Exchanging Leva for Euros: How and Where it Will Happen After the Euro's Introduction

The national central banks of the 20 Eurozone member states will exchange banknotes from Bulgarian levs to euros at the official exchange rate in the period from January 1, 2026, to March 2, 2026, according to the Bulgarian National Bank.

The exchange of levs by the central banks of the other Eurozone countries is related to Bulgaria's accession to the monetary union from the beginning of next year.

During the specified period, the other national central banks of the Eurozone will exchange banknotes from levs to euros free of charge at the irrevocably fixed exchange rate of 1 euro = 1.95583 levs.

The exchange will be carried out in accordance with the rules applicable in the Eurosystem when introducing the euro in a new member state. National central banks in other Eurozone member states apply a daily exchange limit. The exchange amount is limited to 2000 levs per customer/transaction per day.

The exchange will be provided at designated locations in each national central bank of the Eurozone. No fees, commissions, or other expenses will be charged for the exchange.

This measure aims to ensure a smooth transition to the euro when interacting with the other national central banks, by providing citizens of the Republic of Bulgaria with the opportunity for reliable and free exchange of the national currency not only in the country but also throughout the Eurozone, during the first two months after the introduction of the euro, the announcement states.

Citizens in Bulgaria will be able to exchange levs for euros in commercial banks and the branches of “Bulgarian Posts” until the end of 2026, and until the middle of the year, the service will be provided free of charge, BTA recalls. The BNB, for its part, will exchange levs for euros without fees indefinitely.