Bulgaria adopts the euro

Bulgaria to adopt the euro on 1 January 2026: What travellers need to know now

Bulgaria will introduce the euro on 1 January 2026. This will make many things easier for you as a traveller: prices will be easier to compare, you will need to convert currencies less often and you will benefit from greater transparency when paying.

What exactly will change for you?

• The euro will be the currency in Bulgaria from 1 January 2026.
• From this date onwards, payment in euros and levs will be possible. However, from February 2026, the euro will be the sole legal tender.
• Change will only be given in euros.
• Until 8 August 2026, dual pricing will apply. Prices will be displayed in both levs and euros.

What are the advantages for the country – and for your trip?

For road trips and holidays, the euro means above all less currency conversion, fewer exchange fees and clearer price comparisons – for example, for accommodation, restaurant visits or car rentals. In addition, the euro facilitates payment transactions, strengthens Bulgaria's economic integration into Europe and can ensure greater stability and planning security in the long term.

Tolls & road trips: this remains important

The following still applies to your journey by car: In Bulgaria, the toll road network is organised electronically.

• Vehicles up to 3.5 t: You need an e-vignette that is digitally linked to the registration number.
• Vehicles over 3.5 t: Here, distance-based tolls apply on the toll network.

The euro makes one thing in particular easier: you can now calculate tolls and travel costs directly in euros.

You can conveniently purchase your Bulgaria vignette online here.

Looking to Europe: Other countries with prospects of joining the euro

The introduction of the euro is also a recurring topic in other EU countries. According to the European Commission, the Czechia, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Sweden are currently outside the eurozone.