In Bulgaria, it is generally recommended that you carry a small amount of cash at all times – not all retailers and service-providers accept card payments. Here are some things worth knowing about the ATMs in Bulgaria:

• It’s recommended that you try to use ATMs that are found inside banks, as they tend to be safest.
• Always cover the keypad before entering your PIN.
• If something doesn’t seem right with the ATM, just use another one.

Where can you find ATMs in Bulgaria?

ATMs in Bulgaria widely accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, and Maestro. They can be found in some shops, shopping malls, transportation hubs, and nearly all banks.

To find a local bank ATM, try these tools:

> UniCredit Bulbank ATM locator
> DSK Bank ATM locator
> First Investment Bank ATM locator
> United Bulgarian Bank ATM locator
> Postbank ATM locator

There are also some international banks with a presence in Bulgaria:

> Citibank
> Deutsche Bank

Bulgarian ATM max cash withdrawal limits

Many Bulgarian ATMs limit you to 200 leva per day. If you need more than this, you may need to go to multiple ATMs.

What are the fees at Bulgarian ATMs?

When using your card at a foreign ATM, you may be given the option to complete the transaction in your home currency rather than the local currency.

Dynamic Currency Conversion may seem like a helpful service, but it actually allows the ATM to set its own exchange rate, which can be marked up, allowing the ATM owner to profit off what’s essentially a hidden fee for you.

It takes a little more math, but always choose to view transactions in the local currency to avoid hidden DCC fees.

Other fees

ATMs in Bulgaria may charge flat fees per withdrawal. Using a local bank ATM rather than a commercial ATM is the best way to avoid these. Your bank may also charge either flat fees or a percentage as a withdrawal fee, or foreign transaction fees. Check with your bank for details, and pay close attention at the ATM to make sure you don’t miss any fee disclosures.