25 Bulgarian Dos and Don’ts- What to Avoid Doing and Saying When Living In Bulgaria

Other Guides On Expat Life In Bulgaria

Bulgarian Cultural Dos and Don'ts- Social Etiquette And What Not To Do Or Say

1) Do shake your head for "yes" and nod for "no"

In the US and most Western European countries, you would nod your head if you mean "yes" and shake your head from side to side if you mean "no." People in many Balkan countries do the opposite. This one confuses many expats for years, especially when a vigorous headshake comes with a verbal "Da" (yes).

2) Don't call it the Russian Alphabet

To Bulgarians, it's the Bulgarian alphabet, as two Bulgarian saints developed the script in the 9th century. The country even celebrates every May 24th as The Day of Cyrillic Alphabet and Bulgarian Culture.

3) Don't show up empty-handed

If a friend invites you to a party or dinner at their house, it is Bulgarian custom to bring a present for the host. You gifting some liquor, wine, chocolates, or flowers is perfect- no need to splurge on an expensive gift.

4) Don't make the fig fist.

This tip is a bit old school, but my Bulgarian roommate warned me about it. A 'fig fist' is when you put your thumb between your pointer and middle finger while making a fist. At best the fig fist is a rude way of saying no. Sometimes the fig fist can  even be considered obscene way of saying "screw you."

5) Do take your shoes off when visiting a Bulgarian home

Bulgarians have a particular quirk about floor cleanliness; all floors are considered filthy. When entering a Bulgarian friend's house, immediately take off your shoes. You'll usually see a line of shoes as your enter the doorway.

Bulgarians know they are overly sensitive about floors. Your host may say foreign guests don't need to remove their shoes but trust me. They really prefer you take off your dirty shoes.

6) Don't expect great customer service

Coming from the US, where the "customer is always right," what classifies as customer service in Bulgaria is severely lacking. Simple business transactions like getting your internet installed may require an appointment weeks in advance. Especially if dealing with any government bureaucrats, don't expect prompt service. Don't be surprised if you have to make several phone calls to get their attention at times.

7) Don't take conversations too personally

Bulgarian friends will speak with a level of feedback that is more direct than you might be accustom to hearing. After you achieve a certain level of respect, your local friends will start saying precisely what they mean and feel, to the point of being blunt.

8) Do respect Bulgarian traditions

People here are proud of Bulgarian culture and heritage and care a lot about their traditions. Bulgaria has a rich history. Even a history buff wouldn't guess that the oldest European city is Bulgarian? Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second-largest city traces its roots back 8000 years.

9) Do get some exercise

Staying in shape is important in Bulgarian culture. I can't find any specific statistics, so take this as anecdotal, but similar to Brazil, Bulgarian women and men value physical fitness. When I lived in Sofia, every weekend included acroyoga jams in the park or day trip hikes up Seven Rila Lakes mountain. 

10) Do celebrate both Name Days and Birthdays in Bulgaria

Two things about this tradition that confuse expats: First, what the heck is a name day? Second, what is the gift-giving etiquette on name day?

Name days are a Bulgarian tradition that is as important, if not more important, than celebrating your birthday. It is not uncommon for Bulgarians to have a name day party and a birthday party. Your name day is based on the Eastern Orthodox Saint you are named after.

As an example, if your name is Alexander, you are named after Saint Alexander, whose Saint's day is November 23rd. The gift-giving tradition is the big twist. The person celebrating name day buys their friend's lunch, drinks, or some sweet treats. That's right, on your name day, YOU have to buy everyone else presents.

What's Your Name Day? Check out this list of Bulgarian Name Day Dates. 

11) Don't crack Jokes about the country

Bulgarian's often make self-deprecatory jokes about themselves, the country, old traditions, or the government. Laugh if they laugh, but DON'T pile on. People here are a proud bunch. While they see the humor in Bulgarian politics or culture, they won't appreciate it if a foreigner and guest in the country makes the same joke.

It's like having a little brother, you can make fun of your little brother all you want, but you will fight anyone that picks on your sibling.

12) Do learn a little Bulgarian

The Bulgarian language is complex, but learning even a few phrases helps move you from a tourist or traveler to a part of the local community. Whether ordering food at a restaurant or trying to woo a Bulgarian woman (or Bulgarian man), dropping a few choice words can show you are at least making an effort.

Financial Dos and Don'ts- Tipping, Scams, and other Money Matters in Bulgaria

13) Do leave tips at restaurants for good service

While tipping in Bulgaria is not customary, restaurant staff's expectation of tips is growing. Especially in posher restaurants in Sofia or Black sea resort towns like Varna. Personally, I do not feel inclined to tip on subpar service. Unlike the US, restaurant servers get a regular (albeit low) salary in Bulgaria, complete with all the insurance, sick days, and pension afforded by "normal" employees.

However, if you are happy with your service and want to show appreciation for it, most waiters or bar staff will appreciate a tip of 10%. If you have special requests or receive exceptional table service, leave an additional 5%–10%.

