Money and duty free for Bulgaria

Currency and Money

Currency information

Lev (BGN; symbol лв) = 100 stotinki. Notes are in denominations of лв100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 (this is rarely used). Coins are in denominations of лв1 and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 stotinki.

Note: (a) The Lev is tied to the Euro at a fixed rate; €1 = лв1.955. (b) Notes dated 1997 and earlier are now out of circulation. Euro coins will replace the lev once the convergence criteria are fulfilled.

Credit cards

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in large cities.

ATM

ATMs are widespread.

Travellers cheques

Not popular nowadays and it is better to use cash.

Banking hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1700.

Currency restrictions

The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, provided it is declared on arrival. The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared upon arrival.

Currency exchange

Visitors are advised to exchange money at banks, at large hotels and at independent currency exchange offices, where the rates are clearly displayed.

Bulgaria duty free

Overview

Bulgaria is within the European Union. If you are travelling from outside of the EU, you are entitled to buy fragrance, skincare, cosmetics, Champagne, wine, selected spirits, fashion accessories, gifts and souvenirs - all at tax-free equivalent prices.

Bulgaria’s duty-free allowance for travellers from EU countries:

If you are over 17 years old, you are free to buy and take goods with you when travelling between EU countries, provided that you have paid tax on these goods and they are for your own use (not for sale). However, if you bring in more than the following, customs officials are likely to question you:

• 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1kg of tobacco.
• 90L of still wine of which a maximum of 60L can be sparkling wine.
• 110L of beer.
• 10L of alcoholic beverages stronger than 22% or 20L of fortified or sparkling wine or other liqueurs up to 22%.

Beware that each EU country has different rules for travellers under 17 years old. Please check before you travel.

Bulgaria’s duty-free allowance for travellers from non-EU countries:

If you are arriving from a non-EU country, the following goods may be imported into Bulgaria by travellers with a minimum age of 17 years without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos (maximum 3 grams each) or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco for air travellers. 40 cigarettes, 20 cigarillos, 10 cigars, 50g of smoking tobacco for all other travellers. You may combine any of these products provided that you do not exceed the total limit.
• 4L of wine and 16L of beer, plus either 1L of spirits over 22% volume or 2L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volume. You may combine any of these products provided that you do not exceed the total limit.
• Travellers arriving by car must not exceed the petrol allowance of one full tank and an additional 10 litres in a portable container.
• Other goods up to the value of €430 (or €300 if arriving by private plane or boat).

Banned Imports

The import of arms and ammunition from Russia or Syria is banned.

You cannot bring meat, fish or dairy products from outside the EU to Bulgaria.