Cash in Bulgaria

What ever makes you more comfortable. Personally, I would get a little at the airport, maybe 75 to 100 lev (small bills by picking an amount that is odd, like 79 lev) and then not worry about it the rest of the trip. And I would not worry too much about exchange rates or fees. A few dollars against the cost of the trip just doesnt matter. Being relaxed and enjoying does matter.

Bulgaria has a lot of fraud with ATM skimmers (as does everywhere apparently, even my hometown in California). My husband and I have had our debit card numbers stolen several times over the years, and we only use our cards at ATMs, not for purchases or online. We now only use ATMs that allow tap (not inserted) and are located inside a bank or vestibule. The airport should be safe, I have used the ATMs there many times. I would imagine much safer than a machine on the street in Sofia.

One thing we found last year is that several of the banks tried to add a significant surcharge (I think it was 11%) but we used DSK bank for 3 months and never had a surcharge.

There are also money exchanges all around the center of Sofia. We do about half and half between changing dollars for leva and using ATMs when we are in Bulgaria. Good luck and have a great trip!

Avoid the EuroNet ATMs - not only in Bulgaria but elsewhere in Europe.

Avoid the EuroNet ATMs - not only in Bulgaria but elsewhere in Europe, unless you need cash quickly and conveniently and that is your only or best choice.

The fee might be a few dollars or more, but it will tell you before you finalize the transaction. Like all ATMs, every EuroNet machine that I have seen will give the choice of billing in dollars or the local currency. Choose local currency and the exchange rate will be the same as any bank ATM cause your card will determine it not the ATM.

They aren't the best solution but a few times my choice was pay the $3 fee or a 20 minute walk to a bank ATM and back. $3 on a $14,000 holiday? I paid.

Hi I have used the money exchanges in Sofia center on Vitosha. Found them convenient for getting leva.

Enjoy!

When I was in Bulgaria last year, we got cash at the airport but later realized it was a EuroNet ATM. It charged a high fee, and the exchange rate was bad. When we started our Rick Steves tour, our guide let us know to avoid the EuroNet ATMs because of the high fees. There were plenty of ATMs associated with banks in Sofia. I'm always most comfortable using a bank ATM when possible.