However, the display of prices often leads to confusion on the part of consumers, and it is not uncommon for some stores to do so in a way that makes it difficult for customers. We talk about the problem with Bogomil Nikolov, executive director of the Bulgarian National Association "Active Consumers".

"In the beginning there was confusion, as some traders started announcing the two currencies before there was an information campaign. People really didn't know what these strange, new numbers that appeared on the labels were. And, naturally, some people recognized them as promotions and decided that this was some kind of price reduction. That was a month or two ago. Now, I think, there is no one who doesn't know that there are two prices," Bogomil Nikolov pointed out.

Currently, the problem is different - if there are complaints, they are related to incorrectly written double prices or missing prices at all, adds the chairman of the consumer organization. The postponement by the state in terms of imposing fines is also a factor, giving traders a "window" until October 8 not to announce prices in euros.

"I think this will give us enough time as consumers to get used to both prices. At this stage, the risks for consumers are still small, because we continue to read labels in leva and pay in leva. The hard part will come on January 2, when we will suddenly be able to pay in both currencies. And from the experience of other countries, I know that within two weeks at most, the old currency simply disappears from circulation. And then people who have thought and counted in leva all their lives will have to readjust. Of course, in order to readjust, these four months in which we have dual labels should help. Their function is to somehow to help us get used to it."

The real risk comes with dual circulation within the first month of the new year 2026 – from January 1 to 31, when both currencies will be accepted.

"The merchant has to calculate very quickly and the probability of calculating to our detriment is realistic. That is, we have to calculate at the same time. And that is why we are now advising people - in January, do not spend the remaining levs in your pockets, but directly withdraw euros. The money you have left, change it at the bank, this is done without commission and fee. Because if we shop with levs and they return the change to us in euros, the risks of such mistakes increase", emphasized Nikolov.

Of course, there is also a risk of attempts by certain criminal groups to speculate with counterfeit euro banknotes, so the most reliable way to exchange money is through banks, he also advises. Another piece of advice - to pay with a card, which would eliminate the risk of counterfeit change.

"I cannot think of another more reliable recommendation than to pay with a card whenever and wherever we can", emphasizes the head of the consumer organization. He did not spare criticism of the role of state institutions - in his opinion, the campaign for the euro is very late, especially in communication with consumers. However, this will most likely be made up for by the New Year, he believes.

As with any topic, consumers are divided on the topic:

"I have no confusion with prices in euros and leva. Older people are confused by this. I can easily find my way around in the store, I first see the prices in leva, and then in euros," says Plamen, a young man from Sofia.

The price hike is due to "the obsession of some merchants to get rich quickly," believes Sergey, a doctor at a large metropolitan hospital. "Because of the mass ignorance of people and mass fear, prices are rising," he points out.

Despite the heated discussion and the many opinions "for" and "against" the euro, however, one thing is a fact - people from all social strata, being both opponents and supporters of the adoption of the single European currency, are increasingly informed, which in turn leads to a reduction in the risk of fraud.