Introduction

Bulgaria's changeover to the euro in 2026 is the most significant economic change since our accession to the EU. For Bulgarian businesses, this means not just a change of currency - it is an opportunity to rethink strategy, modernise processes and reposition for European integration.

Many business owners feel confused by the complexity of this transition. "What should I do first?", "How can I avoid losing customers during the change?", "What are the real benefits of the euro for my business?"

The truth is that well-prepared businesses will have a significant competitive advantage. While the unexamined struggle with technical issues and confused customers, you can use the transition as an opportunity to grow, modernize and expand your market.

This guide provides you with a comprehensive, step-by-step plan for preparing your business. From online presence to accounting, marketing to human resources, we cover all the aspects you need to address.

Studio New Era has helped over 300 Bulgarian businesses prepare for the euro. Start your preparation with a professional website for €49/month and leave nothing to chance in this historic change.

Timeline: Key dates and deadlines

Phase 1: Preparatory period (2024 - July 2025)

January - March 2025:

  • Staff training for the upcoming changes
  • Update of accounting systems
  • Initial preparation of online presence

April - July 2025:

  • Finalising technical systems
  • Preparation of marketing materials
  • Testing of all processes

Phase 2: Dual currency period (August 2025 - December 2026)

August 2025: Start of mandatory dual display

  • Sites must display prices in BGN and EUR
  • Retail outlets require double price tags
  • Invoices and documents with both currencies

January 2026: The euro becomes the official currency

  • Cash registers must work with EUR
  • Bank accounts are automatically converted
  • Salaries and contracts are recalculated

Phase 3: Withdrawal of BGN (January - December 2026)

January - June 2026: Gradual reduction in BGN use July - December 2026: Preparing for the complete abolition of the lev January 2027: Only euro currency remains in circulation

Online presence: the first step to readiness

Why your website is critical to a successful transition

Your website is the first point of contact with customers when the currency changes. Here they will search for information, check prices and make purchasing decisions. An unprepared website can:

  • Confuse customers with conflicting information
  • Led to lost sales due to technical problems
  • Create distrust towards your brand
  • Give an advantage to prepared competitors

Basic site requirements during the transition period

Technical minimum:

  • Show prices in BGN and EUR with the same size and colour
  • Mobile optimization for dual prices
  • Fast loading despite additional information
  • SEO for new "euro" keywords

Content and communication:

  • FAQ section for currency changes
  • Educational articles about the euro
  • Clear information on payment methods
  • Explanation of policies during the transition

User Experience:

  • Intuitive navigation despite more information
  • Easy order/enquiry process
  • Option to choose preferred currency
  • Helpful content for confused customers

Financial planning and accounting

Preparation of financial systems

Accounting software:

  • EUR maintenance update
  • Setting up automatic conversions
  • New dual currency document templates
  • Backup and backup of BGN data

Banking services:

  • Open EUR accounts where necessary
  • Negotiating foreign exchange fees
  • Set up automatic payments in EUR
  • Team training for the new procedures

Cash systems:

  • Upgrade of POS terminals for EUR
  • Staff training for double cash operations
  • Setting up reporting in both currencies
  • Testing all payment methods

Financial opportunities and risks

Opportunities:

  • Elimination of currency risk in EUR transactions
  • Easier access to EU funding
  • Reduced transaction costs in the EU
  • Improved price transparency

Management risks:

  • Initial costs for the conversion
  • Time complexity in dual-currency operations
  • Possible errors in conversions
  • Staff training

Marketing and communication during the transition

Turning change into a marketing advantage

Positioning as a "Euro-ready" business:

  • "We now accept euro payments"
  • "First in [industry] with EUR prices"
  • "European standard, Bulgarian roots"
  • "Prepared for the future of Bulgaria"

Educational Marketing:

  • Blog articles about the euro and your industry
  • Video explanations of new processes
  • Social media content about the changes
  • Email campaigns with useful tips

Local Marketing:

  • Participation in local discussions on the euro
  • Sponsoring "Euro" events
  • Partnerships with other prepared businesses
  • PR as transition experts

Communication strategies for different stages

Preparatory period (until August 2025):

  • Focus on preparation and professionalism
  • "We invest in the future for you"
  • Educating customers about upcoming changes

Dual currency period (August 2025 - December 2026):

  • Clarity and simplicity in communication
  • Helping customers choose a currency
  • Emphasising convenience and flexibility

After the withdrawal of the lev (2027+):

  • Positioning as a European business
  • Focus on quality and standards
  • Opportunities for international expansion

Human Resource Management

Preparing the team for the euro

Training programs:

  • Fundamentals of the euro and currency conversions
  • New customer handling procedures
  • Technical trainings for the new systems
  • Communication skills for confused customers

Psychological preparation:

