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Money, language and practical basics for Varna

Money, language and practical basics for Varna

Practical basics for Varna: euros since 2026, Bulgarian and the Cyrillic alphabet, nodding customs, time zone, plugs and the 112 emergency number.

Published: Last updated: By Varna Guide Editorial team · How we check facts

Since 1 January 2026 Varna, like the rest of Bulgaria, pays in euros. The official language is Bulgarian, written in Cyrillic, and the emergency number is 112. Those three facts cover most first-day questions; the rest of this page fills in the details.

Money: the euro arrived in 2026

Bulgaria became the 21st member of the euro area on 1 January 2026, according to the European Commission. The lev was converted at a fixed rate of 1 € = 1.95583 BGN. Both currencies circulated together only during January 2026; since then prices, receipts and bank accounts are in euros. If you find old leva at home, the Bulgarian National Bank exchanges them free of charge with no time limit. Cards are widely accepted in the city, but keep a little cash for small kiosks and markets.

Language and alphabet

Bulgarian is a Slavic language written in the Cyrillic alphabet — the script that entered the EU’s official alphabets when Bulgaria joined in 2007. Street signs in the centre often add Latin letters. Useful words: zdraveyte (hello), blagodarya (thank you), molya (please).

Time, phones and plugs

  • Time zone: Eastern European Time, UTC+2; summer time UTC+3 — one hour ahead of Berlin, the same as Bucharest.
  • Calling code: +359; Varna landlines start with 52.
  • Electricity: 230 V, European two-pin plugs (types C and F).

Safety and emergencies

Dial 112 for police, ambulance or fire; it is free and works from any phone. For official travel documents and visa rules, check the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, linked from Visit Varna’s useful-links page.

Tourist Information Center

The city’s Tourist Information Center stands on St Cyril and Methodius Square, next to the Cathedral of the Dormition. From May to September it is open every day, 09:00–18:00; from October to April, 08:30–17:30 on weekdays (closed weekends and holidays). Phone: +359 52 820 690.

Where can you find more practical advice?

For taxis, scams, tap water and sea currents, read Is Bulgaria safe for tourists?. Cards, ATMs and old leva are covered in our euro money guide, and passports and visas in visa and entry rules.

See also: Varna at a glance.

For mobile data on arrival, see SIM cards, eSIMs and ATMs in Varna on our sister site Varna Daily.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Can I still pay with Bulgarian leva in Varna?

No. Leva were accepted alongside the euro only during January 2026. You can exchange old leva free of charge at the Bulgarian National Bank.

Do people in Varna speak English?

In hotels, restaurants and tourist services English is widely spoken; elsewhere a few Bulgarian words help. Signs are mostly in Cyrillic, often with Latin transliteration.

Is it true that Bulgarians nod for "no"?

Traditionally, yes — a nod can mean "no" and a head shake "yes". Many people adapt for visitors, so confirm with words if unsure.

Essentials