Bulgaria

Bulgariahttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-europe/bulgariaBulgariahttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-europe/bulgaria/how-to-stay-safe-in-bulgariaWe asked our Bulgarian safety expert, Svetoslav Dimitrov, to share his tips for travelers for staying out of trouble in Bulgaria.2020-01-30T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-europe/bulgaria/how-to-stay-safe-in-bulgariahttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Bulgaria packs a powerful punch when it comes to natural beauty – from the Pirin Mountains to beaches by the Black Sea.</p> <p>I was born and raised in Bulgaria, and after several years overseas, I settled back in my home country.</p> <p>We pride ourselves on the variety of our food, our famous Rosa Damascena (Damask Rose), and the hospitality of our people.</p> <p>Bulgaria is a very <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-europe/bulgaria/bulgaria-laws-and-customs" target="_blank" title="Local Customs and Health in Bulgaria: Travel Tips">safe</a> country. We avoid military conflicts, <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-europe/bulgaria/bulgaria-crime-and-begging" target="_blank" title="Crime in Bulgaria">crime</a> is low, we don’t actively engage in heated political debates, public protests are rare (but avoid them if they do break out), and religions coexist happily on the whole. The main religion in Bulgaria is Bulgarian Orthodox, but there are also Roman Catholics, Muslims, Protestants and Jews.</p> <p>Here are the seven safety issues that you should be aware of <a href="/explore/eastern-europe/bulgaria/things-to-do-cost-guide-and-places-to-stay-in-bulgaria" target="_blank" title="Top things to do in Bulgaria">before you come here</a>:</p> <ul> <li><a href="#cash"> Fake exchange rates </a></li> <li><a href="#bills"> Inflated bills </a></li> <li><a href="#alleys"> Dark back alleys </a></li> <li><a href="#taxis"> Fake taxis </a></li> <li><a href="#animals"> Stray animals </a></li> <li><a href="#lgbtq"> LGBTQ+ travel safety tips </a></li> <li><a href="#nature"> Natural disasters and weather </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="cash">1. Be aware of fake exchange rates</h2> <p>Bulgaria is still mostly a cash economy. While you can pay with a card in the malls and supermarkets, that’s rarely the case in other places such as markets, street stalls and most restaurants. So, it is a good idea to always have some cash on you.</p> <p>It’s easy to get cash from ATMs in Bulgaria. It’s not necessary to get local money in advance before arriving, but it might be handy to have some for when you arrive.</p> <p>However, don’t exchange your foreign currency anywhere but in banks. The Bulgarian currency – the lev (BGN) – has been tied to the euro (EUR) since 1999, and, at the time of writing in January 2020, the official exchange rate is 1.95 BGN for 1 EUR.</p> <p>Pay attention to this one. Many exchange places, especially at seaside resorts, usually add an extra digit to the rate, exchanging 1 EUR <em>not</em> for 1.95 but for 1.195 BGN. It’s very easy to miss the difference, and I know some locals have fallen for that trick. In fact, I almost did once.</p> <p>To be on the safe side, always use banks. But have your ID with you, as they’ll ask for it.</p> <h2 id="bills">2. Inflated bills</h2> <p>Bulgarian food is delicious. To avoid spoiling your fantastic meal experience, always double-check the bill before paying to ensure everything is correct.</p> <p>Sometimes, you’ll find an extra appetizer or a cocktail (if you’ve hit a bar) you <span style="text-decoration: underline;">didn’t</span> order. And that’s rarely an honest mistake. Usually, it’s the server trying to make some cash on the side.</p> <p>Double-check your receipts at the supermarket as well. Some cashiers try to pull off the same scam.</p> <h2 id="alleys">3. The dark back alleys</h2> <p>Unfortunately, many of Bulgaria’s back streets and alleys don’t have adequate lighting at night.</p> <p>Of course, this doesn’t automatically translate to being mugged or assaulted (which happens <em>very rarely</em> in Bulgaria). But you might step into a puddle or trip over an obstacle in the dark.</p> <p>To avoid unpleasant experiences, stick to main streets if walking to your destination or get a taxi.</p> <h2 id="taxis">4. Avoid fake taxis</h2> <p>While traveling around Bulgaria, be extra careful with fake taxi companies that charge inflated rates.</p> <p>There are several well-known companies that operate in each city, especially in Sofia.