Tips for playing the currency game

Nine of the former Soviet bloc countries are among the 27 members of the European Union, but only one — Slovenia — has adopted the euro as its official currency.

The only legal tender in the other countries are their own currencies, although hotels, rental car agencies, etc. will often quote prices in euros as a convenience. To avoid confusion over how the exchange rate might be calculated, ask for prices in the local currency.

Whatever you do, never agree to let a merchant charge your credit card in dollars. This is a scheme called "dynamic currency conversion."

It's sold to travelers as a convenience, but it's really a (legal) money-making opportunity for the merchants who calculate price at an unfavorable exchange rate and pocket the difference as a fee.

The Bulgarian lev is officially tied to the euro, meaning when the euro rises or falls, so does the lev. But the cost of living is cheap compared to the U.S., and Bulgaria is one of Eastern Europe's best travel bargains.

Romania dropped four zeros off its currency in 2005 and phased out the old money as of this year. The new bills are plasticized so they can't be torn.

ATMs are plentiful, and credit cards are accepted by larger hotels, shops and restaurants. Currency left over from one country can be exchanged for another at banks and private exchange kiosks. For current exchange rates, see www.oanda.com.

Carol Pucci, Seattle Times travel writer