Bulgaria Ski discussion board
Before people ask...
Author:Steve C
posts : 2898 (Master)Date : 11-11-11 09:24Before people ask...
Maybe the single most important thing, and still inquired about...
Money ! It is a fact that the exchange for UK sterling is at least 10% better here than in the UK, yes there can be slight fluctuations but generally you will do better here. Change in banks, avoid on the street change kiosks... Appreciate that for a family that you could be bringing over a £1000.00 in spending so you could qualify for an additional 150-200lv (or 200 beers if you work in that currency)
Clean £20 notes ...
Money ! It is a fact that the exchange for UK sterling is at least 10% better here than in the UK, yes there can be slight fluctuations but generally you will do better here. Change in banks, avoid on the street change kiosks... Appreciate that for a family that you could be bringing over a £1000.00 in spending so you could qualify for an additional 150-200lv (or 200 beers if you work in that currency)
Clean £20 notes ...
Maybe the single most important thing, and still inquired about...
Money ! It is a fact that the exchange for UK sterling is at least 10% better here than in the UK, yes there can be slight fluctuations but generally you will do better here. Change in banks, avoid on the street change kiosks... Appreciate that for a family that you could be bringing over a £1000.00 in spending so you could qualify for an additional 150-200lv (or 200 beers if you work in that currency)
Clean £20 notes (though most banks will accept any notes), the bank will display its day rate and they do vary slightly between banks so check... Do not bother bringing Euro, they will not be accepted anywhere, even those quoting (ourselves ?) will take payment in Leva at a rate of 2-1 (Lev-Euro fixed rate 1.995)
If you are to bring any Leva, then do not bring much, or use your card to get cash from an ATM (at both airports), you will pay a commission on your card, and the exchange will be more likely the UK rate (mines not for some reason ? Nationwide, but i still pay a commission) and save your cash to change in resort.
Any concerns, just reply on this thread, im sure its been covered in the past, but thats why we are here
Money ! It is a fact that the exchange for UK sterling is at least 10% better here than in the UK, yes there can be slight fluctuations but generally you will do better here. Change in banks, avoid on the street change kiosks... Appreciate that for a family that you could be bringing over a £1000.00 in spending so you could qualify for an additional 150-200lv (or 200 beers if you work in that currency)
Clean £20 notes (though most banks will accept any notes), the bank will display its day rate and they do vary slightly between banks so check... Do not bother bringing Euro, they will not be accepted anywhere, even those quoting (ourselves ?) will take payment in Leva at a rate of 2-1 (Lev-Euro fixed rate 1.995)
If you are to bring any Leva, then do not bring much, or use your card to get cash from an ATM (at both airports), you will pay a commission on your card, and the exchange will be more likely the UK rate (mines not for some reason ? Nationwide, but i still pay a commission) and save your cash to change in resort.
Any concerns, just reply on this thread, im sure its been covered in the past, but thats why we are here
re: Before people ask...
just to add to Steve's post, the rate at Alpha Bank in Bansko is 2.26 leva to the £1.00 so its definately worth bringing sterling cash if you consider that the rate on travelex.com at the moment is 2.13..so quite a difference...all you will need is to have your passport with you to exchange your £s...very helpful Bank and they speak great English aswell
re: Before people ask...
Where abouts are the banks in town? On my many visits I don't recall seeing one! (Cashpoints not included..) - Sure they are there, just not noticed.re: Before people ask...
Alpha Bank is just off the town square,if you head down Glazne street(river Glazne on your left) when you see the sign for Centrum (centre) turn right & you come to a free parking area on your right,walk towards the town square & the Bank is on the right hand side of you with the municipality building on your left also there is a first investment Bank next door, there is a Pireaus Bank up near the Gondola ...hope that helpsre: Before people ask...
Nice one- thanks Martin
re: Before people ask...
And for those of us North of the border ... Clean, English £20 notes, have had problems with Scottish ones before.re: Before people ask...
Good point TK, that funny money from North of the border is not well liked in these parts....
Bansko has many banks, Bulgarian, Greek (the good ones !) German and French... Most are located near to the main square or the centre... All will exchange sterling, and will post their best day rate for selling currency. Alpha will more often than not give the best day rate (we use them) and will remain open on Saturday mornings through the winter season. Nikolay is the manager, very helpful, and ...
Bansko has many banks, Bulgarian, Greek (the good ones !) German and French... Most are located near to the main square or the centre... All will exchange sterling, and will post their best day rate for selling currency. Alpha will more often than not give the best day rate (we use them) and will remain open on Saturday mornings through the winter season. Nikolay is the manager, very helpful, and ...
Good point TK, that funny money from North of the border is not well liked in these parts....
Bansko has many banks, Bulgarian, Greek (the good ones !) German and French... Most are located near to the main square or the centre... All will exchange sterling, and will post their best day rate for selling currency. Alpha will more often than not give the best day rate (we use them) and will remain open on Saturday mornings through the winter season. Nikolay is the manager, very helpful, and great English is spoken throughout the bank. All you need is your passport to make exchange, or if your considering coming more frequently, maybe open an account, 20mins and its done. Great investment rates offered on Leva accounts (7%) which can be managed from the UK via on-line banking...
Bansko has many banks, Bulgarian, Greek (the good ones !) German and French... Most are located near to the main square or the centre... All will exchange sterling, and will post their best day rate for selling currency. Alpha will more often than not give the best day rate (we use them) and will remain open on Saturday mornings through the winter season. Nikolay is the manager, very helpful, and great English is spoken throughout the bank. All you need is your passport to make exchange, or if your considering coming more frequently, maybe open an account, 20mins and its done. Great investment rates offered on Leva accounts (7%) which can be managed from the UK via on-line banking...
