Happy New Year! 🎉 On January 1, 2026, Bulgaria officially adopted the euro and became the 21st member of the eurozone. That means Bulgaria's lev (BGN) is on its way out, making cross-border travel and online shopping across Europe smoother than ever!
Here's what you need to know:
- Transition Month: Throughout January, your lev will still work in shops and ATMs.
- Euro Launch: From February 1, the euro 💶 becomes the only legal tender.
- Free Exchanges: Until June 30, swap lev for euros at banks or post offices with zero fees. After that, a small fee applies.
Back in June 2025, the European Commission confirmed Bulgaria met all the criteria for euro adoption starting today. 🇪🇺
For young pros and travelers, this change means:
- Smoother digital payments and mobile wallet top-ups across the eurozone.
- No more surprise conversion fees when ordering euros for your next backpacking trip from Sofia to Santorini.
- A more integrated economy—think easier e-bike rentals, ride-hailing apps, and festival ticket purchases in euro!
Got plans to explore Europe this year? Now paying in euros is as easy as scanning a QR code. 👌
Stay tuned for more updates on how this big switch will impact tech, travel, and daily life across the region.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