  • Coping with the stress of change
  • Building confidence in new processes
  • Motivation for innovation adoption
  • Team building around common challenges

Practical aspects:

  • New job descriptions if necessary
  • Pay and bonuses in the new currency
  • Updating employment contracts
  • Policies for work in the transition period

Roles and responsibilities during the transition

Management:

  • Strategic planning and coordination
  • Communication with customers and partners
  • Process monitoring and adjustments
  • Solving critical problems

Finance Team:

  • Daily management of dual-currency operations
  • Accountability and compliance
  • Banking relations and foreign exchange operations
  • Financial impact analysis

Sales and customer service:

  • Customer service with questions about the euro
  • Help with choosing a currency for payment
  • Addressing transition issues
  • Collect feedback for improvements

IT and technical support:

  • Maintenance of updated systems
  • Solving technical problems
  • User training
  • Backup and data security

Operating changes by sector

Retail

Physical stores:

  • Double price tags on all products
  • Training of cashiers for EUR transactions
  • Cash management in both currencies
  • Return and exchange policies

Online trading:

  • Double display of prices on the site
  • Integration with EUR payment systems
  • Inventory management and prices
  • Delivery and logistics processes

Services

Professional Services:

  • Price lists in both currencies
  • Contracts and invoicing
  • Advice for clients on the changes
  • Marketing of "euro readiness"

Horeca (restaurants, hotels):

  • Menus and price lists in BGN/EUR
  • POS systems for dual currency
  • Reservations and prepayments
  • International Marketing

B2B businesses

Production:

  • Pricing for domestic and export sales
  • Contracts with suppliers and customers
  • Currency hedging and planning
  • European integration

Business Services:

  • Positioning as "euro experts"
  • Helping clients in their transition
  • New products/services for the euro
  • Partnerships and joint ventures

Studio New Era: Your complete transition partner

Starter plan - €49/month: euro readiness basics

Site preparation:

  • Dual display of prices as required
  • Mobile optimization for new information
  • SEO base for euro keywords
  • FAQ section for currency changes

Main content:

  • Up to 6 pages of euro information
  • Basic blog about the preparation
  • Contact forms adapted for the transition
  • Basic scheme data for currencies

Maintenance:

  • Monthly updates according to new requirements
  • Technical support for currency issues
  • Basic performance monitoring
  • Email support for questions

Business plan - €149/month: Full availability and advantage

Extended site:

  • Up to 10 pages with full euro integration
  • Online store with automatic conversions
  • Calculators and interactive tools
  • Professional design for confidence

Marketing and content:

  • Monthly SEO optimized articles
  • Social media integration
  • Email Marketing Campaigns
  • Local SEO for "euro" searches

Business Support:

  • Business strategy consulting
  • Competition analysis
  • Online productivity reports
  • Priority support 24/7

Success case: family hotel "Bulgaria"

Challenge: A 25-room family hotel in Bansko was worried about the complexity of the transition and the loss of international clients.

Studio New Era Solution:

  • Business plan with focus on international guests
  • Multilingual site with EUR prices
  • Integration with international reservation systems
  • Marketing campaigns for "Euro-ready hotel in Bulgaria"

Results for one year:

  • 40% increase in international bookings
  • Top 3 on Google for "hotel Bulgaria euros"
  • New partnerships with European tour operators
  • 25% increase in average booking value

"Studio New Era didn't just make our website Euro-ready - they helped us position ourselves as an international hotel. Now 60% of our guests are foreigners." - Georgi Stoyanov, owner of Bulgaria Hotel

Risks and how to avoid them

The most common mistakes in preparation

1. Late preparation: Many businesses leave preparation until the last minute, leading to stress, mistakes and missed opportunities.

2. Focus on technical aspects only: Underestimating marketing opportunities and communication needs.

3. Unprepared staff: Employees are the first line for questions from customers. An unprepared team creates a bad impression.

4. Ignoring online presence: In the digital age, the website is often the first point of contact with customers.

Strategies to minimise risks

Early planning: Start preparations at least 12 months before August 2025

Phased deployment: Don't make changes all at once - test and adapt

Training and communication: Invest in team and customer training

Professional help: Don't try to do everything yourself - use experts

Long-term opportunities beyond 2027

How the euro opens new horizons

European integration:

  • Easier doing business in the EU
  • Access to European programmes and funding
  • Reduced currency risks and costs
  • Increased credibility with EU partners

International expansion:

  • Export without currency barriers
  • Attracting European investors
  • Tourism and services for EU citizens
  • E-commerce across Europe

Business Modernization:

  • Digitalization of processes
  • Improved financial systems
  • European quality standards
  • Innovation and technological progress

Strategic planning for the post-euro period

2027-2030: Consolidation and growth

  • Taking advantage of the "euro readiness" built up
  • Expanding market share
  • International partnerships
  • Technological innovations