Bulgaria has some very interesting places to see, including Plovdiv.
There is nothing strange about the food.
They are generally pro-USA.
The main danger is theft, including by being pick-pocketed or having your bag stolen.
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Check with your health insurance to find out if it covers you in Bulgaria and pays for medical evacuation to home (should that be necessary). If yes then take proof of coverage with you. If no or not sure then get trip medical insurance, which is cheap and sold by airlines & travel agents. Having travel medical insurance is a requirement to enter some countries (ex. Lithuania & Slovakia). Even if it's not, PLEASE do not skimp on this as an otherwise-silly accident could turn into a crisis if you don't have medical insurance.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw...
It's safe. The mafia got killed still in the 90s or early 2000s. Gypsies aren't a problem really contrary to what you read in the foreign media. But beware of taxi drivers that rip you off. I am from there, it's safe but try travelling with more people or prepared. Also...don't attack the locals since the bulgarian justice system is very corrupted and very hostile to everyone from every country - including towards bulgarians and americans.
The good part: I've never heard of rapists in bulgaria or serial killers or people who are hostile to foreigners...I am sure they exist in bulgaria but are just really rare.
It's much better than the way it was before joining Europe.so different than the u.s .. a mixture of the old USSR delicativity and the modern European policies.you will feel this when you chat to the older generation.safe somewhat . Stay away from police lol.visit varna a beautiful coust . Food is totally different you Americans like fast food .. I think its your tradition .. in bulgeria they like home made food.. soups (borsh .. rasulnik .. grechnovi scoop .. pelmeni ..katleti .. etc) so much ffamiliar to the Russian and other prAvaslavnic nation's food. Try the sala (uncooked lard) with garlic and a glass of samagon (homemade alcohol).
Anywhere in Europe is far safer than the USA
