Vending Machines: Euro Replaces Lev from January 1st

From January 1st, a significant change is coming for consumers. Vending machines in the country will only accept euros, Nora Ignatova, director of the National Revenue Agency (NRA) Vratsa office, announced today in Mezdra. She spoke to the public gathered at a meeting, part of the National Information Campaign for the introduction of the single European currency. Experts from the Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) in Vratsa – Silvia Ivanova and Galya Stefanova – also attended the event.

The citizens gathered were thoroughly informed about the main aspects of the Law on the Introduction of the Euro, which directly affect the daily lives of local residents. The experts reminded that the double pricing, both in leva and in euros, will continue until August 8, 2026. No specific requirement has been introduced as to which of the two currencies should be written first, but it was emphasized that the figures must be the same size and color.

"Rounding cannot be to the detriment of consumers," Silvia Ivanova explained. "If the third digit after the decimal point is between 1 and 4, the rounding should be to the lower figure, if it is between 5 and 9 - the rounding will be to the larger figure."

Ivanova drew special attention to the fact that in January both currencies will be in use, but the change in commercial establishments should be returned mainly in euros. It is allowed to return in leva, only if the merchant does not have enough euros for change. In addition, during the same period, payment with Bulgarian coins will be possible, but with a limitation - up to 50 pieces per transaction. If the payment is with more coins, the merchant has the right to refuse to accept them.

The atmosphere in the hall was filled with curiosity, as citizens asked many questions. The topics touched upon the places where leva can be exchanged, what the currency of pensions will be from 2026 and where in the coming years leva can be exchanged without fees.

The CPC informed those present that an online calculator will be available on the evroto.bg website. Through it, everyone will be able to calculate the amounts from leva to euros in real time, thus providing the opportunity for easy verification.

The director of NRA Vratsa added that the tax returns, which will be submitted to NRA by April 30, will have to be in leva. However, the taxes due in the revenue administration will be paid in euros. According to her, only local taxes due to the municipal administrations will be able to be paid in leva, but only during the first month of 2026.