Tip:- Go to a bank for reliable exchange rates and if you are using ATM’s be aware that they usually only offer a maximum of 200 leva which is a mere €100 in one transaction and a daily maximum of 400 leva so it is very low if you need money.

It is a beautiful country with many attractions.  It borders both Greece and Turkey so you can expect long reliable summers. It has large beach resorts in the Black sea based around the 2 major cities of Burgas and Varna which regularly get the internationally recognised Blue Flag. It has spectacular cliffs near Kaliakra and has developing ski resorts although also long standing ones in Borovets, Bansko, Pamporovo and Mt Vitosha in the mountains. Here, English, German and French visitors will find it easy to communicate and all the comforts of home are provided, satellite TV, newspapers (although often a day old),  Irish and English pubs, cheap (by west European standards) and good restaurants.

It has approx 110,000 square kilometres of land with one third mountainous. It has a low population with approx 8m people.  It also has the mighty Danube River which runs along the border with Romania. It is famous for its mineral springs which are amongst the finest in Europe and has an excellent tradition in winemaking which is plentiful and cheap throughout the country. It has great local beers so be sure to try them in the numerous local cafes and bars. 35 % is covered in forests (many of them original) so there are many opportunities for nature lovers to find all the hidden treasures. There are 12 national parks, 89 nature reserves and 2234 other areas of conservation.

There are lots of museums and art and craft galleries to be enjoyed. Also there are many monasteries, churches and religious places often with spectacular artwork. Shopping is well catered for with all the well known brands available and if you keep an eye out, many bargains can be had. Cigarettes and alcohol are very cheap particularly Bulgarian brands.  However, prices for most imported goods are often similar to west European prices and if you do have to spend money on renovating a property this factor should be borne in mind. Good quality imported paints, wallpapers, furniture etc are around the same price as in the UK.

On the down side the standard of living is low, there are many beggars on the streets, and the police will sometimes flag you down and fine you for speeding when there are cars going much faster than you that are not stopped. And be warned, often they will expect you to pay them so that you can keep going although you should insist on going through the proper channels and pay when you leave the country instead of straight into their pocket.. Corruption is still a problem although Bulgaria is moving slowly in the right direction.

All in all, though, Bulgaria is ripe for exploration, for having a good time and for living cheaply.