SHOPPING
The main shopping area of Sofia is the Vitosha Boulevard. Bulgarian products, handicrafts, wines, spirits and confectionery can all be purchased.
Shopping hours
Shops and stores are generally open Mon-Fri 1000-2000, Sat 1000-1400.
Currency Information:
Currency
Lev (Lv) = 100 stotinki. Notes are in denominations of Lv50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 stotinki.
Note
(a) The Lev is tied to the Euro at a fixed rate; &Euro;1 = Lv1.955. (b) Notes dated 1997 and earlier are now out of circulation.
Currency exchange
A bordereaux receipt indicating the amount of currency exchanged will be given, and must be kept until departure. Visitors are advised to exchange money at banks and at large hotels. Travelers should not change currency on the black market , and they should exercise caution when exchanging money in bureaux de change since some have been known to dupe customers with misleading rates of exchange. There is now a large network of ATMs that accept international credit and debit cards, although it is best to check with the relevant bank/card provider prior to travel.
Credit & debit cards
Major international credit cards are accepted in larger hotels and car hire offices, and in some restaurants and shops, mainly in Sofia. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services that may be available. However, Bulgaria is still a country that operates mainly on currency, rather than credit cards.
Travelers cheques
Accepted in major hotels and restaurants. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take travelers cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.
Currency restrictions
The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, provided declared on arrival. The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared on arrival. Local currency can be exchanged at the airport on production of a bordereaux.
Note
Travelers should check the currency regulations just prior to departure, as they may change.
Exchange rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Lev against Sterling and the US Dollar:
| Date |
May '04 |
Aug '04 |
Nov '04 |
Feb '05 |
| £1.00= |
2.92 |
2.91 |
2.79 |
2.85 |
| $1.00= |
1.63 |
1.58 |
1.47 |
1.51 |
Banking hours
Mon-Fri 0900-1600.
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