The main shopping area of Sofia is the Vitosha Boulevard. Bulgarian products, handicrafts, wines, spirits and confectionery can all be purchased.
Shopping hours Shops and stores are generally open Mon-Fri 1000-2000, Sat 1000-1400.
Currency Information:CurrencyLev (BGN) = 100 stotinki. Notes are in denominations of BGN50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 stotinki.
(a) The Lev is tied to the Euro at a fixed rate; €1 = BGN1.955. (b) Notes dated 1997 and earlier
are now out of circulation.
Currency ExchangeA
bordereaux receipt indicating the amount of currency exchanged will be given, and must be kept until departure. Visitors are advised to exchange money at banks and at large hotels. Travelers should not change currency on the black market , and they should exercise caution when exchanging money in bureaux de change since some have been known to dupe customers with misleading rates of exchange. No store, bank or change bureau will accept mutilated, torn or excessively dirty foreign currency. ATMs are widespread, although it is best to check with the relevant bank/card provider prior to travel.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMsAmerican Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in large cities, in larger hotels and car hire offices, and in some restaurants and shops, mainly in Sofia. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services that may be available. However, Bulgaria is still a country that operates mainly on cash, rather than credit cards.
Traveller's ChequesAccepted in major hotels and restaurants. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.
Banking HoursMon-Fri 0900-1600.
Exchange Rate Indicators| Date | Apr 07 |
| £1.00= | BGN2.90 |
| $1.00= | BGN1.49 |
| €1.00= | BGN1.95 |
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