The currency: euro
Bulgaria has used the euro (€) since 1 January 2026 — one less thing to think about if you’re from the eurozone, and simple conversion maths for everyone else.
- Cards and Apple Pay / Google Pay are accepted almost everywhere.
- Keep a little cash for markets, small kiosks and some taxis.
- At any ATM or card terminal, if offered a choice, always pay in EUR, never in your home currency — “dynamic currency conversion” quietly takes 5–10%.
Bank account: do you even need one right away?
Probably not in week one. Many students run their first months on Revolut / Wise / N26 — EUR accounts with cards that work everywhere in Bulgaria. Get a Bulgarian account when your paperwork settles, especially if you’ll receive money locally or pay rent by transfer.
When you’re ready:
- UniCredit Bulbank — the most expat-friendly big bank: English-language app and English-speaking staff in main branches.
- DSK Bank — the largest branch and ATM network in the country.
- Bring your passport, and expect to be asked for proof of address (rental contract) and possibly your residence card — requirements vary by branch. Monthly fees are typically €2–10.
What a month in Pleven costs
Pleven is one of the cheapest university cities in Bulgaria — noticeably cheaper than Sofia or Plovdiv. A realistic student budget:
| Item | Monthly (rough) |
|---|---|
| Room in shared flat / dorm | €80–200 |
| Groceries (cooking at home) | €120–180 |
| Bills & internet (your share) | €30–60 |
| Phone (prepaid) | €5–10 |
| Transport (walkable city!) | €0–20 |
| Eating out & fun | €50–150 |
| Total | ≈ €300–600 |
SIM & phone plans
- Operators: A1, Yettel, Vivacom — all fine in Pleven. Prepaid starter pack €4–8 with several GB; passport required by law to register the SIM.
- After a few months, a contract plan (more data, ~€10–20/month) can make sense — but it usually needs your residence documents, so prepaid first.
Home internet
If your rental doesn’t include it: fiber internet in Pleven is fast and cheap — typically €10–20/month (Vivacom, A1, and local providers). Ask your landlord which provider already has cables in the building; that installation is same-week.
Sending & receiving money
Wise and Revolut are the cheapest ways for family to send you money from abroad — far better rates than banks or Western Union. For India/Pakistan transfers, compare Wise vs. Remitly for the day’s best rate.
The golden rule of student money in Bulgaria: pay in EUR always, keep receipts for anything over €50, and never carry your passport for daily shopping — a photo of it on your phone is enough for most situations (the real one stays safe at home, except for SIM registration, banking and official appointments, which require the original).