10 things you should know before going to Bansko or other parts of Bulgaria

Times change and as Bulgaria takes on its new role as a full member of the EU, it too is changing - sometimes at a rate unheard of in western European countries. Bansko, in particular, has seen so much development that the Bansko of ten years ago no longer even exists! There are however, still certain things that set apart a trip to Bansko Bulgaria. Knowing some of the smaller details can often be of use while travelling through this fascinating and dynamic part of Europe.

1. Dress for the Bansko weather - even inside

As in most countries in Eastern Europe, Bulgarian buildings are centrally heated by the town or city. You may be hot or cold, but they don't turn on or off the heating until they are good and ready. This may mean bundling up in extra sweaters until approximately October or November, or conversely, sweltering with open windows as the weather warms up in March and April. Be prepared for your trip to Bansko and bring the right kind of clothes for the season.

2. Know the value of what you have in your wallet

In Bulgaria, 100 stotinki make 1 lev. Stoinki coins come in 1,2,5,10,20, and 50's and a 1 lev coin, while the paper money (leva) is comprised of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 notes. The currency of Bulgaria is fairly stable and is pegged to the Euro.
In general, it is best to change your money at a bank instead of at the independent currency exchanges which tend to charge much higher rates. The banks do not charge a commission and have internationally standardised rates. Credit cards may not always be accepted in smaller stores or cafes in Bansko. ATMs are widely available in Bansko and other parts of Bulgaria and most hotels in Bansko will also accept the Euro as well as the local currency.

3. In Bansko is that yes or no?

It can be confusing communicating in Bulgaria if you don't know that when a Bulgarian is nodding their heads up and down, it means "no" and when they are moving their heads from side to side it means "yes." Be sure that you understand what has been communicated to you by asking verbally rather than relying on body language.

4. Have you registered to stay yet?

If you are not a citizen of an EU country, please be advised that it is mandatory for you to register within 48 hours of arriving in Bansko or any other part of Bulgaria. You must have a Foreigner Registration Form stamped by your hotel or accommodation for every night of your stay. Failure to do so can result in fines or other inconveniences. Spend your holiday in Bansko on the ski hill rather than in the police station.

5. Taking a taxi in Bulgaria- an adventure in itself

While on holiday in Bulgaria, you may need to take a taxi to get from one place to another. This is a simple task if you are smart and careful. Always ride with a taxi company whose cars are new and in good shape - less risk that you will be ripped off. Taxis in Bansko and other parts of Bulgaria must have their rates posted in the window, but drivers may try to trick unsuspecting tourists. Make sure that the driver has turned on the meter when he starts to drive or you could end up with a rate that is out of this world. If you have a complaint, better to take the driver's information from his ID card which must be displayed in the front window and take it up with the company rather than with the driver himself.

6. To tip or not to tip, that is the question

While not mandatory, it is nice gesture to tip when you have received good service in Bansko. This reinforces the efforts of the person helping you and is appreciated workers in Bulgaria whose salaries are lower than most other places in the EU. The standard tip in Bulgaria and in Bansko would be from 10-15%.

7. Cheers to you!

Its not a well kept secret, but during your holiday in Bansko, you will likely have a drink or two... The standard toast in Bulgaria is done as follows: raise your glass and clink it with all the other glasses in your company. Don't forget to look each person in the eyes when you clink glasses with them, for to do otherwise is considered rude. The common toast in Bulgaria is "Na zdrave" which means "good health." Celebrate your stay in Bansko but don't overdo it!

8. When nature calls in Bansko or elsewhere....

While public restrooms in Bansko and other parts of Bulgaria have come a long way in the last decade, they can till be a shock compared to in other parts of Europe - especially if you are out of the cities and off the beaten track. If you are squeamish, stick to the restrooms in Bansko filling stations, hotels and the larger restaurants. If you are caught short elsewhere? Make sure you a few coins to pay the fee (20-40 stotinki), take some paper napkins with you and step carefully....

9. The wheels on the bus go round and round

Bus transportation in Bulgaria is inexpensive and fairly easy and routes to Bansko easy to find Nevertheless, the standard of buses may range from new and modern to decidedly rustic in other cases. For most domestic trips, you can buy your ticket on the day of travel and in some cases, from the driver of the bus directly. Sometimes the drivers will offer you a bargain and charge a price cheaper than advertised. In this case, instead of giving you the ticket, he will simply pocket the money. Be careful of this practice, while it may save you a few stotinki, if you are caught by a random control check, you could pay a fine for travelling without a ticket.

10. Speaking of Bansko...

While having a traditional guidebook with general phrases to help you along is a good thing in most foreign countries, in Bansko Bulgaria you may just find yourself scratching your head in confusion. Bansko has a special dialect that even other locals in Bulgaria find challenging at times. But not to worry, the Bansko people are friendly and usually quite helpful and even if you don't share a common language you can usually find a way to communicate while in Bansko.