Money & Payments in Plovdiv

Good to Know

• Bulgaria officially adopted the euro on 1 January 2026. The lev was legal tender until 31 January 2026; from 1 February 2026 onwards, the euro is the only legal tender. Dual pricing in EUR and BGN remained mandatory through August 2026.
• Card acceptance has expanded significantly since 2024—even smaller Plovdiv Old Town businesses now accept cards, but always carry some cash for markets, vendors, and tipping.
• Contactless limit is typically 100 EUR; amounts above this require PIN entry.
• ATM withdrawal limits vary; many limit single transactions to ~102 EUR (200 BGN). Multiple withdrawals from different ATMs may be necessary for larger amounts.
• Euronet ATMs in airports and tourist hotspots are extremely expensive. Bank ATMs in city center Plovdiv (near main squares and shopping areas) are safe and free.
• Never accept Dynamic Currency Conversion offers at ATMs—the hidden markups can cost 10-20% extra.
• Service staff in Bulgaria earn low base wages; tipping is relied upon and genuinely appreciated, especially in restaurants and hotels.
• Most card readers do not allow adding tips after payment; ensure tips are settled at time of transaction or leave cash separately.
• VAT (12-15%) is automatically included in displayed prices and restaurant bills—do not confuse this with a service charge or tip.