Banking hours in Bulgaria are Monday to Friday 0900-1600.

There are many banks to choose from, check which ones are within easy reach of where you will be living. Two banks recommended by various sources are Raiffeisen Bank (http://www.rbb.bg) and Bulbank (http://www.bulbank.bg)

The positive feedback about Raiffeisen relates to smooth and efficient transactions, online banking access from the UK, and good support in English.

It is easy to open a bank account in Bulgaria, though it may help to have a Bulgarian speaker with you in case of language difficulties. All you need to do is present a valid passport, take some funds to start the account with and be patient!

Most expats open a leva or Euro current account - depending on the circumstances it may be worth having both. Accounts bear interest.