Holiday in Bulgaria
Discussion
Anyone know anything about it? Cousin has booked me to go with his family, about 7 of us going with grandparents and a young daughter. I said yes but I don't know a thing about it. I know it's at Sunny Beach and it's all inclusive. Been told to buy a snorkel and flippers. Last time I went abroad I was 11 and it was Turkey. Got passport already and I know I need travel insurance as when I went to Turkey I had to use it after getting a bad ear infection. Are there any customs I need to think about over there? Shops in Turkey did like £10 notes and would often do good deals if you wanted something just to get them.
Sunny beach is like any other beach resort. Do not buy currency off chaps in the street. Drink local lager. A lot cheaper than the likes of Beck's, Heineken, etc. Last time I was down that way it was very much full of families, and 'lads holiday' tourists. There is a watermark down the coast which is supposed to be very good. I'm not really a beach person, so have only been that way to pick up friends who arrived there. Some beaches are happily topless. This is a good thing.
If you can, get a European health card from the post office. It will give you access to emergency healthcare of you need it. Of you do end up at a hospital, the buildings tend to be soviet era looking, but healthcare is good.
A lev is about twice a euro, and stays that way. It does not change. Most shops will take the Euro at 1.95something it or other, and will display a sign in English saying this if they do.
Do try the salads. Shopska salad is very nice. And good to share while waiting for your meal. Your meals may not all come at the same time, so when you get yours, munch away as it could be a while for someone else's! On a menu, only order chicken fillet, do not order chicken 'bits', as you get what you ask for. You only need to tip a lev or 2, unless you are feeling generous. Unlike the states, do not tip every round.
A trip to Varna would be worth it. Lots of good shopping without Sunny Beach prices. There is a big b
d mall there as well. Taxi's are cheap. Get a yellow one.
When they talk, it sounds like a slanging match, it isn't. Be prepared for people to stare. It freaked me out when I first came. They have no issues with staring at you.
Yes = Da
No = Nay
Thank you = Merci (or Blogoodaria phonetically)
Hello = Strasti, (or stravayti if there is more than one person)
Beer = Beera
Dobre = Good (dobre den = Good day)
Can't think of anything else.
If you can, get a European health card from the post office. It will give you access to emergency healthcare of you need it. Of you do end up at a hospital, the buildings tend to be soviet era looking, but healthcare is good.
A lev is about twice a euro, and stays that way. It does not change. Most shops will take the Euro at 1.95something it or other, and will display a sign in English saying this if they do.
Do try the salads. Shopska salad is very nice. And good to share while waiting for your meal. Your meals may not all come at the same time, so when you get yours, munch away as it could be a while for someone else's! On a menu, only order chicken fillet, do not order chicken 'bits', as you get what you ask for. You only need to tip a lev or 2, unless you are feeling generous. Unlike the states, do not tip every round.
A trip to Varna would be worth it. Lots of good shopping without Sunny Beach prices. There is a big b
d mall there as well. Taxi's are cheap. Get a yellow one. When they talk, it sounds like a slanging match, it isn't. Be prepared for people to stare. It freaked me out when I first came. They have no issues with staring at you.
Yes = Da
No = Nay
Thank you = Merci (or Blogoodaria phonetically)
Hello = Strasti, (or stravayti if there is more than one person)
Beer = Beera
Dobre = Good (dobre den = Good day)
Can't think of anything else.
Edited by TheHeretic on Friday 17th May 12:24
MartynVRS said:
Thanks that's really helpful. Was thinking the E111 had been replaced by something by couldn't remember what. That's how long it's been. Will definitely check out Varna. So places accept Euro's then or shall I just get Lev's before I go?
Just get Levs from a cashpoint when you get there or before. Whatever is easiest. Do not be tempted by a zoo. From my experience they just make you feel sorry for the animals, (shakes fist at Lovech zoo).There are lots, and lots of bars and restaurants along the beachfront in Varna. You can sit there admiring the
king not, by the way. Take sun team with you. A lot cheaper to buy than over here. Good sun cream too. Factor 30 or so. You look like a tt, but wear a wide brimmed hat as well. I got 2nd degree burns from staying in a swimming pool for too long when I first visited. I have pics somewhere as well! 
When crossing roads, you have to be a bit 'purposeful'. The buggers won't stop otherwise.
I had bad burns when I went to Tenerife. Wouldn't get out of the pool to put cream on. Few hours later my shoulders and neck were raw. Lesson learned. Wide brimmed hat will be in the case. I've never been keen on zoo's but I'll warn the others if they think taking her is a good idea.
I was there last year mate and loved it.
Loved it so much we are heading back out in 2 weeks.
We staying at the Iberostar Sunny Beach.
The place is run by the Bulgarian/Russian Mafia so a few of the locals were telling me and they have cleaned the place right up from what it was like many years ago.
