Customs

There are a few customs that people in Bulgaria do and expect from those they meet.  Some of these may not be what we are used to in our own country, yet a little awareness can make a big difference in how we are treated in our host country.

First is that most Bulgarians remove their shoes upon entering someones home.  It is considered common curtesy to leave them by the front door upon entering.  They feel that when we are out walking around the streets, stepping in all kinds of unknown substance our shoes pick that up.  It is considered almost uncivilized to track that unknown matter into your own home, or someone elses.  It seems there is a lot of logic to this custom.

Restaurants

The practice of splitting checks among parties at the same table in a restaurant is almost unheard of in Bulgaria.  Most wait staff will not know how to do it, and they may not even be willing to try.  It is common practice for everyone at the table to throw in the amount of money that they feel will more than cover their meal and drinks. Cash is king, and everyone will leave happy and feeling good.