Bulgarian for Plebs

Bulgaria is an increasingly popular destination for plebs. While corruption is still widespread and political connections are needed to do something big, the country might still be hodling the biggest Bitcoin treasury of any country in the world. They are part of NATO and Schengen, so travelling for Europeans is possible without visa/border check. Further, they are a little less dependent on the Euro and its centrally planned monetary policy, since they still use their own currency, the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). Though, its exchange course is fixed at roughly 2 BGN = 1 EUR.

Bulgaria's relaxed Bitcoin regulation attracts entrepreneurs in the field. You find Bitcoin ATMs in every major city, the number of hotels and restaurants that are accepting Bitcoin payments are rising. In the capital, Sofia, you find the oldest first league football club of the country, Botev Plovdiv, that accepts Bitcoin payments. Further, there is a Bitcoin Bar, though it was closed when I was visiting. I dropped a Sticker-Pack at the Bars' door and refined one of my best cheat sheets yet: Bulgarian for Plebs. Here it is:

Cheat Sheet

Before we get to the sheet: The Cyrillic script was created in the late 9th century in the First Bulgarian Empire by disciples of Saints Cyril to support the spread of Christianity. Over time, it spread across Eastern Europe, becoming the foundation for many modern Slavic and Central Asian languages, such as Russian and Ukrainian.

I decided to use Latin script to make it as easy and helpful as possible for plebs visiting the country.

Download the Bulgarian for Plebs PDF

Bulgarian for Plebs 0.6.pdf

1 MB

Pronunciation

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Pronounce the words rather hard, otherwise you sound Russian to locals.

Thank you – Merci

Hey there, buddy. – Zdrasti, druzhe.

Give me a high five! – Dai pet!

Hello! What a beautiful place! – Zdraveite! Kakvo krasivo myasto!

Hi, I’m Jones. Nice to meet you. – Zdravei, az săm Jones. Priatno mi e.

How are you? Good. Dangerously close to fabulous. - Kak si? Dobre. Opasno blizo do strahotno.

Good morning, sunshine! – Dobro utro, slŭnche!

Good day, beautiful! – Dobăr den, krasavitse!

Have a nice day. – Lek den.

Bitcoin unites the world. – Bitcoin obedinyava sveta.

Let’s go to the beach/moon. – Hayde na plazha/lunata.

Shit! – Opa!

Your smile is fantastic! – Usmivkata ti e strahotna!

I don’t understand. – Ne razbiram.

Do you speak English? – Govorish li angliiski?

Awesome! – Super!

A beer/brandy, please. – Edna bira/rakia, molya.

Cheers! / Bless You! – Nazdrave!

How cool! I’m going to a pig roast. – Kolko yako! Otiwam na prasse.

Enjoy your meal with pleasure! – Hapvai si s keif!

Can I pay with Bitcoin/Cash/Card? - Mozhe li da platya s Bitcoin / Mozhe li da platya v broĭ / Mozhe li da platya s karta?

Excuse me, there's a fly in my food. Is that a greeting from the kitchen? – Izvinete, ima muha v hranata mi. Tova kompliment ot gotvacha li e?

Damn! This restaurant is so good, even vegetarians eat meat here. – Mamka mu! Tozi restorant e tolkova dobar, che i vegetariantsite tuk hapat meso.

Congratulations! – Chestito!

You are a gift to me, thank you! – Ti si dar za men, blagodarya ti!

Goodbye, it was a pleasure! – Chao, beschemi priatno.

Have a good evening. See you soon! – Leka vecher. Do skoro!

Good night, sweet dreams. – Leka nosht, sladki sŭnishta.

All the best! – Vsichko hubavo!

Travel Tips for Bulgaria

Bulgaria is known for its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant cities. I like the combination of ancient ruins, striking Balkan mountains, and the picturesque Black Sea coastline. Its central position in the Balkans makes it accessible from many European countries, and the cost of living is one of the lowest in Europe. Moreover, Bulgaria has a growing Bitcoin community, making it easier for Bitcoiners to pay for services, stay connected, and find Bitcoin ATMs across the country.

Explore Sofia’s Urban Bitcoin Scene

Bulgarians love to live in urban areas. Bulgarias capital is a blend of ancient history and modern culture, offering something for every traveler. You can explore Roman ruins such as Serdica, visit the stunning Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and enjoy the city's many parks and green spaces. Sofia is also a hub for Bitcoin plebs:

Bitcoin-friendly Cafe Memento
Co-working Space & Meetups in the Betahaus Sofia
Bitcoin ATMs are spread across the city

Trailblazing in Bulgaria’s Mountains

Bulgaria offers numerous hiking and skiing opportunities in its impressive mountain ranges. A day trip from Sofia will take you to the Rila Monastery, one of Bulgaria's most famous cultural landmarks, and the nearby Seven Rila Lakes, a breathtaking natural wonder. While Bitcoin services are scarce in this area, it's a great place to unwind from the digital world.

The Rila Mountains, home to the highest peak in the Balkans (Musala at 2,925 meters), offer spectacular views and various trails for hikers. For Bitcoiners seeking tranquility and nature, mountain retreats like Bansko—a popular ski resort—also feature coworking spaces like Coworking Bansko, which is friendly toward the Bitcoin community.

Sunbathing at the Black Sea Coast

For a more relaxed experience, head to Bulgaria’s Black Sea coastline, which offers sun-drenched beaches and charming coastal towns. I would start the travel along the coast in Burgas or Varna.

Burgas is known for its laid-back vibe and beautiful beaches. It’s a great base for exploring the coastline and nearby towns such as Sozopol and Pomorie. The beach promenade in Burgas is lined with cafes and restaurants, some of which accept Bitcoin. Don’t miss the Sea Garden, a stunning coastal park filled with flowers and life until late in the night. If you are into nature, visit the nearby Lake Atanasovsko to see beautiful birds and Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Varna on the other hand is known for its ancient history, such as the Roman Baths, and vibrant beach culture. While smaller than Sofia, Varna is catching up in terms of Bitcoin adoption. Some beachfront cafes and bars now accept Bitcoin. You can also visit the Varna Archaeological Museum to see some of the oldest gold treasures in the world. And similar to Burgas, Varna has a beautiful Sea Garden along the coastline that is perfect for a day out.

Ancient History in Plovdiv

If you can't get enough of history and ancient places, do a day-trip through Plovdiv on the way back to Sofia. It is one of the oldest cities in Europe, is a must-visit for history buffs. The city’s old town features cobblestone streets and well-preserved Roman ruins, including a still-functioning Roman amphitheater.