Everyday essentials in Varna: euro, SIM cards, pharmacies and 112
Daily-life basics in Varna: Bulgaria uses the euro since 2026, EU roaming applies, pharmacies are everywhere, and 112 is the emergency number.
Daily life in Varna is simple once you know a few basics: prices are in euros, EU phone plans work as at home, pharmacies are on almost every main street, and 112 is the number for any emergency.
Money: the euro
Bulgaria adopted the euro on 1 January 2026. Leva and euros circulated side by side only until 31 January 2026; since 1 February the euro is the only legal tender. The fixed conversion rate is 1 € = 1.95583 leva, which is why you may still see old prices converted to odd-looking euro amounts. If you still have leva, the Bulgarian National Bank exchanges them free of charge. Sources: Wikipedia, BNB, 1.07.2026.
Cards are widely accepted in shops, supermarkets and restaurants, but keep some cash for market stalls, small bakeries and kiosks.
Phone and internet
Bulgaria’s three mobile operators are A1, Yettel and Vivacom, each with shops in central Varna and in the malls.
- EU visitors: under EU “roam like at home” rules, you can use your home plan in Bulgaria under fair-use limits.
- Non-EU visitors and new residents: a prepaid SIM is usually the simplest option. Bring your passport or ID card, as prepaid SIM cards are registered to an identity document.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (apteka, аптека) are easy to find – look for the green cross. Pharmacists can advise on minor problems, and some pharmacies in the city are open around the clock. For anything more than a minor issue, see a doctor; this page is not medical advice.
Emergencies
| Need | What to do |
|---|---|
| Ambulance, police, fire | Call 112 (free, 24/7) |
| Lost at sea or on the beach | Find the nearest lifeguard post in summer, or call 112 |
| Lost documents | Report to the police and contact your embassy or consulate |
A calm checklist for your first week
- Download the TTickets Varna app for buses.
- Keep a few euros in coins for the market and the bakery.
- Save 112 in your phone.
- Note the pharmacy nearest to where you stay.
Staying for longer? The first 30 days in Varna checklist on New in Varna walks you through your address, paperwork, money and meeting people, week by week.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Can I still pay in leva in Varna?
No. Leva and euros circulated together only until 31 January 2026; since 1 February 2026 the euro is the only legal tender. The Bulgarian National Bank still exchanges leva for euros.
What number do I call in an emergency?
112 – the single European emergency number for ambulance, police and fire, free of charge from any phone.
Do I need a Bulgarian SIM card?
If you have an EU SIM, roaming rules let you use it like at home. For a longer stay, a local prepaid SIM is easy to get in operator shops.
