Bulgaria Ski discussion board

using cash points in Borovets

Hi there, could anyone let me know how much it costs to use the cashpoint in Borovets, was there last year but didnt need to use the machine. does it depend how much you are taking out? or is it a set cost per transaction? Was thinking of just taking money out when i needed it rather than taking cash...
many thanks

re: using cash points in Borovets

Usually a flat charge of a couple of quid but it varies by bank, so take it out a chunk at a time. Given that you won't need more than a couple of hundred quid, I'd just take it in cash. Also its worth being aware that card hacking is pretty much a Bulgarian speciality and a lot of people got done in Bansko last year (myself included). So if you do use the card, keep an eagle eye on your statements for the few months after.

re: using cash points in Borovets

If you bank with Nationwide then it is completely free if you use a debit card, and just a small flat fee of about 1.50 if you use the credit card. They also save you on the exchange rate as most UK banks also load the exchange rate costing you another 2 or 3%.
Always use a Nationwide Account to take cash out when travelling abroad and it has always worked well.

re: using cash points in Borovets

I got done in March in Pamporovo. The only time I used my (debit) card was at the cash point in the Murgavets hotel and within days someone attempted to use my card no. in Malaysia, so beware!

Hats off to Natwest mind you - they refused the transaction and phoned me to check where I was.

re: using cash points in Borovets

Don't rely on your card only - we tried the cash machine 3 times and only managed to get cash out once, it's very hit and miss. Also, was inches away from buying boots but their card nachine wouldn't work in the shop - their loss!

re: using cash points in Borovets

thanks everyone, have got a bit more spending money this year, and was worried about taking a wad of cash with me, but it might be safer than using machine... am hoping to buy ski boots so will prob try and use the card for that only...
caroline

re: using cash points in Borovets

Can any of you advise me on the best way to take cash? Will I get a better rate if I take sterling and change it there or is it best to take Levs?

re: using cash points in Borovets

Take some Levs with you (say £50 worth) to get you started, and the rest in Sterling. They must be clean notes without any writing on and no rips otherwise you'll struggle to change them.


PP