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Some scams

Southeast Europe

Tourist scams in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is generally safe, but taxi scams, pickpocketing, money-changing tricks and ATM skimming are concerns for visitors. Take extra care at transport hubs, around waiting taxis and in summer crowds.
  1. 1 Cards and ATMsVery commonATM card skimmingCriminals attach hidden devices to ATMs to steal card details and PINs. They then use the details for unauthorised payments or withdrawals.ATMs across Bulgaria. 2Read
  2. 2 TheftCommonPickpocketingThieves take wallets, phones or other valuables while people are distracted or pressed together in crowds. Pickpocketing becomes more common in Burgas during summer.Crowded train stations and urban public transport. Summer crowds in Burgas and overcrowded buses in Plovdiv, including bus line 1, need extra care. 2Read
  3. 3 TaxisCommonInflated taxi ratesThe taxi charges an unusually high rate per kilometre. A working meter does not protect you if the rate itself is excessive.Especially Sofia Airport, Sofia Central Station, major hotels and tourist spots. Summer taxi scams are also reported in Burgas. Waiting taxis in Plovdiv can charge much more. 2Read
  4. 4 TaxisCommonTaxi touts and copied company logosA tout leads you to an expensive taxi. Some operators copy the logos and labels of familiar companies to make their cars look trustworthy.Airport arrivals, bus and railway stations, hotels and tourist spots. At Sofia Airport, rogue taxis may wait in front of the terminal with a fake OK logo. 3Read
  5. 5 TaxisCommonRigged taxi meterThe driver uses a manipulated meter to make the fare higher than it should be.Across Bulgaria, with particular warnings about dishonest drivers at Sofia Airport and Sofia Central Station. 3Read
  6. 6 TaxisCommonTaxi payment in foreign currencyThe driver asks for payment in a currency other than euro and uses a false exchange rate to increase the bill.Across Bulgaria, especially where dishonest drivers target visitors at Sofia Airport and Sofia Central Station. 1Read
  7. 7 TaxisCommonUnnecessary taxi detoursThe driver takes a longer route than necessary to increase the metered fare.Across Bulgaria, with particular warnings at Sofia Airport and Sofia Central Station. 2Read
  8. 8 Changing moneyCommonCounterfeit money from street exchangersSomeone offers to exchange your money, sometimes at an attractive rate, and gives you fake banknotes.Tourist areas, including stations. Street money-changing approaches are also reported in Sofia and Burgas. 1Read
  9. 9 Changing moneyCommonPoor exchange rates and unclear feesAn exchanger buys your currency at a very poor rate. Fees or taxes may also reduce the amount you receive.Sofia, Burgas 2Read
  10. 10 TheftCommonOpportunistic theftThieves take belongings when they are unattended or easy to grab. Poorly lit areas can make it harder to notice or get help.Sofia, Burgas 2Read
  11. 11 Online bookingsOccasionalFake online businesses and tour operatorsA website takes a card payment while pretending to be a legitimate business. Some alleged tour operators have turned out not to exist.Unfamiliar shopping and service websites, including Bulgaria-based websites claiming to sell tours. 3Read
  12. 12 TheftOccasionalCar theftCriminals steal parked vehicles. Expensive cars left in unguarded locations can attract attention.Unguarded parking lots and street parking, particularly where expensive cars are left. 2Read
  13. 13 ShoppingOccasionalFruit tasting followed by pressure to buyA seller invites you to taste cherries or other fruit. The taste is not free. Afterward, you may be physically pressured to buy a whole bucket at a high price.BurgasRead
  14. 14 On the streetOccasionalQuestionable charity collectionsPeople asking for money may show documents and badges from supposed charity foundations. These items alone do not establish that the collection is genuine.Plovdiv 2Read
  15. 15 On the streetOccasionalContraband and stolen-goods approachesPeople approach visitors offering contraband or stolen goods. Such encounters can expose you to theft, pressure or legal trouble.SofiaRead
  16. 16 On the streetOccasionalUnsolicited directions and persistent street approachesUnsolicited offers of directions or persistent attempts to engage you can be a reason for caution around petty theft. An approach alone does not prove that someone is a thief.Sofia 2Read
  17. 17 On the streetOccasionalPersistent requests for moneySomeone asks for money and may continue following after you decline. This is a pressure tactic; a request for money is not by itself proof of fraud.Burgas 2Read
  18. 18 Other tricksCommonConfidence tricksSomeone gains your trust to deceive you or obtain money. No specific story or method is described.Across Bulgaria, with extra caution advised in crowded places such as train stations and public transport. 3Read

