teddygirl Posted May 16, 2017 Share Posted May 16, 2017 We have been to SB for the last 2 years and it's great! You will love it, visit old town Nessebar as well it's lovely Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeteMorris Posted May 18, 2017 Author Share Posted May 18, 2017 Anyone any advice on taking money? Hypothetically, lets say I wanted to spend £1,000 (unlikely, but it's a nice round figure)...How much Bulgarian Lev would I need to order here to take with me? Can my normal Visa debit card be used over there to withdraw money at ATM machines?...Is it even safe to use a local ATM? Obviously I wouldn't want to be carrying too much actual cash around... Anyone? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Obelix Posted May 18, 2017 Share Posted May 18, 2017 Take say £400 worth with you that you get from the PO - best rates that way. Draw the rest if faily large chunks from the cash machines so you minimise the transaction costs. Romania and Bulgaria are both more cash oriented than we are so I wouldn't bet on having card accepted all places but I bet in a proper resort you just set a tab up on a card and settle it once a week or evening. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeteMorris Posted May 18, 2017 Author Share Posted May 18, 2017 Take say £400 worth with you that you get from the PO - best rates that way. Draw the rest if faily large chunks from the cash machines so you minimise the transaction costs. Romania and Bulgaria are both more cash oriented than we are so I wouldn't bet on having card accepted all places but I bet in a proper resort you just set a tab up on a card and settle it once a week or evening. That's what I assumed (being mostly cash orientated)...I thought it might be unlikely places would accept card payments... I also have a feeling I need to inform my bank that withdrawals are likely from Bulgaria, as they might stop my card thinking my card had been cloned or something.?? Didn't think of transaction costs!!!!....I'll check and see what they might be! Generally...Are hotel 'safes' secure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chalga Posted May 18, 2017 Share Posted May 18, 2017 (edited) Anyone any advice on taking money? Hypothetically, lets say I wanted to spend £1,000 (unlikely, but it's a nice round figure)...How much Bulgarian Lev would I need to order here to take with me? Can my normal Visa debit card be used over there to withdraw money at ATM machines?...Is it even safe to use a local ATM? Obviously I wouldn't want to be carrying too much actual cash around... Anyone? Why wouldn't it be safe to use a local ATM?,thousands of people use them everyday.Check with your card issuer and see what you will be charged to use your card abroad. Exchange rate in SB might not be as high as in non tourist areas,but at the moment you can expect around 2.28 Lev to the pound. As to how much to take with you,enough to see you for taxi fares from the airport and food and drink while you get your bearings as to where ATM is or use a bank,I would say 100 Lev to be on the safe side. There are plenty of money exchanges that are not banks,but you have to find a reliable one,all the rates are displayed outside,but you might get a rip off one where they attempt to short change you,or have some small print that you are not aware of. https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g499086-i9527-Sunny_Beach_Burgas_Province.html Have a look at the forum here,you might pick up a few tips from it. Edited May 18, 2017 by chalga Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Obelix Posted May 18, 2017 Share Posted May 18, 2017 Pete I think you are worrying about safety unnecessarily. Yes be vigilant. No don't panic. The crime rate in Bulgarian resorts is probably less than Sheffield city centre. Notify your bank. Take money out on a credit card if you are worried about people scamming or cloning the card (so it's the card companies money that goes missing not your bank accounts) and enjoy the holiday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeteMorris Posted May 18, 2017 Author Share Posted May 18, 2017 Pete I think you are worrying about safety unnecessarily. Yes be vigilant. No don't panic. The crime rate in Bulgarian resorts is probably less than Sheffield city centre. Notify your bank. Take money out on a credit card if you are worried about people scamming or cloning the card (so it's the card companies money that goes missing not your bank accounts) and enjoy the holiday. Yep, you're probably right...Maybe I'm just overthinking it. I just checked with my bank, there's an online facility to let them know my travel plans...Just so they are aware.... ---------- Post added 18-05-2017 at 10:53 ---------- Why wouldn't it be safe to use a local ATM?,thousands of people use them everyday.Check with your card issuer and see what you will be charged to use your card abroad. Exchange rate in SB might not be as high as in non tourist areas,but at the moment you can expect around 2.28 Lev to the pound. As to how much to take with you,enough to see you for taxi fares from the airport and food and drink while you get your bearings as to where ATM is or use a bank,I would say 100 Lev to be on the safe side. There are plenty of money exchanges that are not banks,but you have to find a reliable one,all the rates are displayed outside,but you might get a rip off one where they attempt to short change you,or have some small print that you are not aware of. https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g499086-i9527-Sunny_Beach_Burgas_Province.html Have a look at the forum here,you might pick up a few tips from it. Thanks for the link Chalga...Some useful stuff on there... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sixer Posted May 21, 2017 Share Posted May 21, 2017 We loved Bulgaria. The centre of SB is wild and very 18-30 but the outer edges are great. Really cheap food and drink and some lovely restaurants. Also yes to St Vlas and Nessebar and our kids loved the water park. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheBTA Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 Sunny Beach is very Benidorm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Puggie Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 Make sure you read up on FCO advice on Sunny Beach. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/bulgaria/safety-and-security Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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