</p> <p>The scammers use fake stickers and paint their cars to appear as if they’re a part of the legitimate companies. Often, the only difference is a few letters in the brand name or a single digit in the phone number.</p> <p>Either use one of the official mobile apps (<span><a href="https://www.yellow333.com/en/order-a-taxi-sofia/mobile-application-yellow-taxi">Yellow, for instance</a></span>) or ask your hotel receptionist or restaurant staff to call you a cab.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/bulgaria/veliko-tarnovo-tower-bulgaria-gettyimages-680866384.jpg" alt="An aerial view of a tall tower surrounded by green trees and a large city in the background" /> <figcaption>Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. Photo credit: Getty Images/valentinrussanov</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="animals">5. Beware of stray animals</h2> <p>Bulgaria has made great strides toward curbing this problem. However, there’s still an alarming number of stray dogs and cats freely roaming the streets. Keep your distance to avoid diseases or getting bitten.</p> <p>Try to overcome your desire to pet them. The last thing you want from your trip is a spell in hospital for rabies shots. <span><a href="https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/bulgaria">Rabies is not considered a major risk to travelers in Bulgaria</a></span>, but speak to your travel doctor about your plans in case they recommend a rabies shot before you leave home.</p> <h2 id="lgbtq">6. LGBTQ+ travel safety</h2> <p>While homosexuality is not illegal in Bulgaria, same-sex marriages don’t yet enjoy legal recognition. Similar to many other countries from Eastern Europe, Bulgaria tends to be socially conservative.</p> <p>While discrimination against LGBTQ+ community has been illegal since 2004, many locals still have negative reactions to public displays of affection between gay couples. LGBTQ+ travelers might want to consider refraining from showing affection in public.</p> <p>That said, attitudes are changing, and you can find a few gay bars and clubs in big cities like the capital Sofia, plus Plovdiv, and Varna.</p> <p>Sofia hosts an annual Gay Pride, but it has faced protests and violence in the past.</p> <h2 id="nature">7. Natural disasters and weather in Bulgaria</h2> <p>Bulgaria is located in a seismically active zone. Multiple tremors are felt throughout the year, but most of these are minimal. <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-europe/bulgaria/how-to-stay-safe-in-bulgaria">Larger earthquakes</a> have affected the country in the past, such as the 2012 Pernik earthquake, but there’s not much for travelers to worry about.</p> <p>Beware during the rainy months (May and June) of flash flooding. Stay up to date with the <span><a href="https://www.accuweather.com/en/bg/bulgaria-weather" target="_blank" title="Accuweather">weather</a></span> and local news if you are traveling during this time.</p> <p>During summer (June to August) and early autumn (September), wildfires are a threat in Bulgaria. If you are traveling to areas that are heavily forested, make sure you follow advice from local authorities if a fire is spreading.</p> <p>Try visiting Bulgaria before the busy summer months, or travel to Bulgaria for the snow from December to March. My favorite time to visit is mid-April until the end of May when the temperatures are perfect for hiking, and landscapes are verdant.</p>Getty Images/sjhaytov 11098221494 Getty Images Medieval Cherepish Monastery of The Assumption and Iskar River Gorge, Bulgaria

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-europe/bulgaria/driving-safely-in-bulgaria-the-good-the-bad-the-ugly-a-must-readOur travel safety expert shares his tips for safe driving on Bulgaria's roads.2018-01-15T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-europe/bulgaria/driving-safely-in-bulgaria-the-good-the-bad-the-ugly-a-must-readhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Bulgarian <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-europe/bulgaria/bulgaria-laws-and-customs" target="_blank">drivers are quite aggressive</a>, which can make driving intimidating. The cars are as unsafe as the drivers, often old and lacking in maintenance.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#roads"> Poor Roads </a></li> <li><a href="#car-crime"> Car Crime </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="roads">Poor roads in Bulgaria</h2> <p>Infrastructure is poor, and roads throughout the country are largely unfinished; you could run into loose gravel and potholes on major <g class="gr_ gr_51 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation multiReplace" id="51" data-gr-id="51">roadways, and h</g>itting either of these at full speed can be disastrous.