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!