site.btaNo Cases of Unlawful Currency Exchange Fees Have Been Identified

Under the Act on the Introduction of the Euro in the Republic of Bulgaria, banks are exchanging lev banknotes and coins for euro at the fixed rate, free of charge, until the end of June, including for depositing leva into euro accounts, the Association of Banks in Bulgaria (ABB) said on Tuesday. They said no cases of fees being charged for the exchange have been reported.

According to ABB, exchanges are carried out without any limits on the amounts, with customers being served according to the cash available at the branches. For amounts over BGN 30,000, a request must be made three business days in advance. Banks provide guidance to their customers on the exchange of banknotes and coins solely for the purpose of convenience and faster service. For example, customers with large quantities of coins may be directed to specialized cash centres equipped with coin counting machines to ensure the most convenient and efficient process. Customers can obtain this information in advance via their bank's website.

The Association noted that entities subject to the Measures Against Money Laundering Act may require certain declarations and forms to be completed in accordance with the applicable regulatory framework. 

The ABB reminded that lev banknotes and coins will remain in circulation until the end of January. During this period, people can continue to use their leva for cash payments without any restrictions.

The euro has been the official currency of Bulgaria since January 1, 2026. Only euro banknotes can now be withdrawn from ATMs.