As someone else said the currency exchanges on the street tend to rip you off but the Mafia ones give you really good rates.
I was put off by thinking it was going to be a clubby sthole as its not really my scene but its the opposite loads of familys ect and the clubs are really good. Not full of dribbling ballbags just people out to have a good time.
The Mafia also drive some lovely cars. I got speaking to a few of them who owned a bar in the centre and he had a C63 AMG and a E92 M3 both wrapped matt black. Went a spin in the AMG and it was insane.
Any questions just ask buddy. Hope this helps.
Loved it so much we are heading back out in 2 weeks.
We staying at the Iberostar Sunny Beach.
The place is run by the Bulgarian/Russian Mafia so a few of the locals were telling me and they have cleaned the place right up from what it was like many years ago.
As someone else said the currency exchanges on the street tend to rip you off but the Mafia ones give you really good rates.
I was put off by thinking it was going to be a clubby s
thole as its not really my scene but its the opposite loads of familys ect and the clubs are really good. Not full of dribbling ballbags just people out to have a good time. The Mafia also drive some lovely cars. I got speaking to a few of them who owned a bar in the centre and he had a C63 AMG and a E92 M3 both wrapped matt black. Went a spin in the AMG and it was insane.
Any questions just ask buddy. Hope this helps.
MartynVRS said:
Thanks. Those burns look nasty. Mine were the same. It's Iberostar Sunny Beach that's been booked too and it seems promising. Also been told that because it's the end of August it shouldn't be too busy.
Its lovely mate. Nice food, plenty of sunbeds and most of all cold beers.
Its about 50meters to the beach aswell.
Its a wicked place. As I say we are heading back next Friday for 2 weeks cant wait.
I have been to Sunny Beach area 3 times, twice as a teenager with my parents and once with my g/f and kids a few years back.
When i was a kid everything was very basic and third worldy, the family we stayed with produced a dancing bear for our entertainment one evening and you could get a coke for the equivalent of 2p!!
Returning after 12/15 years was quite strange, everything was more touristy and lots of high rise hotels had appeared.
There is a long strip along the beach with the usual restaurants etc its just like any mediterranean resort really.
The best thing i can suggest is getting a bus / taxi to nessebar (old not new!) which is a small island just along the coast from Sunny Beach. Its full of small family run restarants and crafty places, has a lovely old harbour and lots and lots of historical ruins and churches to explore with the kids.
One thing to note if you are a smoker, most of the branded fags are fakes! the local brands are better believe it or not.
Bottle of vodka (local) was £3 when we were there.... we lived on cocktails mostly.
Local mafia are quite evident but i didnt get any bother, they seem to all have black mercs with tinted windows and collect the daily takings from various placed along the seafront.
Let me know if you have any questions, I love the place!
When i was a kid everything was very basic and third worldy, the family we stayed with produced a dancing bear for our entertainment one evening and you could get a coke for the equivalent of 2p!!
Returning after 12/15 years was quite strange, everything was more touristy and lots of high rise hotels had appeared.
There is a long strip along the beach with the usual restaurants etc its just like any mediterranean resort really.
The best thing i can suggest is getting a bus / taxi to nessebar (old not new!) which is a small island just along the coast from Sunny Beach. Its full of small family run restarants and crafty places, has a lovely old harbour and lots and lots of historical ruins and churches to explore with the kids.
One thing to note if you are a smoker, most of the branded fags are fakes! the local brands are better believe it or not.
Bottle of vodka (local) was £3 when we were there.... we lived on cocktails mostly.
Local mafia are quite evident but i didnt get any bother, they seem to all have black mercs with tinted windows and collect the daily takings from various placed along the seafront.
Let me know if you have any questions, I love the place!
Electric Beaver said:
One thing to note if you are a smoker, most of the branded fags are fakes! the local brands are better believe it or not.
I asked my brother about cigarettes. The Blue 'Victory' brand is the ones he uses.Ask for 'senior victory', (phonetically). They are a bit like marlboro red, apparently.
I'll be trying most of the drinks. My problem is I normally drink ciders or vodkas. Never been a beer fan but those summer ones sound good. The majority of people have said it's great. Found out an Aunt and Uncle who went when it was more 3rd world and they got locked in a shop until they bought something. Doesn't sound like that would be a problem now. Really looking forward to it now.
MartynVRS said:
Anyone know anything about it? Cousin has booked me to go with his family, about 7 of us going with grandparents and a young daughter. I said yes but I don't know a thing about it. I know it's at Sunny Beach and it's all inclusive. Been told to buy a snorkel and flippers. Last time I went abroad I was 11 and it was Turkey. Got passport already and I know I need travel insurance as when I went to Turkey I had to use it after getting a bad ear infection. Are there any customs I need to think about over there? Shops in Turkey did like £10 notes and would often do good deals if you wanted something just to get them.
