site.btaEuro Information Campaign Goes to General Toshevo, Kotel, Cherven Bryag, Sapareva Banya

Information meetings, part of the National Campaign for the Introduction of the Euro in Bulgaria, were held on Friday in General Toshevo (Northeastern Bulgaria), Kotel (Eastern Bulgaria), Cherven Bryag (Northern Bulgaria), and Sapareva Banya (Southwestern Bulgaria).

Experts explained the main stages and timelines for adopting the euro, the rules for the dual display of prices of services and goods, as well as issues related to tax and social security declarations, bank accounts and interest rates, etc.

At the meeting in General Toshevo, the experts explained that contracts signed before the introduction of the euro in Bulgaria do not need to be resigned. Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) Dobrich Chief Inspector Mariana Koleva advised people not to respond to any invitations to resign contracts related to the currency change. Attendees raised questions about invoicing agricultural products currently sold by farmers. National Revenue Agency (NRA) Deputy Director of the Varna Territorial Directorate Silvia Ivanova said that issuing invoices in both currencies is not incorrect. When asked in which currency the advance tax in personal income tax declarations should be declared, the NRA representative replied that this must be done in euros. The experts added that the revenue agency is ready to assist and serve citizens.

The main topics discussed at the meeting in Kotel concerned what currency will cashiers give back change in after January 1, 2026, will POS terminals be mandatory in stores, will there be limits for currency exchange at post offices, and how will currency conversion be handled in small settlements without post offices. Experts explained that mandatory POS terminal installation is not planned for all outlets. During the first six months of 2026, all banks and post offices will exchange levs to euros free of charge, and after that period, only the Bulgarian National Bank will provide the service indefinitely.

In Sapareva Banya, citizens asked whether a merchant can refuse POS terminal payment for a small bill, to which experts replied that this issue is not regulated by law, and in practice, a merchant may refuse such payment if this is announced in advance. NRA Director of the Kyustendil Territorial Directorate Daniela Yamborska said that after the introduction of the euro, merchants may refuse to accept more than 50 coins or banknotes. Institutional representatives explained that in January, payments will be possible in both currencies, but change must be given in euros. Only if the merchant lacks sufficient euros can change be given in levs.

At the discussion in Cherven Bryag, CPC Pleven Chief Inspector Ralitsa Krasteva recommended that in January 2026, customers pay by card or in euro to avoid confusion by merchants. It was noted at the meeting that after January 1, 2026, ATM withdrawals will only be possible in euros, and vending machines will no longer accept levs.

The information meetings on the introduction of the euro in Bulgaria continue in other locations.