14) Don't call Bulgaria cheap

Bulgaria has an extremely low cost of living, but when conversing with locals, avoid saying things like, "I love living in Bulgaria because the prices are so cheap." The average pre-tax (gross) salary in Bulgaria in 2020 was ~$823 per month. While prices are low to you, costs are not cheap to locals. Emphasizing how cheap the prices are to you indirectly calls a Bulgarian poor.

15) Don't use fake taxis without meters

"Be wary of taxi companies" is a standard tourist travel tip in almost any Eastern European city (I'm looking at your Bucharest). Bulgarian taxi scams are a legitimate gripe, even among locals. If you don't see the fares or a meter, don't take that taxi. It's not worth the risk. If you are in the city center, finding another cab is simple in most major cities. Otherwise, call a legit taxi using an app.

Even with a meter, there are common taxi driver scams such as

• Saying the meter is broken
• Metered rates are well above normal- By law, a taxi cab should have the fares displayed on the window.
• Forgetting to turn on the meter

These are just a few of the taxi scams you will find. When I was living in Sofia, I used the TaxiMe app to avoid the risk.

16) Don't expect to use Euros

Bulgarian currency- though in the EU, the country uses the Bulgarian lev, not the Euro. At the time of this writing, the exchange rate is 1 US Dollar (USD) to 1.64 Bulgarian leva (BGN). For reference, 1 EUR is equal to 1.96 lev.

Travel Tips, Dos And Don'ts, and Places To Avoid in Bulgaria

17) Do know that Bulgaria is in the EU, but is not a Schengen country

The difference confuses many Americans. Bulgaria is in the European Union, but staying in Bulgaria does not count against your Schengen Visa-Exempt days. This tidbit allows you to maximize your 90 days in a Western European country (Spain, Italy, Greece, etc.), then jump over to Bulgaria (or Romania and Croatia) for another 90 days to "reset" your Schengen visa.

18) Don't Spend All Your Time in the Sofia Bulgaria

As Bulgaria's Capital and largest city, Sofia has loads to restaurants, nightlife, and activities. I enjoyed living in Sofia. The Capital city always has stuff to do, but Bulgaria has even more to offer.

19) Do Buy A Vignette

The freeways in Bulgaria aren't free. Especially if you are an expat from the US, know that you need to pay to drive on the highway. However, you won't find traditional toll booths like the US; instead, Bulgaria uses an e-vignette system. Your input your car registration number online, and that allows you to drive on the highway legally. 

Registration is only $25 per month, and if police catch you without a vignette, there is a 300 leva (~$182) fine.

20) Don't visit only visit Sunny Beach or Golden Sands on the Black Sea

Bulgaria's Black Sea coast makes for an ideal budget beach holiday. But avoid Sunny Beach and Golden Sands during holiday periods. These beach towns turn into the Balkan version of Cancun Spring Break. Yes, you will have some beautiful beach days, but you'll be surrounded by drunken 20-somethings tourists pounding cheap alcohol.

Instead, check out some of the wild beaches on the Black Sea coast. I made a promise not to reveal the secret location of some beautiful beaches we camped. However, if you make friends with locals or expats living in Varna, they may let you in on the secret beach spots, where you can spend beautiful beach days with no one else around.

21) Don't spend all your time on the Black Sea Beaches

Yes, I just mentioned the fantastic time you can have on the country's Black Sea beaches, but I'm not contradicting myself. I am simply saying beach lovers should also check out Bulgaria's stunning mountain landscapes.

Vitosha mountain is home to Europe's cheapest ski slopes. Even better, you can reach the ski lift using Sofia's public transportation. You can go from the city center skiing or snowboarding down the Bulgarian mountains in less than one hour by bus.

22) Don't forget your health insurance

Living in Bulgaria can be very affordable, but unexpected medical bills are never cheap.

Food and Drink Dos and Don'ts- Tips on Bulgarian Cuisine

23) Do try the Bulgarian yogurt

Creamy, tart, and delicious yogurt is another part of Bulgaria's rich history. Bulgarian's first cultivated yogurt 4000 years ago. Now, only yogurt made with a special strain of starter called (Lactobacillus bulgaricus) can be called Bulgarian yogurt.

Not simply a breakfast food, yogurt is a crucial ingredient to many Bulgarian dishes, such as Tarator, a cold soup made with Bulgarian yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and dill.

24) Do be careful with Rakia

Home distillation of Rakia is a time-honored tradition. Expect to be offered shot after shot of homemade Rakia when hanging out with locals. However, be warned that homemade Rakia can be up to 25% stronger than store-bought liquor you are used to drinking.

Bulgarians will pressure you to drink. If you don't want to drink, say no and stand your ground. It may take several saying no several times before the pressure lets off.

25) Don't buy bottled water

Tap water in any of the major cities is safe. Sometimes older buildings will need a few seconds to clear the iron from the pipes, but the water is potable.