It's a massive dump. Think of a cheap Benidorm with every person trying to rip you off left, right and centre.I've been to Bulgaria many times and I think it's a miserable place. Dirty, corrupt, people are generally quite unfriendly if you have nothing to offer them and the squalor is horrendous.
Top tips:
- Avoid paying by card. I had my card cloned three times in Bulgaria and over charged many times.
- Take cash. Leva is the currency and there are 2 leva to each euro. I suggest changing your money to euros and switching that to leva when you're there.
- Don't drink the tap water.
- Don't get in a taxi
- If somebody offers to help, they want money.
- Mind your pockets. There are pick-pockets everywhere and they spot tourists off a mile away.
- Don't leave anything on a table while at a restaurant. It'll be gone before you know it.
- Mind the police if you are driving about in rental cars. They'll stop you for no reason and "fine" you for some random thing. Basically they'll just tell you to give them money.
All in all, I would avoid going but since it's already paid, stick to your resort enjoy as best as you can.
Just to add, I have a very poor experience of Bulgaria. I know it's not the same for everyone but my experiences were not good and I spent a lot of time there. More than most. However some people like it (I have no idea why), but I can suggest a million places that are better.
Edited by beanbag on Tuesday 4th June 14:01
beanbag said:
It's a massive dump. Think of a cheap Benidorm with every person trying to rip you off left, right and centre.
I've been to Bulgaria many times and I think it's a miserable place. Dirty, corrupt, people are generally quite unfriendly if you have nothing to offer them and the squalor is horrendous.
Top tips:
- Avoid paying by card. I had my card cloned three times in Bulgaria and over charged many times.
- Take cash. Leva is the currency and there are 2 leva to each euro. I suggest changing your money to euros and switching that to leva when you're there.
- Don't drink the tap water.
- Don't get in a taxi
- If somebody offers to help, they want money.
- Mind your pockets. There are pick-pockets everywhere and they spot tourists off a mile away.
- Don't leave anything on a table while at a restaurant. It'll be gone before you know it.
- Mind the police if you are driving about in rental cars. They'll stop you for no reason and "fine" you for some random thing. Basically they'll just tell you to give them money.
All in all, I would avoid going but since it's already paid, stick to your resort enjoy as best as you can.
Just to add, I have a very poor experience of Bulgaria. I know it's not the same for everyone but my experiences were not good and I spent a lot of time there. More than most. However some people like it (I have no idea why), but I can suggest a million places that are better.
Well where do I start with this? I've been to Bulgaria many times and I think it's a miserable place. Dirty, corrupt, people are generally quite unfriendly if you have nothing to offer them and the squalor is horrendous.
Top tips:
- Avoid paying by card. I had my card cloned three times in Bulgaria and over charged many times.
- Take cash. Leva is the currency and there are 2 leva to each euro. I suggest changing your money to euros and switching that to leva when you're there.
- Don't drink the tap water.
- Don't get in a taxi
- If somebody offers to help, they want money.
- Mind your pockets. There are pick-pockets everywhere and they spot tourists off a mile away.
- Don't leave anything on a table while at a restaurant. It'll be gone before you know it.
- Mind the police if you are driving about in rental cars. They'll stop you for no reason and "fine" you for some random thing. Basically they'll just tell you to give them money.
All in all, I would avoid going but since it's already paid, stick to your resort enjoy as best as you can.
Just to add, I have a very poor experience of Bulgaria. I know it's not the same for everyone but my experiences were not good and I spent a lot of time there. More than most. However some people like it (I have no idea why), but I can suggest a million places that are better.
Edited by beanbag on Tuesday 4th June 14:01
The tap water is fine. I drink it every day.
Get in a taxi. What on earth do you think is going to happen?
I have never been asked for money, nor expected from money from anyone I have helped, or had help me.
I have never been pick pocketed or know anyone who has been pick pocketed.
I leave my phone, ipad, and wallet on the restaurant table, and they are still here. So is my brothers stuff, his wife's stuff, my mum's stuff, and the stuff of my friends. They do have a thing about leaving bags on the floor, and they will tell you to put it on a chair, or the table. I have yet to figure out what this fear of the floor is.
The police are easily bribed. If you don't want to bribe, just ask them for a translator, and play their bluff.
I would suggest Beanbag avoids the place, as clearly he is a mishmash of myth, and terror stories. I would Los suggest you do not visit other places in the world like Africa, India, South East Asia. Not everywhere in the world is like your leafy English suburb. Welcome to the world.
The people are perfectly friendly, however the language makes them sound like they are a bit shouty and uppity. They are not. I mentioned this earlier. A point to remember... The world is not Disneyland.
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