Bulgaria is a Balkan nation with a diverse landscape encompassing the Black Sea coastline, a mountainous interior, and the Danube River. Its capital, Sofia, is a historic city and the country’s primary economic engine. With a population of approximately 6.2 million, Bulgaria’s economy is transitioning toward higher-value manufacturing and technology services. In 2026, the nation is focused on Eurozone integration and energy diversification. Major exports include refined petroleum, copper, electrical equipment, and agricultural products like grain and rose oil.
Money Transfer Locations
Western Union
Western Union is the most established network in Bulgaria, operating through Central Cooperative Bank, Postbank, and numerous SDI Broker locations.
- Sofia – Vitosha Blvd, Serdika, and Mladost District
- Plovdiv – Knyaz Alexander I St and Kapana District
- Varna – Maria Louisa Blvd and Sea Garden area
- Burgas – Aleksandrovska St and Lazur
- Ruse – Svoboda Square and Aleksandrovska
- Stara Zagora – Tsar Simeon Veliki Blvd
- Pleven – Danail Popov Blvd
- Sliven – Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd
- Dobrich – City Centre
- Shumen – Slavianski Blvd
- Veliko Tarnovo – Vasil Levski St
- Blagoevgrad – Todor Alexandrov St
- Haskovo – Bulgaria Blvd
- Kazanlak – Sevtopolis Square
MoneyGram
MoneyGram is widely accessible through the EasyPay network, United Bulgarian Bank (UBB), and DSK Bank branches.
- Sofia – Mall of Sofia and National Palace of Culture (NDK) area
- Plovdiv – Grand Mall Plovdiv
- Varna – Grand Mall Varna
- Gabrovo – Aprilovska St
- Pazardzhik – Town Centre
- Asenovgrad – Vasil Levski Blvd
- Vratsa – Hristo Botev Square
- Kyustendil – Town Square
- Vidin – Near the Danube Port
- Montana – City Hub
Ria Money Transfer
Ria services are primarily facilitated through EasyPay offices and First Investment Bank (Fibank).
- Sofia – Alexander Nevsky Cathedral area and Business Park
- Plovdiv – Main Pedestrian Zone
- Burgas – Port area and Central Plaza
- Yambol – Town Centre
- Dimitrovgrad – Main Market area
- Targovishte – Central District
- Silistra – Near the border crossing
- Smolyan – Rhodope Mountains hub
Major Bank & Financial Partners
For international wire transfers and digital remittances, these leading Bulgarian banks provide extensive services:
- United Bulgarian Bank (UBB) – Part of KBC Group
- DSK Bank – Part of OTP Group
- UniCredit Bulbank
- Postbank (Eurobank Bulgaria)
- First Investment Bank (Fibank)
- Central Cooperative Bank (CCB)
- EasyPay (Largest non-bank payout network)
- Bulgarian Posts (National Postal Service)
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I send money to the Philippines from Bulgaria?
You can send money home to the Philippines from Bulgaria through licensed remittance providers such as Western Union, MoneyGram, Ria, Wise, Remitly, and PNB Remittance. Major Philippine banks (BDO, BPI, Metrobank, Landbank) accept inbound transfers via SWIFT and partner corridors, and digital wallets like GCash and Maya support direct cash-in from many providers in Bulgaria.
How long does a remittance from Bulgaria to the Philippines take?
Most digital transfers from Bulgaria to the Philippines arrive within minutes for cash pickup and 1–2 business days for bank deposit to BDO, BPI, Metrobank, Landbank and other Philippine banks. Bank-to-bank SWIFT wires can take 2–4 business days. Weekend transfers usually post on the next Philippine banking day.
What ID does my family in the Philippines need to receive the money?
Recipients in the Philippines must present a valid government-issued photo ID (PhilSys/National ID, passport, driver's licence, UMID, or PRC ID), the sender's full name in Bulgaria, the exact amount, and the reference/MTCN number. Some providers also require the recipient's mobile number for OTP verification.
Which providers offer the best exchange rate from Bulgaria to the Philippines?
Rates change daily, but Wise, Remitly, and Ria typically post mid-market or near-mid-market PHP rates from Bulgaria, while Western Union and MoneyGram trade rate for wider Philippine cash-pickup networks. Always compare the all-in cost (fee + FX margin) on each provider's quote before sending — savings of 2–4% are common on OFW corridors.
Is it safe to send remittances from Bulgaria to the Philippines in 2026?
Yes — sending money from Bulgaria to the Philippines is safe when you use a provider licensed in Bulgaria on the sending side and a BSP-registered receiving agent in the Philippines. Verify your recipient's full legal name as printed on their ID, share the reference number privately, and avoid social-media middlemen. Report any issues to your local financial regulator in Bulgaria and to the BSP Consumer Affairs Group for the Philippine end.