Bulgaria Travel Guide

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Shopping

The main shopping area of Sofia is on both sides of bulvard Vitosha. Bulgarian products, clothes, shoes, handicrafts, wines, spirits and confectionery can all be purchased. Ulitsa Graf Ignatiev and ulitsa Pirotska are busy streets with local clothes and electrical stores.

Shopping hours: Generally Mon-Fri 1000-2000, Sat 1000-1400.

Currency

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

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. Travelers should not be tempted by a ‘better rate' offered at unofficial sources on the street. It is illegal for commission to be charged when changing money at official offices. No store, bank or bureau de change will accept mutilated, torn or excessively dirty foreign currency.

Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in large cities, in larger hotels and car hire offices, and in some restaurants and shops, mainly in Sofia. However, Bulgaria is still a country that operates mainly on cash. ATMs are widespread, although it is best to check with the relevant bank/card provider prior to travel. Not all Bulgarian bank machines accept every overseas credit or debit card; it may take more than one attempt to withdraw cash successfully.

Travelers Checks

Accepted in major hotels and restaurants, although cash is far more common. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveler's checks in US Dollars, Pounds Sterling or Euros.

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.

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1600.

Exchange Rate