Useful tips
MONEY
The national currency is Bulgarian Lev (BGN), or Leva (plural) one lev is made up of 100 'stotinki'.
The following coins are available: 1, 2, 5,10,20,50 stotinki and 1 lev.The following notes are available: 2,5,10, 20, 50, 100 leva (BGN).
Hotels, restaurants, taxi drivers and shops accept payments in Bulgarian Leva only.
Money Exchange
Cash machines are easily accessible in the big cities and larger towns. You can get up to 200 BGN at a time from one cash machine.
All major European, North American and Japanese debit and credit cards are accepted. Money can also be exchanged safely at exchange bureaus, or at most banks. We would advise you to use banks first, or reputable exchange bureau, which must display clearly exchange rates on large tables, with the sign “No Commission”. Exchange bureau are no longer allowed to charge a commission for money exchange, so it is always better to check first. Airports and hotels also offer money exchange, but they usually tend to give less favorable rates.
NEVER change money with anyone who stops you in the street, offering a better rate. Although money exchange scams are not as common as they were before, we would advise you to exchange money only in reputable places. It is always better to familiarize yourself with the local currency prior to arrival to Bulgaria. Please use the link to the Bulgarian National Bank official site. (www.bnb.bg)
Bulgarian Lev is pegged to the Euro and the exchange rate is fixed at 1 EUR = 1, 95 BGN. For orientation purposes you can assume the following: 1 US Dollar = 1.6 BGN, Pound Sterling = 2.7 BGN, but please note exchange rates fluctuate on a daily basis.
Credit Cards: Better hotels, shops and restaurants in Sofia accept credit cards, but this is not so in smaller villages in the country. Cash is widely accepted form of payment in Bulgaria and it is always better to keep some bills on you.
Travellers’ cheques: We would advise you to go to a bank for cashing your cheques. Banks charge a small commission. (min.1%).
BODY LANGUAGE
Although strange, traditionally we shake our heads side-to-side for “Yes”, showing agreement, and nod to indicate a “No”. This creates a great deal of misunderstandings, so you should bear this in mind during your first visit.
Bulgaria, in general, is a safe country. To many foreigners, used to European countries, Bulgaria appears to be safe. Most frequent crimes to be mentioned are - pick pocketing, mugging and car theft. We would advise you to carry all valuables close to your body, or leave them in a hotel safe. If you use the public transportation, be extremely cautious, because pickpockets are very active there. They usually hang around in the places frequented by foreigners. Be careful if a group of well-dressed women crowd you in the street. They often are pickpockets.
TIPPING
Tipping is a common practice in restaurants (10%). Some restaurants introduced service charge, included in the price, so check the menu or the bill first. Taxi drivers, hairdressers and guides also expect tips.
TAXIS
There are several reputable companies in Sofia, offering modern cars and reliable service. The tariffs are almost identical. We would recommend OK Supertrans, or Yes-Yellow taxis. The table of fares is visible on the front panel of the cab. Normal rates vary between 0,50 – 0,55 BGN per km (Jan.15, 2007) From the airport to downtown Sofia hotel a reasonable rate is between 5-6 EUR, excluding the tip (10-20%), from Central bus terminal to Sofia downtown – 2-3 EUR. Unfortunately, there are taxis, which are avoided by the locals, because they have very high rates. Such cabs wait in front of hotels, or embassies, sometimes at the new airport terminal and central bus station. Always check the tariff before you get on. You may ask your hotel receptionist to call a cab for you.
VISAS
EU passport holders, as well as those of USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Israel and some other countries with reciprocal agreements, are visa-free for a stay up to 30 days in Bulgaria.You can get a consular information at http://www.mfa.government.bg/
