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.

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....

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.

Top 8 reasons to choose Bansko Ski Resort over the French Alps for your next alpine holiday

Bansko Ski Resort is a place you simply must see to believe. The area provides visitors with a taste of amazing history, culture, genuine folklore traditions and exceptional skiing, and has something for everyone in your group. Even if experiencing the slopes is not part of your holiday plan, Bansko Ski has it all. Forget the crowds and prices in the French Alps and opt for something more original and refreshing. Discover for yourself and return year after year.

1. Bansko’s season is longer than the average in France
While the ski season in France tends to run from January to April, Bansko Ski Resort is open from mid December to mid May. In fact, Bansko Ski Resort has the longest ski season of all the ski resorts in Bulgaria. And the snow in Bulgaria is fabulous! Check out the Bansko web cam and see for yourself.

2. Bansko Ski Resort is one of the fastest growing resorts in Europe
The development over the last ten years at Bansko Ski Resort has been astonishing! Bansko and the surrounding area have seen a growth explosion in both real estate sales and property development as well as in the improvement of infrastructure and services. More than 30 snow cannons, fast lifts, luxury accommodations and much more have made Bansko Ski Resort a logical choice for skiers looking for a good time on and off the slopes.

3. Bansko Ski is a “no-line ups” resort
With 1 gondola, 7 high speed chairs, and 7 drag lifts, the lifts at Bansko Ski Resort transport more than 2400 people per hour up to altitudes of 2560m! You simply never have to wait in line. Spend more time on the slopes and enjoy the 65 km of skiing that Bansko Ski Resort has to offer.

4. Bansko Ski Resort’s location offers so much more than skiing and snowboarding
Bansko Ski Resort is also special because of it’s proximity to a variety of day-trip destinations in the local area. The range of activities around Bansko Ski is limited only by your imagination and energy level! Book a tour of the Rila or Rozhen Monasteries, visit the Ygodinska Cave or take the extraordinary and scenic train ride to Velingrad – all possible while keeping the resort as your holiday base. Take a summer hike through the trails and enjoy the wide range of eco-tourism activities offered in the area around Bansko Ski Resort. Once nestled in the mountains of Bansko, enjoy the famous Dobrinishte and Banya mineral springs which are located kilometres from Bansko Ski Resort. The springs, which have been favorite places of relaxation and luxury pampering for centuries, are a great place to be pampered after a day on the slopes or hiking in the mountains.

5. Jazz, jazz and more jazz!
Come to Bansko each summer and take in the music! This is the home of the Bansko International Jazz festival which takes place each August and attracts artists from all over the world. Enjoy the amazing surroundings and take in the smooth rhythms of blues, fusion, Latin, R&B, soul and a whole range of other jazz styles while celebrating what Bansko Ski has to offer. 

6. Folk culture extravaganza
In May, just when Bansko Ski Resort’s winter season is winding down and summer is heating up, join the folk in Bansko for the Macedonian Song Festival. Also, Bansko’s own special festival takes place from May 17th-24th each year. These are both great times to visit Bansko and see what Bansko Ski has to offer once the snow has melted.

7. Save money without compromising service
Bansko Ski Resort has all the great service you'd expect of a French resort without the added costs. While Bansko may be smaller than some of the French resorts, the bigger French sites just can't compete with Bansko Ski Resort in terms of value for money. Hotels such as the newly opened Bansko Kempinski ensure luxury while Bulgaria in general remains cheaper than other parts of Europe. Why not take advantage of luxury and uncompromising service and save at the same time?

8. Modern Skiing mixed with charming culture and entertainment
Bansko has a rich history which produces fantastic food, wine and hospitality. More than the food and wine, the old historic surrounds with live local table side folk music provides a very unique setting for any evening celebration! The local Bulgarians take it all to an extra level with great service.

See you in Bansko Bulgaria!