</p> <p>Traffic signs and lane markings are scarce and make it very difficult to anticipate dangers.</p> <p>Animals and livestock roam the roads in remote areas, and driving in winter and at night is very risky and should be avoided.</p> <h2 id="car-crime">Car crime in Bulgaria</h2> <p>Carjacking is possible, and you might encounter fake police officers along the Black Sea coast, or near Dupnitsa and Kyustendil on the roadway to Greece and Macedonia.</p> <p>Avoid your itch to flip off, yell at, or otherwise confront aggressive or angry drivers. People like guns in Bulgaria, and aren't afraid to use them. Road rage incidents sometimes end very unhappily.</p> <p>You will come under more scrutiny as a foreign driver, so be extra careful with traffic rules and regulations and do not drive or park anywhere you should not.</p> <p>If you want to avoid getting pulled over by a "real" cop, follow the speed limit and make sure you have the right paperwork - a license, registration and Bulgarian car insurance.</p> <p>It's also a good idea to obtain an International Driver's Permit before you leave as it is a requirement in Bulgaria.</p> <p>Every driver must possess a highway permit, called a "vignette" obtainable at post offices, ports, border points, gas stations and DZI bank offices.</p> <p>Bulgarian drivers aren't too keen on pedestrians, so be extra, extra careful crossing the street no matter where you are in the country.</p>iStock/ADonsky 0543981446 iStock Evening over Sofia city

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-europe/bulgaria/bulgaria-laws-and-customsTipping culture, wild dogs, air pollution and tapping the salt shaker twice – this is what you should know about health and customs in Bulgaria.2019-12-17T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-europe/bulgaria/bulgaria-laws-and-customshttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#smokers"> Pollution in Bulgaria </a></li> <li><a href="#yes-or-no"> Interacting with locals </a></li> <li><a href="#tipping"> Local customs in Bulgaria </a></li> <li><a href="#wild"> Wild Bulgaria </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="smokers">Air pollution in Bulgaria</h2> <p>Air pollution is a serious concern in Bulgaria. Get used to seeing smoke, and be prepared for poor ventilation systems in enclosed areas, such as shopping centers, where smoke may trickle in.</p> <p><a href="http://chrodis.eu/good-practice/total-ban-smoking-indoor-outdoor-public-places-bulgaria/" target="_blank">In 2012 Bulgaria introduced a smoking ban prohibiting smoking in all public places</a> including bars, restaurants, clubs, offices and sports stadiums. So, if you're a smoker, keep this law in mind.</p> <h2 id="yes-or-no">Local interactions</h2> <ul> <li>Some people do speak English in Bulgaria, but many signs are in the Cyrillic language. Learn some important phrases before you go, and become especially familiar with driving signs if you are driving yourself around the country</li> <li>Bulgarian head gestures for "yes" and "no" might surprise you. If you shake your head from side to side, you are saying "yes," and a nod means "no"</li> <li>You should use the Bulgarian forms of Miss, Mrs. and Mr. when speaking to a local, unless otherwise directed</li> <li>If you are invited somewhere by a Bulgarian, give wine or flowers as a customary thanks</li> <li>You may also have to take your shoes off in some homes – ask politely before entering to be sure</li> <li>Shake hands with men and women, and introduce yourself with your first and last name</li> <li>It is illegal to cover your face in Bulgaria</li> <li>This should go without saying, but offer your seat to anyone elderly or pregnant when traveling on public transport.</li> </ul> <h2 id="tipping">Local customs in Bulgaria</h2> <ul> <li>Bulgaria is still largely a cash economy, so make sure you carry cash on you at all times</li> <li>One local custom in Bulgaria is to tap the salt shaker twice on the end of the table before seasoning your food</li> <li>Meeting to drink coffee is a big cultural and social custom, and locals usually order their coffees as short, long or double</li> <li>Tips for restaurant service are expected to be small; try rounding up to the nearest dollar</li> <li>If you have been invited to a birthday party, be prepared for lots of drinking</li> <li>The Bulgarians have a lot of holidays, including the saint days, or name days, related to the ones for which they are named.</li> </ul> <h2 id="wild">Wild dogs in Bulgaria</h2> <p>Surprising to some, Bulgaria has some really interesting wild animals, in particular, wild dogs – especially in Sofia, where they can be found in <a href="http://www.sofia-guide.com/attraction/borisova-gradina/" target="_blank" title="Sofia Guide">Borissova gradina</a> (the Garden of Boris).</p> <p>They mostly keep to themselves, but do not try to feed them or aggravate them in any way. Rabies is endemic in Bulgaria; so if you are bitten, seek medical treatment immediately.</p>iStock/sfabisuk 0615112296 iStock Sofia at sunset

