Currency in Bulgaria – The Bulgarian Lev (BGN)

What currency should you bring to Bulgaria?

The official currency of Bulgaria is the Bulgarian Lev, internationally abbreviated as BGN according to the ISO 4217 standard.

How is the Bulgarian Lev Structured?

One Bulgarian lev is divided into 100 stotinki.

Currently in circulation:

• Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 leva
• Coins: 1, 2 leva and 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 stotinki

If you’d like to see what BGN banknotes look like, visit the "Banknotes" tab on the product page or check the official website of the Bulgarian National Bank.

Typical Prices in Bulgaria (in BGN)

When traveling in Bulgaria, you can expect prices such as:

• Bread (0.5 kg): approx. 3 BGN
• Chicken breast (1 kg): approx. 18 BGN
• Bottled water (1.5 L): approx. 1.20 BGN

Where to Buy Bulgarian Lev (BGN)?

To purchase Bulgarian leva, simply use the currency calculator at the top of the page. Add the desired amount to your cart and place your order – just like in any online shop.

We’ll ship the banknotes via courier within 24 hours, or you can pick them up in person at one of our branches. Visit our “Currency Delivery” page for more details.

Bulgarian Lev Around the World

Bulgaria remains a popular destination among Polish tourists. And although the Bulgarian lev (BGN) isn’t among the world’s most commonly traded currencies, its exchange rate is important, especially for travellers and businesses.

Since 1997, Bulgaria has operated a currency board system, which means the Bulgarian lev is pegged at a fixed rate to the euro, ensuring exchange rate stability. This fixed link to a stronger currency (the euro) has increased foreign investor confidence and helped elevate the lev’s importance internationally.

A Brief History of the Bulgarian Lev

The Bulgarian lev was introduced in 1881, following Bulgaria’s liberation from centuries of Ottoman rule. After the Russo-Turkish War, the newly formed autonomous Principality of Bulgaria needed its own currency – and the lev was born as a symbol of independence.

The name “lev” comes from an old Bulgarian word meaning “lion” – a long-standing national symbol representing courage and freedom. The lion has appeared on Bulgarian coats of arms since the 13th century and became an iconic emblem during the 1876 April Uprising, appearing on rebel flags and inspiring national unity.

The Evolution of the Lev’s Exchange Rate

• When first introduced, the lev was backed by gold, allowing for a stable exchange rate.
• In the early years, it was pegged to the French franc, which enabled Bulgaria to join the Latin Monetary Union, aligning its currency with those of France, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, and others.
• Due to economic struggles, the gold standard was dropped in 1899, and again during the Balkan Wars in 1912.
• By 1924, the lev was re-stabilised and pegged to the US dollar.
• In 1928, a new gold standard was introduced: 1 lev = 10.86956 mg of gold.
• During World War II, the lev was tied to the German Reichsmark, and later, under Soviet influence, to the Soviet ruble.
• In 1952, a currency reform tied the lev to the US dollar again: 1 USD = 6.8 BGN.
• A second revaluation occurred in 1962 (10:1 ratio), and the lev was pegged to the German mark.
• In 1999, another denomination was introduced: 1 new lev = 1,000 old leva, and the currency was again pegged to the German mark.
• Today, the lev is firmly pegged to the euro, ensuring long-term currency stability.

What’s the Exchange Rate for the Bulgarian Lev?

You can check the current exchange rate in the “Currencies” tab or on our live exchange rate charts.

How Much is One Bulgarian Lev Worth?

Use the currency calculator at the top of this page. Enter your amount in Pounds (GBP) to see the current price of the Bulgarian lev.