Expert warns of euro receipt confusion
Bulgaria will reverse the order of currency display on receipts beginning January 1, 2026, with euro amounts appearing before lev figures, potentially confusing shoppers who may believe they owe approximately half the actual price. Consumer advocate Gabriela Rumenova cautioned during a Bulgaria ON AIR appearance that merchants refusing lev payments during January would violate regulations, as both currencies will hold legal status throughout the month.
Automatic teller machines will dispense only euros from the new year, while vending equipment will accept solely the continental currency. Card transactions will calculate conversions automatically, though Rumenova advised vigilance regarding rounding accuracy and potential errors in the exchange rate application.
The expert recommended that citizens review euro security features through the Bulgarian National Bank and European Central Bank websites to recognize counterfeit notes. She particularly warned vulnerable populations against accepting assistance from unknown individuals offering to exchange saved leva, as such encounters could involve fraudulent bills or theft. Current consumer complaints center on incorrect conversions and misleading dual-currency pricing labels.
