Payment methods in Bulgaria: Best ways to pay & send money abroad

Introduction

Bulgaria has a diverse payment ecosystem, where both traditional cash and modern digital solutions play a role in daily life. With the growth of e-commerce, online services, and international connections, locals increasingly need efficient domestic and international payment options.

For those who want to send money abroad, PandaRemit offers a secure, fast, and affordable international remittance solution directly from Bulgaria.

Why Payment Methods Matter in Bulgaria

Understanding payment methods in Bulgaria is important for locals managing daily expenses and for foreigners visiting the country. Domestic payments include a mix of cash, cards, and bank transfers, while mobile wallets are slowly gaining popularity.

When it comes to cross-border payments, banks often charge high fees and process transfers slowly. That’s why many Bulgarians prefer using PandaRemit to send money internationally with better rates and faster service.

Key stats:

• Population: ~6.4 million
• GDP (USD): ~$100 billion
• Currency: Bulgarian Lev (BGN)

Country Overview Table

Main Local Payment Methods in Bulgaria

1. Debit & Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro)

   • Cards are widely used in cities and tourist areas. Contactless payments are common.

2. Bank Transfers

   • Bulgarians rely on domestic bank transfers for bills, rent, and larger payments.

3. Mobile Wallets (ePay.bg, Apple Pay, Google Pay)

   • ePay.bg is a popular local digital wallet. Apple Pay and Google Pay adoption is growing.

4. Cash

   • Cash remains important, especially in rural areas, markets, and small businesses.

International Transfers from Bulgaria

Sending money abroad is common for families, students, and professionals. Traditional banking methods can be slow and expensive, but PandaRemit provides a better alternative:

• Lower transfer fees than banks.
• Fast and secure international payments.
• Easy-to-use mobile app or website.

With PandaRemit, sending money from Bulgaria abroad becomes simple and cost-effective.

How to Pay in Bulgaria (Table)

FAQ

1. Is PayPal available in Bulgaria?
Yes, PayPal works in Bulgaria, but local wallets like ePay.bg are often preferred.

2. Are credit cards widely accepted in Bulgaria?
Yes, especially in cities, shopping malls, restaurants, and tourist areas.

3. Do people still use cash in Bulgaria?
Yes, cash remains significant, particularly in rural regions and traditional markets.

4. How can foreigners pay easily in Bulgaria?
Foreigners can use international debit/credit cards or mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

5. How to send money internationally using PandaRemit from Bulgaria?
Download the PandaRemit app or visit the website, register, select your destination, and pay with a bank account or card to send money securely at low cost.

Conclusion

Bulgaria offers a mix of payment options, from traditional cash and bank transfers to modern cards and mobile wallets. While domestic payments are diverse, international transfers through banks remain costly and slow.

For anyone who needs to send money from Bulgaria abroad, PandaRemit is the top solution—fast, affordable, and secure.