Bulgaria adopts the euro: The lev becomes history

As of January 1, 2026, Bulgaria will transition to the euro as the 21st member of the Eurozone. With this change, the Bulgarian lev, which has been in use since 1881, will be withdrawn from circulation and replaced entirely by the euro. The fixed exchange rate to be applied during the transition to the euro has been set at 1 euro = 1.95583 Bulgarian levs.

REGULATIONS IN TURKEY

In parallel with Bulgaria's transition to the euro, the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey (TCMB) has removed the Bulgarian lev from its foreign exchange buying and selling list effective January 2, 2026. The decision was published in the Official Gazette on December 20 and entered into force. Thus, foreign exchange transactions conducted through the TCMB in levs will cease as of the beginning of 2026.

In Edirne, changes have also occurred in the foreign exchange market due to the heavy cross-border trade with Bulgaria. The Bulgarian lev exchange rate has been removed from the information boards at currency exchange offices. However, it has been learned that currency exchange offices continue to process lev exchanges, with buying prices ranging between 20 and 24 TL.

News Source: 12punto