'MOUNTAIN RESCUE'

Please, just in case, write down and take with you the phone numbers of the Bulgarian Mountain Rescue Service. If you have problems in the mountain they will help you: Tel: +359 (0)2 963 2000 Mobile: +359 (0)48 1843 Mobile: +359 (0)888 621 286

'BULGARIAN TAXI DRIVERS'

If you need to take a taxi in Bulgaria, please note that the Bulgarian taxi drivers will charge you (as a foreigner) few time more than they normally charge the Bulgarians. The reason for that is because you are a foreigner and they believe you do not know what the taxi fares in Bulgaria are. Our advice is not to hire a taxi from the street if possible, or if you have some Bulgarian friend ask him to talk to the driver himself.

'TAKE YOUR MOBILE PHONE IN BULGARIA'

You can use your mobile phone in Bulgaria only if it is a GSM 900 MHz standard. Currently there are 2 GSM operators. The more popular, with bigger coverage is called Mobiltel. Most of the skiing areas are signal covered, so you can use your phone. Unfortunately 1800 MHz standard is not available yet. British users of Vodafone or BTCellnet can use their mobile phones in Bulgaria.

Before coming to Bulgaria, please call your mobile operator and ask them about the price they will charge you for using your phone in Bulgaria, as the charge is few times higher than making calls in your country.

'BRING STERLING, US DOLLARS OR EURO CASH'

Due to the high commission rates charged for the use of Credit Cards and Travellers Cheques, it is advisable to bring larger amounts of Sterling, US Dollars or EURO in cash.

Of course the popular credit cards (Visa, Master Card) are accepted in the biggest shops and all banks in Bulgaria, but you will be charged 5-6 % commission when you want to pay by credit card or if you want to use it for cash in the cash machines. In 1997 the Bulgarian currency LEV was equalised to 1 DEM, and this rate never changes. Since 2002, LEV is equalised to EURO currency and the rate of exchange is 1 EURO = 1.96 LEV, this rate never changes.

When looking for good rate to exchange your EURO into levs, it is advisable to look for a place where for 1 EURO they will give around 1.95 LEVS. Also, be very careful when exchanging currency - quite often on the sign in front of the exchange offices is written some rate, but inside they will use lower rate.

To prevent from losses, we advice you always ask the person exchanging money "how much levs will I get for 100 EURO (DOLLARS, STERLING, etc.)". Having this figure you can easily calculate if they are really giving as much as written on the window...

Important! Never leave any kind of valuables or cash in your hotel room.
Please use the safety deposit boxes available in the reception desks of the hotels.