Currency of Bulgaria. Bulgarian Lev. Tips for tourists
The Bulgarian Lev was born in 1880. In the same year, the Law on the introduction of the national currency – the Lev – was adopted. In 1999, the Lev was denominated one thousand to one to the German Mark and it became equal to the German Mark, at the rate of 1:1. After the introduction of the Euro, the Lev began to exchange at 1.95 to one Euro, this is a fixed exchange rate. 1 Lev is equal to 100 Stotinki. Modern Stotinki coins consist of an alloy of copper, zinc, and nickel.
Bulgarian Lev. Description of coins
On the front side of the coin is the denomination of the coin and 12 stars, and on the back side of the coin is the Madara Horseman and the inscription Bulgaria, but depending on the year of issue, these images can be replaced by others. 1 lev is replaced by coins with a gold border and a silver core similar to 1 euro. In 2015, a coin with a denomination of 2 leva was introduced, gradually replacing the banknote of the same denomination in circulation. The coin is bimetallic, on the obverse is the image of Paisius of Hilendar.
Bulgarian Lev. Description of banknotes
The 2 leva banknote has gradually been taken out of circulation and replaced by a coin.
The 5 lev banknote is burgundy in color, with a portrait of the artist Ivan Milev on the front side. On the back side of the banknote are paintings by Ivan Milev.
The 10 lev note is dark olive in colour and features a portrait of astronomer Peter Beron on the front side. On the back side of the note are drawings from scientific works and a telescope.
The 20 Bulgarian lev banknote is blue and features a portrait of revolutionary Stefan Stambolov, on the reverse side is the building of the National Assembly of Bulgaria, the Lion Bridge and the Eagle Bridge in Sofia.
The banknote of half a hundred Bulgarian leva is brown in color and has a portrait of Pencho Slaveykov, with his illustrations and manuscripts on the back of the banknote.
The 100 lev banknote is green. On the front side is a portrait of Aleko Konstantinov, on the back side is also Aleko Konstantinov with a book
Recommendations for tourists coming to Bulgaria
I will note one peculiarity about Bulgarian banknotes. This is the rapid wear and tear of the banknotes. Therefore, levs should be treated with care in the literal sense.
What kind of money and in what form should I take to Bulgaria?
You can take any money, even the national currency. In Bulgaria, you can easily exchange it at exchange offices, but only at a very unfavorable rate.
But it will be more profitable and convenient to take the largest part on a bank card. Ideally, this is a card issued in euros. Because the Bulgarian lev is strictly tied to the euro and therefore the rate is always stable. For more than 20 years, there have been no exchange rate fluctuations and a very small difference in the purchase and sale of currency. The option of carrying cash euros with you is also good. Because sometimes not everywhere accepts bank cards. Although this is now a rarity. You can also use a card in the national currency, just turn off “double conversion” on your card so that there are fewer losses during conversions.
It doesn’t matter what denomination of the banknotes you use. Any are accepted. But the dollar is not so good for tourist trips to Bulgaria. Because the dollar to euro exchange rate is constantly changing. There is also a reduced price for the dollar when exchanging for leva. And there is also a large exchange rate difference when exchanging dollars for leva. And if your card is denominated in dollars, then you most likely will not avoid double conversion. First, the dollar is converted into euros, and then the euro is exchanged for leva.
Results
We recommend that tourists coming to Bulgaria, before leaving for vacation, get a card in euros from their bank. Then put the necessary amount in euros on this card and/or buy the necessary amount in euros at an exchange office. The best option would be to bring 1/3 of the amount in cash and 2/3 of the amount on the card.
This simple recommendation will help you avoid additional expenses. When paying in the service sector, taxis, cafes, restaurants in Bulgaria, it is customary to leave a tip. How much? It’s up to you to decide.
