Bulgaria

zagfles

z1a wrote: »

"You're either talking ancient history (last century) or there was something dodgy (forged notes, money laundering etc etc)."

Yes, was 1986.

Did you really think the situation in 1986 is in any way relevant to now? Eastern European countries are no longer communist dictatorships under the "protection" of the Soviets. The Berlin wall came down in 1989.

missg2210

Went in 2009 when it was up and coming. A young area full of Russians but very cheap. I think I would go back and see how it's changed

chergar

We went to Sunny Beach two years ago and are going back this summer. It is cheap, much cheaper than Greece. We went all inclusive as we got a really good deal but we still went out and about to eat/drink.

Don't be put off by the horror stories you may hear of !!!!! and gypsies and sex bars, the stories are all exaggerated. We did see some 'adult' bars but the place isn't over run with them.

There is a good mix of people of all ages and nationalities, it isn't full of British tourists.

The shops are a bit like a large market area selling all sorts of things, you can get good quality fake designer brands if that is something you want.

Regarding changing money, we take our Clarity came d and lift what we need from the cash machines, if you do take cash and want to change it stick to the crown exchanges or your hotel, stay away from the 'black market' back street places as you will be ripped off.

Haggling is mot really acceptable in the shops either, prices are so low that you don't need to haggle, if you are buying a liad if tshirts or whatever by all means ask for a discount but they might only give you 10-20%

We found Bulgaria very safe, there are pickpockets active but just be sensible, keep valuables zipped up and out of sight. If you mean safety terrorism wise then as you know nowhere can be guaranteed as safe but as far as I csn see the threat level there us lower than in Britain (even before last week's attack).

If you are getting a good deal and want to try something different then go for it 👍

What hotel are you looking at?

zagfles

Not been to Sunny Beach but been to Sofia, and using the Clarity was just like anywhere else.

A common scam in Eastern Europe is a couple of attractive girls come up to you and get chatting, and suggest going to a bar where the drinks are a rip-off price. Obviously they target single men or a male group, rather than couples.

Watch out for fake designer brands, not sure of the law in Bulgaria but in some countries there are massive fines for buying fake designer brands, in France and Italy for instance people have been fined around 10,000 euros! Also I think UK customs can confiscate them.