What will change with ATMs in Bulgaria with the introduction of the euro

The transition to the euro in Bulgaria will lead to a complete transformation of the way ATMs in the country work. From January 1, 2026, all devices will dispense only euros, regardless of the original currency of your bank account. The conversion will be fully automatic, with the entire conversion process guaranteed by law and will be carried out at the fixed rate of 1 euro = 1.95583 BGN – without commission costs for customers.

Until December 31, 2025, ATMs will continue to work with old leva, and from the beginning of the new year – with fresh euro banknotes. The Banking Association is categorical that measures have been taken for additional organization and increased loading, but it is recommended that citizens have a reserve amount in cash for the first days of the transition due to possible minimal technical delays.

Card limits will not change in terms of purchasing power – they are automatically revalued and rounded to standard amounts in euros. For example, if you have a daily limit of BGN 2,000, after dividing by two and rounding, your limit will be around 1,020 euros. There will be no additional administrative burden or requirements for customers on this transition.

The Bulgarian National Bank guarantees that the exchange of leva into euros remains free and unlimited in time. The organization when loading the devices provides a full range of new euro banknotes – 5, 10, 20, 50, and on some ATMs and 100 euros. For amounts up to 100 euros, withdrawals will be carried out in combination with small denominations.

The transition period provides that in the first month after the introduction of the euro in circulation, payments will be accepted in both leva and euros, but all withdrawals will be made only in the European currency.

Financial institutions assure that the systems are well prepared for the transition, and the experience of other countries shows – the new procedures are mastered by citizens in just a few days.