You are planning to visit or move to Bulgaria? Check our list with 10 things you should know before your trip to Bulgaria.

1. Check your power outlet. In Bulgaria we use a two-pin power outlet (type F). You wouldn’t want your phone to run out of battery. 

2. It is not okay to bargain. Prices in Bulgaria are fixed so do not try to bargain – it is considered rude.

3. We pay in leva. BGN (Bulgarian lev) is the currency we use in Bulgaria. Only hotels might accept paying in EUR or USD, but we recommend having Bulgarian leva with you in case the hotels do not accept other currencies.

4. It is common to pay in cash. It is common to pay via bank card as well, but in some small stores the only way you can pay is in cash. Of course, a receipt will be issued – we simply recommend having some cash with you so that you don’t get surprised. 

5. There are fake taxis (the drivers charge more than they should). So catching a random taxi at the airport can be risky – click here to check trustworthy taxi companies and useful mobile application to order a taxi online. 

6. There are many free Wi-Fi hotspots. You don’t have mobile Internet? Turn on the Wi-Fi button on your phone and look for a free connection – there are many free hotspots in each city (usually in parks, central parts of the city or even some cafés).

7. People nod for ”No” and shake their head for ”Yes”. Seems confusing? The most confusing part is that some people do the exact opposite. So if someone is shaking their head to express their answer to a question – you better ask ”Was it a yes or a no?”.

8. Most signs are written in Bulgarian language. You should definitely pick up some basic Bulgarian language skills before visiting in Bulgaria – often the names of stores or signs are written in Bulgarian language which will make it hard for you to navigate in the city. Of course, most young people speak English so you can always ask someone on the street for directions. 

9. Smoking in closed areas is forbidden (e.g. in restaurants, pubs, etc.). Hence, we recommend avoiding smoking in closed areas as the police might fine you. 

10. Always have your ID with you. It is not very common that a policeman stops you and asks for your ID. However, according to law, you must be able to show an identification document (ID or passport) if the police stops you.