Is it okay to use ATMs late in the evening in Bulgaria or should I stick to daytime withdrawals only? I am a single woman travelling so want to be safe.
I worked remotely from Sofia for three weeks. Used UniCredit Bulbank ATMs late at night a few times - near metro stations and shopping centers. Always felt safe, but I did hear of others getting suspicious charges after using random street kiosks. Use bank ATMs only. Bulgaria’s great for digital nomads, but card safety matters just as much as street safety.
Backpacking through Veliko Tarnovo, I found that ATMs weren’t well lit, and the streets cleared out by 9 PM. I withdrew from a United Bulgarian Bank ATM in the day and kept some extra on hand. While Bulgaria isn’t particularly dangerous, ATM safety at night in smaller towns isn’t the best. Machines can be outdated or card-unfriendly.
I was staying in Plovdiv and tried to use an ATM late near Kapana district. The area had some nightlife, so I felt fine. Used an OTP Bank ATM next to a 24-hour shop - smooth and safe. But a guy at my hostel had his card skimmed in a side-street ATM. Bulgaria is great for budget travelers, but always choose machines attached to banks or hotels.
Night ATM safety in Bulgaria depends a lot on where you are. In Sofia, I withdrew cash from a DSK Bank ATM on Vitosha Boulevard at 11 PM. It felt safe - there were still tourists and lights. I wouldn’t risk it in back alleys or train stations though. For solo travelers, sticking to ATMs inside malls or supermarkets is the smartest move.