In January, an important change is coming for consumers. Change at the time of payment will be returned in euros, but there are some peculiarities that everyone should know. The expert from the Consumer Protection Commission (CPC), Pavel Krustev, explained the details during an information meeting in Kubrat. This meeting is part of the National Information Campaign, which aims to familiarize citizens with the upcoming introduction of the single European currency.
According to Krustev, if the merchant does not have euros in cash, the change can be returned in leva. However, it is important to note that the simultaneous return of change in both currencies is not allowed.
The campaign in question aims to provide clear and reliable information on all key stages and deadlines related to the transition to the euro.
The expert reminded that until August 8, 2026, the prices of all goods and services must be indicated in both leva and euros. The requirement is that the prices be written in the same font, size, and color.
From January 1st to January 31st, citizens will have the opportunity to pay for goods and services in both currencies. After February 1st, however, the only currency that will be used will be the euro, and the leva will not be a means of payment.
As of January 1st, all contracts that consumers have and are related to services such as mobile operators or loans, will automatically be revalued, the expert emphasized.
Also from January 1st, all banks will exchange leva for euros. Until June 30th, this service will be free of charge. After this date, banks will continue to exchange, but may charge fees and commissions. The Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) will exchange leva without a deadline and without fees and commissions. In addition, leva can be exchanged in the branches of "Bulgarian Post", but only in the settlements where there are no bank branches. The maximum amount for exchange there will be 10,000 leva. For amounts from 1,000 to 10,000 leva per day, a preliminary application will be required, and for amounts up to 1,000 leva, the exchange will be without a preliminary application, Krustev explained.
If citizens find violations, they can report them to the CPC. This can be done through the Commission's website, by phone, or in the offices of the institution, which are located in the regional cities. On the Commission's website there is also a mobile application that can be used to facilitate the calculation of prices in euros, he said.
A representative of the National Revenue Agency (NRA) pointed out that in January there will definitely be involuntary errors both on the part of merchants and on the part of consumers. Therefore, she recommended that payments be made by card during this period. She assured that the revenue agency systems are already prepared for the introduction of the euro.