Everyday practical information for Bulgaria

The head shake

• Bulgarians shake their head for yes and nod for no. This is real, it is not a myth, and it will confuse you on your first day.
• It is inconsistent with foreigners - many Bulgarians switch to the western convention when speaking English, which makes it worse rather than better.
• When it matters, ask for words. "Da" is yes and "ne" is no.

Language and script

• Bulgarian is written in Cyrillic, which Bulgaria invented and is quietly proud of.
• Learning the alphabet takes an hour and transforms your ability to read street signs, menus and station boards. It is the single highest-return thing you can do before this trip.
• English is widely spoken by younger people and in the tourist economy, less so elsewhere; Russian among older Bulgarians.

Power

• 230 V, 50 Hz, sockets type C and F. The same round two-pin plugs as most of continental Europe.

Manners

• Take your shoes off indoors in someone's home.
• Orthodox churches expect covered shoulders and knees.
• Do not confuse Bulgarian with Russian, and do not assume the Soviet period is a neutral topic.