Where to stay alert

  • Sofia AirportTaxi touts, copied OK logos and dishonest taxi fares target arriving visitors. Use the official taxi office or rank.
  • Sofia Central StationDishonest taxi drivers target foreigners. The surrounding rail and bus station area also has theft and tout approaches.
  • Central Bus Station, SofiaThe surrounding area is linked to opportunistic theft and touts selling contraband.
  • Maria Luiza Boulevard, SofiaThe stretch south from the central bus and rail stations is linked to theft and contraband touts.
  • Lions' Bridge (Lavov Most), SofiaPart of the station-area corridor where opportunistic theft and tout approaches are concerns.
  • Borisova Garden, SofiaDark park areas can be unsafe after dark and are linked to opportunistic theft and contraband approaches.
  • Bus line 1, PlovdivOvercrowding gives pickpockets opportunities.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Read the price sticker before boarding. Check the kilometre rate, initial fee and waiting fee.
  • Book through a reputable operator's phone service or app, or use an official airport rank.
  • Decline drivers and touts who approach you with a ride offer.
  • Carry euros and small notes. Most taxis take cash and drivers may have little change.
  • Know your route and ask for a receipt if the fare seems wrong.

Money

  • Use banks for currency exchange and avoid street offers.
  • Confirm the exact amount you will receive after every fee.
  • Bulgaria uses euros. Do not rely on old prices quoted in leva.
  • Carry some cash for smaller businesses and rural areas, but avoid displaying large amounts.

Cards and ATMs

  • Check ATMs for loose or unusual attachments and cover your PIN.
  • Use another machine if anything looks altered.
  • Enable payment alerts and check your transactions.
  • Verify unfamiliar websites and tour businesses before entering card details.

Your belongings

  • Keep bags closed and valuables out of back pockets on crowded transport.
  • Keep your property with you, especially in Burgas during summer.
  • Keep hold of your belongings during unsolicited street conversations.
  • Use guarded parking for an expensive car and activate its security system.
  • Use well-lit routes and avoid dark park areas at night.

Nights out

  • Check prices before ordering, especially in expensive venues.
  • Carry enough cash for venues that do not accept cards.
  • Avoid arguments with drunk or aggressive people.
  • In Burgas, avoid dark parts of the Sea Garden at night.

Tours and guides

  • Confirm that a tour operator exists before paying online.
  • Check contact details independently rather than relying only on the booking website.
  • Save the tour description, confirmation and payment record.

What travellers say about Bulgaria

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

Is Bulgaria safe for a first-time visitor?

Generally, yes. The main concerns covered here are taxi scams, pickpocketing, money-changing tricks and ATM skimming. Watch your belongings in crowds and take care when choosing taxis.

How do I avoid a taxi scam at Sofia Airport?

Use the official taxi office or rank. Decline touts and do not trust an OK logo alone. Check the company details and full price sticker before boarding.

What should I do if my taxi fare seems wrong?

Ask for a receipt and keep the taxi's details. Save the route and payment information. A receipt is important evidence if you report the fare.

Where should I be most careful about pickpockets?

Take extra care at crowded train stations and on public transport. Burgas has more pickpocketing in summer. In Plovdiv, overcrowded buses, including line 1, are a concern.

Is it safe to exchange money on the street?

Avoid it. Street exchangers may offer fake notes or a very poor rate. Use a bank and confirm the amount you will receive after all fees.

How can I reduce the risk of ATM skimming?

Check the card slot and keypad for unusual attachments, cover your PIN and leave if the machine looks altered. Monitor your account and freeze the card quickly if you spot unauthorised activity.

How can I check an online tour booking?

Verify that the operator exists and check its contact details independently before paying. Save the booking description, messages and payment confirmation.

Should I accept fruit samples from street sellers in Burgas?

Decline unsolicited samples. Some sellers offer a taste and then pressure you to buy a whole bucket at a high price.

Are charity badges enough to trust a street collection?

No. In Plovdiv, people asking for money may display charity documents and badges. Decline if you are unsure and verify the organisation independently before donating.

What number should I call in an emergency?

Call 112. If it does not connect, the backup numbers are 166 for police, 150 for an ambulance and 160 for the fire department.

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