Sofia, Bulgaria

Rules to follow in Sofia

2 laws, restrictions, and customs in Sofia that travellers often break without knowing — and the fines or consequences that follow.

Last updated 2026-08-09

1. Head nods mean the opposite of most countries

In Bulgaria, nodding your head up and down means 'no', and shaking side to side means 'yes' — the exact opposite of most of the world. This causes persistent confusion in shops, restaurants, and interactions.

Where: Etiquette
Tip: Verbally confirm everything important — 'yes' (da) and 'no' (ne). Do not rely on head movements to interpret a Bulgarian's response.

2. Taxi scams are common — always use metered or app-booked cabs

Unofficial taxis and some officially-looking vehicles overcharge tourists dramatically, particularly outside airports and train stations. Meters are tampered with or quotes given up front are many times the fair rate.

Where: Safety
Cost: 3–10× fair price
Tip: Use the OK Taxi or Yellow Taxi apps in Sofia. Agree the price before entering any unmarked vehicle. Legitimate meters show clearly visible tariff cards.

Rules to follow in Sofia

1. Head nods mean the opposite of most countries

2. Taxi scams are common — always use metered or app-booked cabs

More about Sofia