Local Tips
Bulgaria has only recently joined the EU. So, while everything may be a lot cheaper than you would expect while skiing in Europe, the language and alphabet can be a bit daunting at first. It's probably best to come armed with some 'local ' knowledge.
Driving
If you're driving to Pamporovo, the motorway is pretty good until you turn off at Plovdiv. There's a fair few pot holes and Bulgarian drivers are, like Itallians, really fast. A lot of the road signs are bilingual. Take the time though, to see what the cryllic version of your destination looks like, just to be on the safe side. Take it easy. Don't get caught up in the whole speed thing. And remember, you'll be driving on the right.
Time difference
Bulgaria's time zone lies two hours ahead of Greenwich Meridian Time (GMT). Along with most of Europe, however, Bulgaria institutes its Summer Time. Summer Time is three hours ahead of GMT and is instituted from the last Sunday in May to the Saturday before the last Sunday in September.
Smoking
Bulgaria has one of the highest smoking levels in Europe. Now new regulations for smoking in public and in offices have been introduced and you'll find all restaurants, bars and cafes have a properly ventilated No Smoking section with at least 40% of the seats.

Body Language
When Bulgarians nod their heads up and down, they mean NO. When they move their heads from side to side, they mean YES. Scarey. Wedding bands on worn on the right hand, not the left as in the West. Very scarey!
Electricity
Plugs used in Bulgaria, as in most of Europe, are two-pin plugs; which means that sockets are made accordingly. The common voltage is 220 V. It's a good idea to bring your own adapter. Readily available at the airport.
Money
The Bulgarian currency is the lev (plural leva) and is divided into 100 stotinki. Banknotes are in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 leva notes as well as coins of 1 lev (it is soon expected to completely obliterate the paper 1 lev) and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 stotinki. You can withdraw money from the hole-in-the-wall machines that display the Cirus symbol. 2 Lev work out roughly as 1 euro.
Music
When it's bad, it's really bad. It's like listening to the Eurovision Song Contest circa 1970. But the traditional stuff is fantastic. it takes a while for your ear to tune into it, but when it does it's a real find. If you can try and see it sung live. here's a taster. Traditional Music.

