Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Routine vaccinations like measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and your annual flu shot are advised for Bulgaria.
Consider vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, especially if you’re planning to stay longer or engage in activities where you’re at risk. Rabies might be a consideration if you’ll be in rural areas or around animals a lot.
Check with a healthcare provider for the most current advice.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Bulgaria, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for BulgariaCulture & Customs
When in Bulgaria, always greet with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. Nodding means ”no,” and shaking your head means ”yes”—it’s confusing, so watch for context. Dress modestly in churches, covering shoulders and knees.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, Bulgaria is generally safe, but public displays of affection might attract attention. Exercise caution. Women travelers should feel generally safe, but it’s wise to avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas.
Do: Accept gifts or invitations for coffee, it’s a big part of Bulgarian hospitality.
Don’t: Criticize the country or compare it unfavorably with others in public.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Bulgaria.
- Banitsa: A flaky pastry filled with a mixture of eggs, yogurt, and white cheese. It’s a traditional breakfast staple and a symbol of Bulgarian hospitality.
- Shopska Salad: Made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peppers, and topped with grated sirene cheese. It’s refreshing and represents the colors of the Bulgarian flag.
- Kavarma: A slow-cooked stew typically made with pork, onions, and peppers. It’s a comforting dish often enjoyed during colder months.
- Tarator: A cold soup made from yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and dill. Perfect for cooling down in the hot Bulgarian summer.
- Moussaka: Unlike the Greek version, the Bulgarian moussaka features potatoes and ground meat, layered and baked. It’s a hearty dish beloved by locals.
Tap water in Bulgaria is generally safe to drink, and locals do consume it. However, it can vary by region and some travelers might notice a strong mineral taste. If you’re sensitive or cautious, opt for bottled or filtered water, especially in rural areas.
The main language in Bulgaria is
Bulgarian. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Bulgarian skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Bulgaria includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
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Get the Travel Guide - In Bulgaria,
English is increasingly spoken, especially in urban areas and tourist destinations. In cities like Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna, many young people and professionals, particularly in the hospitality and service industries, are proficient in English. Signs, menus, and information in tourist areas often include English translations, making navigation easier for English-speaking travelers.
However, in rural areas and smaller towns, English proficiency may be limited. Older generations, in particular, may have minimal English skills, as it was not widely taught during the communist era. In these regions, basic phrases or gestures may be necessary for effective communication.
Overall, while English is not universally spoken, travelers can generally expect to find enough English speakers to facilitate their experience, especially in tourist hotspots. Learning a few basic Bulgarian phrases can enhance interactions and show respect for the local culture.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Bulgaria is BGN (лв).
ATMs: You’ll find ATMs in most towns and cities, but some rural areas might be a bit sparse. Stick to ATMs attached to banks for better security.
Cash or Card: Always have some cash on you, especially outside major cities. Small shops, local eateries, and markets often prefer cash. Cards are widely accepted in urban areas, though.
Dollars/Euros: Don’t bother carrying dollars or euros for spending. You can exchange them at banks or exchange bureaus, but rates can vary. You’ll want Bulgarian levs for everything.
Card Acceptance: Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted, but always have a backup plan—like cash—if you’re heading somewhere less touristy.
Exchanging Money: Best to exchange at banks or official exchange bureaus in cities for decent rates. Avoid exchanging money at airports, as they tend to have lower rates and higher fees.
In Bulgaria, tipping is customary but not obligatory. Leaving a tip of around 10% is appreciated in restaurants; however, rounding up the bill is also common. For taxis and other services, rounding up to the nearest whole number is generally sufficient.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.