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-europe/bulgaria/bulgaria-crime-and-beggingHeading to Bulgaria? Find out which areas to avoid, pickpocket hot-spots, how to spot fake police and petty crimes.2019-12-31T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-europe/bulgaria/bulgaria-crime-and-begginghttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Thankfully the smaller crowds also mean petty crime is less common. But, you can still run into trouble, and there are pickpockets in certain areas. These places shouldn't be avoided altogether, but you should be sure to exercise extra caution.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#wheres-the-problem"> Crime hotspots in Bulgaria </a></li> <li><a href="#types-of-trouble"> Types of trouble you may find </a></li> <li><a href="#gypsies"> Gypsies and begging in Bulgaria </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="wheres-the-problem">Crime hotspots in Bulgaria</h2> <p>In Sofia, Sveta Nedelya Square and its underpass near the Sheraton Hotel and the underpass to Central Station are popular places for criminals, some criminals may be on drugs – so avoid these areas if you are alone or late at night.</p> <p>The red light district near Pliska Hotel and park areas near Lion's Bridge, or Lvov Most, also are considered unsafe, and occasionally muggings do occur.</p> <p>Resort areas like Sunny Beach and mountain ski resorts can also be problematic with their growing population of scammers and criminals, who can be forceful and persistent.</p> <h2 id="types-of-trouble">Types of trouble in Bulgaria</h2> <ul> <li>Groups of children may try to pickpocket or mug you in the cities of Sofia and Varna</li> <li>Although rare, bag slashers have been reported cutting purse straps on public transport</li> <li>If you rent a car, park it in a secure area, and be wary of strangers who come to your assistance when your tires have been slashed/deflated – it was most likely that person, who also stole your belongings from your car</li> <li>Red light districts are always magnets for criminals, and in Bulgaria there are some gangs who operate in nightclubs and casinos of the red light districts – sometimes violent attacks may break out, including shootings and bombings between rival groups</li> <li>Sex workers may rob people as well</li> <li>Do not buy drugs on the street or in the clubs</li> <li>At Sunny Beach, watch out for criminals posing as police who will attempt to fine you for vague offenses – always ask to see their ID</li> <li>At some ski resorts, vendors will try to sell you "traditional" Bulgarian bells – they usually aren't genuine</li> <li>ATM card skimming, credit card and internet fraud have become popular in Bulgaria</li> <li>Take caution when withdrawing from ATMs, and try to avoid ATMs facing the street – especially at night</li> <li>Scammers can also get your card details via unsecured wifi networks, so use only protected wifi networks that restaurants, cafes, hotels and others will offer.</li> </ul> <h2 id="gypsies">Gypsies and begging in Bulgaria</h2> <p>There is also reported to be a gypsy element in Bulgaria which popularly gets associated with general beggars and people selling trinkets and other items. Keep a close eye on your belongings while in crowded areas.</p> <p>Beggars often don't take no for an answer, and may hang around you for a while before they finally give up. If they try to sell you pirated DVDs or souvenirs, give a firm no and do not entertain the idea. Eventually, they will leave you alone.</p> <p>These people may ask how long you're staying, and hassle you each and every day to buy something. If you tell them to leave you alone when you first see them, chances are they'll not try again.</p> <p>Beware of these scams, from the currency exchange to taxi drivers who are ripping-off tourists. </p>iStock/Marholev 0171580950 iStock Albena resort near Varna, Bulgaria