The process of withdrawing the Bulgarian lev from circulation is entering its final phase. Data published in early February indicate that roughly 5.9 billion leva in banknotes and coins still remain in cash circulation, which means that about 81% of the lev cash that had previously been in use has already been collected by the Bulgarian National Bank. At the same time, more than 6.7 billion euros in cash have been put into circulation, which—according to monetary authorities—is intended to ensure the smooth functioning of payments and the wider economy.
Officials overseeing the currency changeover say the operation is progressing without major disruptions. Vladimir Ivanov, the head of the Euro Coordination Council, has stressed that the withdrawal is running smoothly and could be completed even sooner than expected—potentially by the end of the month.
From the citizens’ perspective, the key dates remain crucial. January 2026 included a short “dual-cash” period, in which the lev could still be used for cash payments, while change was given in euros. From 1 February 2026, the euro became the only legal tender in the country. Until 30 June 2026, citizens can exchange lev for euros free of charge at designated channels, including the Bulgarian National Bank, to keep the transition as frictionless as possible. After that date, the exchange service is expected to continue, but some institutions may start charging fees.
The scale of the operation is reflected in the role played by Bulgarian Posts, which has supported exchanges—especially for people in smaller towns and rural areas. In the period from 5 January to 6 February alone, Bulgarian Posts facilitated the exchange of 182 million leva into euros, highlighting how extensive the logistical effort has been.
Authorities are also warning citizens—particularly older people—against fraud. Ivanov urged seniors not to fall for offers to exchange lev “at home” made by unknown individuals, and he advised against carrying large amounts of cash. The message is clear: the safest approach is to exchange money only through official institutions such as banks, post offices designated for the process, or the central bank.
Beyond the operational side, the changeover is significant economically and politically. For the government, introducing the euro marks a major step toward deeper integration within Europe. For part of society, however, it remains a sensitive shift, often accompanied by concerns—among other things—about potential price increases. That is why the authorities are emphasizing both the availability of free exchanges and basic safety precautions as the country completes the final stage of removing the lev from everyday use.
