelers are strongly advised to change money only at bank kiosks and authorised change bureaus, available almost everywhere.
Employment of international credit cards is only possible at larger banks. Foreign currency exchange rates usually vary; however, one EURO is changed, as a rule, for around two leva, USD is rated for ~ 1.3, one British pound exchanges for ~ 3 leva and so on.
Generally, prices have been established equal throughout the country or vary quite a little here and there, and no discounts on prices can be expected, so it’s no use bargaining at shopping centres, large stores or shops. Buys and payments in foreign currencies can be made in shops, arranged at the border checkpoints.
Related posts:
- Measures of Precaution and Practicalities in Bulgaria
- Bulgarian Economy
- Tourist Information and Travel Agencies