Bulgaria Ski discussion board

For those who have never travelled to Bulgaria before, here are some useful tips to stay safe and fully enjoy your holiday this season.

Firstly money.
Never ever change money on the streets or on the slopes with strangers. Just politely say 'no thanks' and walk away. No matter what rate they offer you - walk away. If you do decide to exchane money with them you will be given either fake or outdated levs that are worthless. It a shame this goes on but it does.

Instead, use either the hotel receptions, high street banks, or exchange booths that carry the Crown isignia. These are state owned and are genuine people. Other booths are not so genuine and whilst some are OK others are run by con men. Csh machines are fine and take all major cards. The rate is also fairly good as well.

Bulgarian people are lovely people and will almost certainly steal your heart away.They are happy, warm, and generous and above all the want you to enjoy your holiday. However, like any country there is a bad eliment that you need to stay clear of. Stick together in the evenings and don't be the Charlie that wanders home alone drunk at 3am. This is just asking for trouble.

Also remember that a nod of the head in Bulgaria means no, and a shake means yes. (Most Bulgarians realise we do it the other way round but some may be confused by your action. )

And why not learn some Bulgarian before you go? I will add a link to some common words below.

Smoking is permitted in most places, so if you are a smoker, just be aware and considerate to those around you.

Tipping your instructor is expected, provided you feel they have deserved it. Please don't buy them hats or gloves - a decent tip would be about 20levs pp.

And enjoy this winter wonderland to the full. This season will be my 17th skiing holiday in Bulgaria and every year I look forward to it more than the last.

E N J O Y B U L G A R I A

BULGARIAN WORDS ARE HERE

A smile goes a long way. The Bulgarian people come from a communist background and are often described as grumpy - particularly the lift operators, bus drivers and cleaners. However if you make the effort to smile, say hello, not to mention Thank you 'Blagodaria' then I have found you get the most wonderful response back from them.

They must get treated pretty rudely by most tourists because they almost always look surprised when people show them friendliness. They then always remember us and the next time we meet they smile first. Not only that, but remember us from one year to the next - now that's never happened in a French ski resort.

Hi Pete

Couldn't agree more about the Bulgarian people. You make a friend in Bulgaria you make a friend for life. Hopefully this season will be the success it should be. The locals deserve it. Thankfully some of the big bosses in Pamporovo have begun to listen and improve things and I'm looking forward to my 18th season in Pamporovo. Its just a pity that others in the country are milking the system preventing competition and putting up the prices of flights. Every bar in Pamporovo used to be full at night. Now, there may only be one. Bulgaria is a fantastic place. Great instructors, really good nightlife, skiing is enjoyable and brilliant (local) people. We just need to bring the tourists back in numbers.