Bulgaria's transition to the Euro leads to unexpected problems in the taxi sector

Bulgaria's adoption of the Euro as its official currency as of January 1, 2026, has led to a complex period in the country, particularly in the taxi sector. Bulgarian citizens, who have been accustomed to using the Lev for years, encountered technical glitches they did not expect to face so early in the transition.

Taxi drivers stated that they had to apply to service centers because the taximeters in their vehicles were not compatible with the Euro, while it is reported that some drivers are facing legal issues because they have not yet been able to switch to the new devices. In most of the existing taximeters, the inability to calculate fares correctly resulted in the system measuring distance incorrectly in Euros.

According to information in the Bulgarian media, it was observed that in some devices, travel fares doubled. This situation led to citizens who frequently use taxis within the city paying significantly more. It is not yet clear how many taxis have a system that calculates correctly.

It is stated that this distress experienced among taxi drivers could lead to similar problems over time in other sectors that have switched to the Euro. The fact that taxi owners who have not yet completed the necessary arrangements are providing services contrary to the law has become a current topic of debate.

Experts emphasize that technical adaptation difficulties encountered in similar transition processes can be much more pronounced in areas that affect daily life, such as transportation.

Bulgaria became a member of the European Union in 2007 and began the preparation phase for the Euro by joining the ERM II (Exchange Rate Mechanism) in July 2020. The country has signed off on a radical change by parting ways with the Lev currency, which it had used for 145 years, and switching to the Euro.

News Source: 12punto