There are only two days left until the lev finally ceases to be a legal tender in our country, informs dariknews.bg. On January 31, 2026, at 23:59, it will no longer be possible to pay with it, and from February 1, payments will be made only in euros in our country.
Levs will no longer be able to be used at the cash register in the store, in the pharmacy or in public transport. However, they will be able to be exchanged for a long time at the official fixed rate - 1 euro = 1.95583 leva.
Here is the most important thing that citizens need to know:
How to pay
From January 1 to January 31, 2026, the lev and the euro were legal tender in our country. This was the so-called dual circulation period, during which payments could be made in both currencies. From February 1, 2026, payments in our country will be made only in euros. Levs will not be accepted in retail outlets and will have to be exchanged.
Where and when can we exchange levs
The exchange will continue for years, but the conditions change over time. For the first 6 months, all banks will be able to exchange levs into euros without a fee. In banks, amounts over 30,000 leva require a prior request three business days in advance. This also applies when money is deposited into a currency exchange account.
„Bulgarian Posts“ will also exchange for free in settlements without a bank branch.
At the Bulgarian National Bank, leva will be able to be exchanged indefinitely. Even years later, old banknotes and coins will be able to be exchanged.
Dual prices in stores
The period of dual indication began on August 8, 2025 and will end on August 8, 2026. Throughout the entire period, the prices of goods and services are indicated simultaneously in leva and euro. During this period, prices in leva and euro are placed in close proximity, are written clearly, legibly, with the same font size, type and color. The currency of the corresponding price must also be displayed in the same font size, type and color.
The final amount paid by the consumer must also be presented in both currencies in the issued fiscal / system receipt.
The historical transition from lev to euro is one of the biggest financial changes in recent decades, and good information remains the surest way for citizens to avoid confusion, panic and queues.