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Useful Tips
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Body language
It’s confusing - you need to understand that when a Bulgarian nods their head up and down they are saying NO! And when they shake their head from side to side they are saying YES! They also wear their wedding ring on the opposite hand from those in the West – a married person wears the ring on their right hand.
Celebrations
Bulgarians celebrate Birthdays, but they also celebrate Name Days. A Name Day occurs when the saint after which you have been named has their feast day – if your name is Stephen you will celebrate on the feast of St Stephen. On this day the person celebrating will normally bring chocolates into work to share with colleagues. They can also expect a visit from friends and relatives who will take the opportunity to wish them well.
Hospitality
Bulgarians are extremely hospitable and gregarious, but there are certain little rituals that you need to understand. If you are invited to someone’s house do not go empty-handed – it is customary to take flowers, wine of some other small gift. If taking flowers make sure there are an odd number of stems in the bouquet – even numbers are traditionally reserved for funerals.
Many Bulgarian families remove their shoes at the door, but as a guest they will insist that you keep your shoes on. If the weather is very wet you might want to bring some dry shoes with you to avoid any embarrassing situations. As explained under “body language” nodding and shaking of the head have opposite meanings here from in the West, so to avoid any possible confusion it is best to say the word “yes” or “no” to make your meaning clear. Finally, when complimenting the looks of a child, a Bulgarian will make a spitting sound – this is a superstitious gesture that is intended to ward off a jinx.
Money
The Bulgarian currency is the Lev (plural Leva). One Lev is divided into 100 Stotinki. Banknotes are issued in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 Leva denominations. Coins are issued in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 Stoninki denominations.
Money Exchange
We advise you to change money at the banks because they tend to offer better rates and generally don’t charge commission.
Films
Most large cinemas show films with the soundtrack in their original language, but with Bulgarian subtitles. The same usually applies to videos and DVDs. Children’s films, however, tend to be dubbed. Check www.programata.bg for weekly cinema screenings.
Police Registration
You need to register with the police within 48 hours of entering Bulgaria. Failure to do this can result in fines and other unwelcome headaches.
Shopping
Large supermarkets such as Billa, Metro and Hit offer a wide range of local and imported products. Service in smaller stores can be patchy – customer focus is a relatively new concept and some shop assistants are adapting slower than others! Credit cards are generally welcome in larger establishments but you’ll be surprised at how often you still need cash. You can withdraw cash using credit cards at the abundant ATM machines in towns and cities.
Smoking
Smoking is still very popular in Bulgaria and until 2005 there were no concessions for non-smokers. New regulation, however, have been introduced in public places and offices. All restaurants, bars and cafes now have properly ventilated No Smoking areas that include at least 40% of their tables. Having said this, some Bulgarians are proving slow to recognise these new regulations!
Taxis
Be wary! Unsuspecting travellers who are not be familiar with the standard fares and charges will be easy prey for some of the crafty drivers who frequent pavements outside hotels, airports and railway stations.
In Sofia the going rate is 0.39 BGN (39 Stotinki) per km in the daytime and 0.45 (45 Stotinki) per km at night. The rates should be clearly displayed in the front window, or on the dashboard, as well as in the rear window. However, some drivers surreptitiously move the decimal point so you expect to pay 0.45, but end up being charged 4.50 – if you don’t notice their deception before you set off you have no recourse, because it is your responsibility to clarify the rate in advance. Wherever possible call a reputable company with new cars and fixed rates (OK Supertans is a good example: tel 9732121).
You can take a taxi from a rank but they may refuse to take you if the journey is short and they don’t want to go in that direction! You can also wave downl a moving cab from the roadside.
When paying you should ask for a receipt. If you have any complaint write down the drivers details – these should be displayed on their pass and you can then contact the company they work for.
Tipping
It is optional, but generally expected in restaurants, cafes, bars, taxis and hairdressers. 10 – 15% is the norm.
Drinking
It is de rigeur to make a toast when drinking alcohol. Raise your glass and lightly clink it with the glasses of your fellow drinkers whilst looking each one in the eye – it is rude if you fail to make eye contact. You say “Na zdrave”, which means “Good health to you”. If you are in a group of 10 people you do this with all 10!
Toilets
Facilities have improved dramatically over the last 10 years, but in some older establishments and remoter areas standards can leave a bit to be desired! Most modern service stations, restaurants, hotels and bars now have everything you would expect, but elsewhere you may be confronted by a simple hole in the floor and an absence of toilet paper! You may also have to pay between 20 and 50 Stotinki to use the toilet in many establishments.
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Investment Opportunity
There has never been a better time to invest in Bulgaria. The economi... more
Why Bulgaria?
Bulgaria is the fastest growing holiday and property investment destin... more
About Bulgaria
For tourists and property investors alike, Bulgaria truly has it all. ... more
General information
The Republic of Bulgaria covers 110,910sq km and has a population of 7... more
Airports
Sofia Airport
Sofia airport is just 5km east of the ... more
Climate
Bulgaria is blessed with an almost perfect climate. Summers are typica... more
Culture and Traditions
As you’d expect of a country with such a long a chequered history Bulg... more
History
Bulgaria has a long, turbulent and fascinating history. It has been i... more
Bulgaria’s entry into the EU
On the 25th of April 2005 Bulgaria signed the accession treaty that wi... more
Economy
How favourable is it for foreign investors?
The Bulg... more
The property market in Bulgaria
Bulgarian real estate sector is currently very buoyant – there is no s... more
Government
Bulgaria is a stable Parliamentary Republic. The constitution was rat... more
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