It is customary in Bulgarian business practice to mention the partner's academic degree or professional qualification, if any, when addressing. Otherwise, use polite forms, namely: Mr - to a man, Ms/Mrs - to a woman, after which the person's surname is indicated.

In recent years, the practice of addressing each other by their first names has become more common, especially in the private...

The exchange of business cards in Bulgarian business practice usually takes place during the first meeting with a potential partner (or possibly a colleague) in that country. As a rule, business cards are exchanged immediately after the introduction of the meeting participants.

The business card contains a standard set of data, namely the name of the owner, his/her title, the name of th...

Small talk is an important element of business communication. It can take quite a long time.

At the beginning of the conversation, your Bulgarian partner will probably be quite reserved. However, as business contacts develop and trust relationships are created, communication will become more friendly and emotional.

In general, the level of formality in communication is determine...

Sports, especially football, will be a good conversation topic when speaking with a man. However, for women it may not be an interesting issue to discuss.

In Bulgarian business practice, in small talk situations, people often talk about mutual acquaintances.

Family is a popular topic, but personal matters should be avoided at least until a certain level of trust has been establi...

Political topics are absolute taboo. Any value judgments, such as those relating to Bulgaria's socialist past, should be avoided as they may be misinterpreted by your partner.

Religious issues, corruption and corruption scandals are not appropriate small talk topics.

Comparisons between the Bulgarian capital Sofia and other regions of the country should be avoided, especially in...

Depending on the relationship between the speakers, the distance between them may vary. For example, when speaking to business partners or even to members of the opposite sex, an arm's length distance is the accepted norm.

With friends and relatives, communication is warmer and more emotional. When people meet, they hug and kiss each other; consequently, the distance of comfortable comm...

Bulgarians tend to adjust their communication style to the situation. For example, during the first meetings with their colleagues they are likely to be reserved and rather formal, and in discussions, especially at the beginning, they will refrain from direct and categorical statements.

Communication with Bulgarian partners will change as relations develop, and in discussions they will ...