time

Bulgarian local time is GMT + 2 hours

language

Bulgarian.

voltage

220v.  Round two pin plug

currency

The official monetary unit is called "LEV" (plural "LEVA"). The banknote denominations include 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 LEVA, as well as coins - 1, 2, 5,10, 20, 50 called "stotinki" ("stotinka" for singular).  The larger hotels will take Euros.

banks

Both the Kempinski and Strazhite Hotels have ATMs located on the right hand side of their main entrances.  There is a foreign currency exchange opposite the Hotel Pirin in the centre of town.

pharmacy

Located in the center of town on Vapstarov square.

supermarket

There is a large supermarket on Patriah Evitimij street next to the Petrol Station in the Glazne Quarter in the south of Bansko.  There are also plenty of smaller grocery stores all around the town selling groceries, beer and bread.

Internet

Both the Kempinski and Pirin Hotels provide internet services for a small charge. 

kindergarten and nanny services

Off slope care for children can be found near the Gondola.  There is also the offices of Nanny Gemina which is located just around the corner from Casa Milla.

climate

Bulgaria has between 2200 and 2500 hours of sunlight per year. Average temperature (April - September): + 23 °C. The average yearly temperature is 14.7 °C. The climate is exceptionally favourable for growing vines, fruits and vegetables, and oil yielding rose for which Bulgaria has been renowned in Europe for centuries. The climate in Northern Bulgaria is moderate continental, while the climate in Southern Bulgaria is intermediate continental tending to Mediterranean. The climate in the regions with an altitude of 1900-2000 m above sea level is mountainous and along the Black Sea coast it is maritime.

tipping

Tips of 10% of the bill are customary in restaurants, while hotel porters and taxi drivers expect the change to round up the bill. With non-metered taxis you needn't add a tip to the fare you agreed on beforehand.

health

No vaccinations are required for entry to Bulgaria.  For more info visit British Embassy

communications

The country dialling code for Bulgaria is +359, followed by the relevant city code. Bulgaria offers a direct dialling service to 58 countries, which can be reached by adding the prefix 00 to the country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom).

duty free

For more info visit HM Customs