Currency in Bulgaria:

Currency is the Lev (BGN) - approx. 2 levs to the £ Sterling. Take Sterling or Euro and change it at the banks for the best rate, Hotels do not give preferential rates, you will find the 1st investment bank near ski station 1 next to the tourist and information centre. ATM machines are fine you will find many ATM machines throughout the resort. Most large hotels will have cash machines in reception. Take only clean notes that have not been written on and not torn - otherwise they will not be accepted. Scottish and Irish notes generally are not accepted. Very few shops/pubs will accept anything other than Levs. NEVER change money with strangers no matter

TIPPING (Waiters)

The same as anywhere, tipping is expected if you have had good service. 10% of the total bill is fine. If the food or service is not good, please do not tip it will encourage bad service further.

SKI INSTRUCTION

Usually you will be allocated your lift pass by your rep on the morning of your first day. You will then be taken to the Ski Depot and fitted out with your hire gear. (if pre booked.) Following that you will be graded into skill levels and a group of anything from 6 to 16 of you (depending how busy it is) will be introduced to your instructor who will look after you all week. If you feel you have been wrongly graded you can move up or down a level if you ask your instructor. They will always try to keep families and friends together, but this will depend on whether you are of a simular standard.

Ski School usually start at 10am with breaks as required, and lunch will be together as a group at approx. 12.30pm. Ski School will then recommence and finish at approx. 3.30pm. It is always the instructors responsibility to look after you and you should never leave the group without the instructors permission. Once you are down at 3.30pm you can then go and freeski wherever you please.

It is also expected that you tip the instructor at the end of the week if they have treated you well. Amount is up to you, but I would suggest 20 levs per person for the week would be a fair amount. Please don't buy them hats or gloves - they don't earn a lot and rely on tips to boost their income.

If a package is not included please see ski and snowboard hire on the website, also you will find prices for lifts etc.

EVENINGS

All resorts have some great places to eat out and be merry and almost all bars will allow children of all ages to be present provided they behave themselves. Bars will stay open for as long as there are customers and many stay open until 4am.

WHAT TO WEAR

Casual wear is accepted everywhere so you do not need to dress up if you don't want to - however I suggest you pack at least 1 smart outfit for that 'special night' that you will no doubt plan. Make sure you take a decent pair of walking shoes with a good grip - it can be very icy in the evenings. Also a decent fleece that will withstand minus zero temps.

SAFETY

Bulgaria is a very safe place and the people are very friendly. However like any country there are the bad guys, so don't be the idiot who wanders home alone at silly o'clock in the morning drunk, as this is just asking for trouble. Stay with your friends and you will be fine.

FOOD

Whilst hotel food has improved hugely over the past few years, some may still find it a little bland. Each resort has a wide variety of good restaurants to chose from and you will get a decent 3 course meal for 2 plus a bottle of good wine for about £25.

ON THE SLOPES

A captive audience will always pay more, so if you require snacks such as chocolate etc. so buy these in the resort shops before you head for the slopes. All resorts have lots of lunchtime cafes serving excellent hot and cold cuisine.

Price of food and drinks on Studenets:

café Schatrata

• Tea and coffee 2 lev
• Bacon sandwich 4 lev
• Mineral water 2 lev
• Half litre cokacola 4 lev
• Pint of draft beer 4 lev

CIGARETTES

Unless you buy from the supermarkets, branded cigarettes are almost certainly going to be fake imports from Poland and are disgusting. (What fags are not I hear you non smokers say!) The packets look very realistic, but that's as far as it goes. Stick with the local brand of Victory wehich are a fraction of the price and much better quality.

SMOKING

Smoking is still allowed in most Bulgarian bars and cafes - so PLEASE have some respect for the non smokers and smoke only where it does not offend.

DRINKING WATER

Most people drink tap water and I have never heard of problems but should you prefer bottled water is inexpensive and you can purchase from all shops.

ELECTRICITY

Bulgaria uses the standard 2 round pin European adaptors and the power is 220v. Only a few hotels supply coffee making facilities in the rooms so take your own if you need to. Some appliances will run a little slower than the UK due to the lower power level, it is wise to take a conversion plug.

TOILETS

Much better than in the 90's but some will still ask you to throw paper in a bin rather than down the loo. Not nice, but much better than cloging the whole system up. The rules in these places are - if it hasn't passed through your body - then put it in the bin!

So these are just a few basic tips to get you prepared for Bulgaria - a facinating adventure awaits you, so go with an open mind and have a ball!

BELLS

You will find several entrepreneurs selling bells, if you do not want one just say no thank you and walk away.

Ice-skating

You will find an outdoor ice ring next to the Murgevets Hotel, you will get a discount if you have your own ice boots or you can hire.