
Buy Bulgarian Lev (BGN) before travelling to Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a cash-oriented country with one of the lowest cost levels in Europe. The official currency is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). It’s a smart idea to exchange all the cash you’ll need for your holiday before departure – saving you hassle and extra expenses at your destination. Keep in mind that a service charge is often added to currency exchanges in Bulgaria, and the worst exchange rates are typically found at airports and train stations. Credit cards are accepted at major locations, but may incur a surcharge of up to five percent. We also recommend planning a daily travel budget in advance to get a clear idea of how much money you'll need. By ordering your travel money through our website before departure, you’ll benefit from the best exchange rates and 0% commission.
Practical tips for planning your budget
In Bulgaria, the average daily budget for a tourist is around 100 BGN. This amount covers a stay at a 3-star hotel, two meals at restaurants, and a daily bus ticket. Tipping is common in restaurants but not in bars. A tip of around 10% of the bill is typical at restaurants. It’s also customary to tip hotel staff, porters, and taxi drivers a small amount.
110 BGN
Average cost of a night’s stay in Bulgaria
50 BGN
Average daily food budget per person

Good to Know
Indicative prices in Bulgaria
1.60 BGN
A ticket for public transport
2.80 BGN
A cup of coffee
5 BGN
Entry to the Burgas Historical Museum
20 BGN
A meal at a restaurant
0.99 BGN/km
A taxi journey
10 BGN
Entry to Sofia’s National History Museum

Suggestions for your stay in Bulgaria
Bulgaria is home to many ancient towns rich in history and stunning architecture. The capital city, Sofia, boasts thousands of years of cultural heritage and also offers lively nightlife, modern shopping centres and a wide range of restaurants. With its beautiful architecture and nearby ski slopes, the city is a great choice for tourists.
Sunny Beach is the most popular sandy beach on the Burgas coast, known for its soft sand and clear waters – a true paradise for families with children.
In Bulgaria, you can enjoy a fusion of European and Asian cuisine. Be sure to try meat and vegetable stews like korma, or traditional meatball kebabs. Other local delicacies include shopska salad and banitsa, a delicious pastry filled with spinach.
The popular summer city of Varna is about 90 km from Sunny Beach and is Bulgaria’s largest city. For a change of pace during your holiday, it’s well worth a visit. In Varna, you’ll find pedestrian streets full of charming shops, cafés, and restaurants. The city park is ideal for a relaxing stroll among colourful flowers and greenery.
A few facts about the Bulgarian Lev (BGN)

Denominations of the Bulgarian Lev:
Banknotes: 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 leva
Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 stotinki, and 1 lev
The lev has been the official currency of Bulgaria since 1881. The smaller monetary unit is the stotinka. One lev is divided into one hundred stotinki.


The name lev comes from an old Bulgarian word meaning “lion”.

Why buy Bulgarian Lev (BGN) from ChangeGroup?
ChangeGroup is a global market leader in currency exchange services with over 30 years of experience. Headquartered in London, the company operates exchange points around the world. We offer more than 60 foreign currencies, most of which are also available in the Swedish market. In Sweden, there are 26 ChangeGroup branches as well as a comprehensive online store.
To secure the best EUR to BGN exchange rate with 0% commission, we recommend ordering your Bulgarian Lev online before your trip. Plus, thanks to our Buy Back Guarantee, you can return any leftover currency after your trip at the same rate – without losing a penny.
Traveling soon?
Here's how to easily exchange your money:

1. Choose your currency
Determine the amount you need to enjoy your trip abroad.

2. Place an order online
Create an account and finalise your order online to enjoy our best pricing.

3. Pay at the branch
Pick up your currency at one of our branches and pay by cash or bank card.