Along the Black Sea lies the green, lush landscape of Bulgaria, Touching the country’s borders are Greece, Romania, Turkey, Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro and Romania. The currency of Bulgaria is the lev (plural leva). At 100 stotinki (singular stotinka) per lev, it trades as BGL on the market. A country rising slowly out of the poverty of several decades, it is beginning to make its mark in tourism and industrial production.
History
The store of
currency in Bulgaria starts in the 5th century B.C. Greek coins from
the Macedonian and Thracian tribes began to make their way into the
country. They were joined in the late 5th and early 4th centuries B.C.
by some local minting. Adding to the mix is the so-called “Celtic”
coinage of the 3rd century. These came from certain Thracian tribes.
These coins consist mainly of silver tetradrachms and drachmae. The
style is Alexandrian III of Macedon.
During the Roman period,
denarii dominated as the circulating currency. This is particularly
true of Northern Bulgaria, part of the Roman Empire under Emperor
Augustus Caesar. The rest of Bulgaria came under the rule of
Roman-supported dynasties. In all sectors, roman currency flourished,
mixing with the local bronze coins. Money came from the mints in
Yugoslavia, Greece and Turkey.
During the middle Ages, Bulgaria became part of the Byzantine Empire. The coinage became Byzantine and stayed so until the 13th century. In the 1200s, the Tsars of the Bulgarian Empire created Byzantine-style copper trachea and Venetian-style silver groshove for circulation. As the empire began to disintegrate, separate coinage marked the different areas.
The Turkish Empire from 1393 to 1898 saw the introduction of the lev (leva) and the stotinka (stotinka). This remained the common currency. Since then, the monetary system has been under revision several times. The first lev lasted from 1881-1952. The second Lev appeared in 1952, the third lev in 1962 and the current lev in 1999. The banknotes date from 1885 and parallel the lev coinage system.
All coins feature the Madarra horseman, a famous relief, on the obverse. The reverse mainly sports the denomination, the year and, currently, the European Union symbol. The figures on the banknotes vary. Today, the coins are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 stotinki as well as 1 lev. The banknotes are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 leva.
Obtaining Bulgarian Leva
It is not difficult to obtain Bulgarian currency. You can exchange your money at Sofia Airport. There are also exchange services at the banks. In Sofia and other places such as Plovidio, you can obtain local currency in storefront shops. Sometimes, you can do so without the extra charges common in banks and elsewhere.There are also ATMs. Bulgaria has many such machines across the country. You can find them generally in banks and in the downtown sector of most towns and cities. ATMs are also common in large stores, some gas stations and other convenient places.
Protecting Your Currency
Pick
pocketing and purse snatching are problems in Bulgaria. This is
particularly true of the bus and railway stations. Petty crime is more
common in Sofia and along the Black Sea where you find the tourist
resorts. Do not try to look affluent.
Be careful where you go at
nights. This includes many of the nightclubs, casinos and bars. Many of
these are associated with organized crime. Do not accept food or drinks
from strangers in these places or elsewhere. Deliberately drugging
tourists is a common tactic of criminals. This said, Bulgaria is safer
than many other Western European countries.
Using Your Bulgarian Leva
The Bulgarian Lev is necessary if you wish to purchase many goods and services in the country. You require it for hotels, meals, transportation and entertainment. If you want to purchase any of the goods, including Melnik wine or jewelry, or visit the attractions, you have to have local currency.
Travel Tips and Warnings
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You need medical insurance before you enter the country.
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You will have to sign a customs declaration when you enter declaring such things as valuables and currency. Do not lose it. You have to show it when you leave.
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It is relatively safe for a female to travel alone, but a pair is better.
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Wear conservative clothing such as blouses and skirts.
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If you have a disability, Bulgaria can be a challenge.
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If you visit only one place, make it Sofia, It has domed cathedrals, old buildings and Mount Vitosha.
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For nature lovers, there is Vitosha National Park or Rila National Park.
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Everyone has to visit the tourist resorts along the Black Sea. Check out the old-fashioned fishing villages as well as the beaches.
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One of the best preserved Roman amphitheaters is at Plavdiv while the Roman Thermal Baths are at Varna and church ruins at Nessebar.
Overview
Bulgaria
is a jewel upon the Black Sea. A former communist block country, it is
now operating freely within the capitalist system. Still poor and
struggling, Bulgaria continue to improve its economy. Tourism is a
growing contribution to its ability to survive as is the manufacturing
of agricultural and transportation equipment.
For travel information see www.abvg.net.
Currency Summary
Current currency: Leva
100 stotinki equals 1 leva
Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 stotinki and 1 lev
Banknotes: 1, 2, 5, 20, 50 and 100 leva