Destinations › Bulgaria › Sofia › Scams
Sofia, Bulgaria
10 reported scam patterns travellers run into in Sofia, what they look like, and how to sidestep them.
Street changers and kiosks advertising rates well above the banks, then applying undisclosed commissions or shortchanging during the count.
Taxis at the airport and stations with door stickers showing tariffs many times the standard rate, and meters set to those tariffs. Check the per-kilometre rate before entering.
Unlicensed ski and mountain tour operators taking payment for trips run without permits or insurance.
Short-let listings taking deposits for properties unavailable or misrepresented on arrival.
Counterfeit branded goods and imitation rose-oil cosmetics sold as genuine local products.
Bar and club touts promising fixed entry prices that become much larger bills inside.
Individuals with fake identification stopping visitors near exchange points and demanding to inspect wallets for counterfeit notes.
Pickpocketing on crowded tram and metro routes and in the underpasses around the central squares.
Restaurants in the central tourist area adding undisclosed cover charges and items not ordered to bills.
Resold event and transport tickets that are invalid or already used.
