We're off to Bulgaria later and have asked at our Cyprus banks for B. Levs but have been told we can only do this over there. I see that the post office & Thomas Cook both offer this service in the UK so it seems that it's not an -ex Eastern Bloc restriction.
Anybody know where I can swap euros for levs in Cyprus, please?
_________________ "The greatest deception men suffer is from their own opinions." - Leonardo da Vinci
We found nowhere at the Western end, and had to get them at Sofia airport. But it was a bad exchange rate,.
Next time we will get a few from the airport and then more from an ATM in Bulgaria
Travel experts usually advise that you take euros, dollars (or in the past. Sterling)- depending on where you live/are starting your journey - and change the absolute minimum at the airport (enough to get you to your hotel for example).
Taxi drivers and shops etc. only want to accept Lev.
As far as I know, the Lev is still pegged to the euro, so I'd guess taking euros is your best bet.
Then look for good rates in the exchanges etc there.
And exchange houses, I understand, are still banned by law from charging commission.
what rate you get with an ATM card will depend on the currency denomination of your card and any charges your provider bills. cards might be, but for sure aren't always, the best choice.
check with your Cypriot bank first not all cards are valid abroad.We discovered this with our Bank of Cyprus cardin May. Not a problem but annoying if there is no alternative to hand.
check with your Cypriot bank first not all cards are valid abroad.We discovered this with our Bank of Cyprus cardin May. Not a problem but annoying if there is no alternative to hand.
We've used our cards in Germany, Malta, UK & Australia so should be no problem. Will check anyway.
Thanks
_________________ "The greatest deception men suffer is from their own opinions." - Leonardo da Vinci
This has puzzled me for some time to be honest - having worked in the banking industry in the uk for 35 years, I am surprised that over here you cannot go into your bank and purchase different currencies via a "Bureau De Change" like in the uk.......I have a sterling account over here which I was advised to open when I purchased my first property - which I have never had a need to use - however when I was going back to the uk a couple of years back I went into the bank to close this account and asked for sterling to take back with me, only to be told that it wasn't possible....very strange to say the least..... they must hold sterling deposits that people pay in, so why a problem......or is it just a case that this is "Cyprus".....
Cheers,
Lyndi.
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