The three rates on every board
The reference (mid) rate is the midpoint of the wholesale currency market. For euro pairs it is published every business day by the European Central Bank — an official yardstick no exchange office actually trades at. Around it, each office quotes a buy rate (what they pay you for foreign currency) below the mid, and a sell rate (what you pay them) above it. The gap between the two — the spread — is the office's compensation, and it is the true price of the service.
How to compare offers fairly
Ignore advertising and compare one thing only: the final amount you receive for your exact sum, after any fees. A flattering headline rate can hide a commission; a modest rate with no fees can win. For larger amounts, ask for a written quote — rates for significant sums are routinely better than the board rate, and a written offer makes comparison effortless. Reputable offices display their rates clearly and will always tell you the exact amount before you commit.
Exchanging money in euro-era Bulgaria
Since Bulgaria adopted the euro in January 2026, EUR is the base of every rate board in the country, and the old lev conversion step has disappeared. Cash purchases and sales of foreign currency above statutory thresholds require a valid identity document under anti-money-laundering law — bring one for larger transactions. Our own boards show the ECB reference next to an intraday market rate where available, each with its timestamp, so you always see how fresh the number is.