site.btaFrom Barcode Readers to Pension eFile: Post Offices Are Ready for Euro Adoption

Bulgarian Posts will have a crucial role in exchanging leva for euro in more than 2,230 settlements where there are no bank branches or ATMs, Transport and Communications Minister Grozdan Karadjov said Tuesday during the launch of a national information campaign on the euro changeover in Bulgaria. Attending were also Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, Finance Minister Temenuzhka Petkova, Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov, central bank Governor Dimitar Radev, the head of the European Commission representation in Bulgaria, Yordanka Chobanova, and Burgas Mayor Dimitar Nikolov.

The Minister emphasized that post offices are closest to the people, especially in small and remote settlements.

There, people receive their pensions and rely on the post offices for their essential services. It was therefore logical that they should assist in the process of exchanging leva for euros, Karadjov said. The Transport Minister specified that over 1,500 post offices across the country already have trained staff who will carry out actual currency exchange starting January 1, 2026. Additionally, all necessary technical equipment has been purchased and implemented - counting machines, barcode readers, counterfeit detection devices, video surveillance systems, among others.

“All post offices will have continuous communication and coordination with the Bulgarian National Bank and the Ministry of Interior. In five key post offices, police presence will be maintained throughout the entire six-month free exchange period. This ensures the process will be safe and transparent for all citizens,” added Grozdan Karadjov. He also highlighted the implementation of new software that will facilitate the exchange and include a feature for electronic pension cards.

“After January 1, pensioners can claim their pensions at any post office, whether they are visiting their children or on vacation. This is a significant help for elderly people who traditionally use cash,” the Minister said, noting that cooperation with the Bulgarian National Bank has been crucial for successful preparations.

“I know this aspect may seem less important amid the historic transition from the lev to the euro, but for most elderly people, this is real help. The efforts we are making in this direction are right and will support Bulgarian citizens during the first months of the transition,” Karadjov added.