Whether you’re exploring Sofia's beautiful architecture or catching rays on the famous Sunny Beach, you’ll need local currency to prepare for your Bulgarian adventure.
Asda Travel Money makes it easier than ever to buy Bulgarian lev. Pop in-store to grab your holiday money or visit us online to have your cash delivered straight to your door.
It's a good idea to buy your Bulgarian lev before jetting off on your trip. That way, you'll avoid international exchange rates and ATM transaction fees.
Some machines give the option to complete the transaction in your home currency rather than Bulgarian Lev. This may sound like a good idea, but it's best to stick with the local currency to avoid any hidden fees.
Also, if you're planning to pay for hotels using cash, it's worth noting that most Bulgarian ATMs limit you to withdrawing 200 lev per day (less than £100).
^At the time of publishing - November 2019.
Most waiting staff in Bulgaria are paid the minimum wage, so the money they get from tips is a big part of their overall income.
Despite talks of Bulgaria adopting the Euro in 2022 after joining the EU in 2007, Bulgaria still uses Bulgarian Lev as its national currency.
It’s a good idea to have a basic understanding of the local currency to avoid fumbling for the right change when you touch down in Bulgaria.
Here’s what you need to know:
A Bulgarian lev is divided into 100 stotinka. Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 stotinka, 1 lev and 2 lev.
The 1, 2 and 5 stotinka coins are bronze while the 10, 20 and 50 stotinka coins are silver.
The 1 lev coin is silver-centred with a bronze rim and the 2 lev coin is bronze-centred with a silver rim.
Bulgarian banknotes come in denominations of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 lev.
The notes are decorated with historic Bulgarian figures and have a tactile texture to help the visually impaired.
Since the introduction of the 2 lev coin in 2015, 2 lev notes have been gradually phased out.
If you find a better exchange rate within 5 miles of one of our travel money bureau, we’ll beat it with our Price Promise.
Stop by our travel money bureau and we’ll buy back your unused travel money. Even if you didn’t buy your travel currency from us, we’ll exchange it back commission free.
Left it till the last minute? Don’t worry, simply swing by one of our travel money bureaux and take advantage of our same day travel money on popular currencies, subject to availability.
Asda Travel Money is provided by Travelex Agency Services Limited, registered number: 04621879, registered addresses Worldwide House, Thorpewood, Peterborough, PE3 6SB.
