Exchanging Bulgarian lev banknotes at DNB

Bulgaria switches to the euro

Bulgaria will switch to the euro on 1 January 2026. Throughout January 2026, you can still pay with the Bulgarian lev. From 1 February 2026, the euro will be the only legal tender in Bulgaria. After that date, you can no longer pay with the lev.

Exchanging Bulgarian lev banknotes at DNB

From 1 January to 2 March 2026, DNB will exchange Bulgarian lev banknotes free of charge, at the fixed conversion exchange rate of BGN 1.95583 = EUR 1. You may exchange a maximum of BGN 2,000 per day. Do you want to exchange your lev banknotes? Make an appointment first. To do so, call 020 – 524 2727 between 9:00 and 12:00 on weekdays, from 8 December 2025 to 27 February 2026. You will receive an email with an appointment confirmation and an application form. You will get the cash value of your lev paid out in euro – right down to the last cent.

Please note: lev coins cannot be exchanged at DNB.

Exchanging lev banknotes at the Bulgarian National Bank

You can exchange Bulgarian lev banknotes and coins for euro at the Българска народна банка (Bulgarian National Bank) indefinitely and free of charge from 1 January 2026. This service will always be available. You can also exchange your lev banknotes and coins free of charge at commercial banks and certain post offices in Bulgaria until 30 June 2026. After this date, commercial banks and post offices will continue to offer this service at least until 31 December 2026, but they may charge a fee.

Bulgaria: the 21st euro area country

Bulgaria will join the euro area on 1 January 2026. This is a historic milestone for the country. The transition will lead to greater economic stability, smoother transactions and stronger integration across Europe. Being part of the euro area means Bulgaria will have more opportunities for growth, trade and investment. Eliminating currency exchange costs when doing business with euro partners will remove barriers and reduce expenses. And tourists from the Netherlands and other euro area countries will benefit from seamless euro payments.