Tips & Tricks

Rent-a-car in Bulgaria
In Sofia, the big cities and resorts are available rent-a-car services of the well-known international companies as Hertz, Budget, AVIS as well as local ones at lower prices.

Bulgaria road map
You can buy a road map of Bulgaria at all gas stations throughout the country as well as at most newspapers kiosks.

Fashion in Bulgaria
Do expect to see well-dressed in the latest fashion women and men in Sofia. Bulgaria's capital is known as one of the most stylish cities in the former Eastern Bloc.

Newspapers in Bulgaria
Foreign language newspapers and magazines are available at some stalls along Vitosha Blvd., but for a wider selection and more recent issues try the shop in the Sheraton Hotel basement.

Electricity
Electricity is 220 Volts. An adapter or a transformer may be required.

Passports
Keep in mind that passports may also be required for internal flights.

Leaving Bulgaria
All foreign nationals leaving the country must supply a receipt from the hotel they were staying at or a wet-stamped letter from the company they were visiting here in Bulgaria

Traveller's cheques
Traveller’s cheques must be cashed at banks and most of them charge a commission.

Bulgarian currency
Bulgarian currency is called Lev (BGL), plural: Leva. One Lev is made up of 100 stotinki. It is tied to the EURO and the exchange rate is fixed at EURO 1 = BGL 1,95583.

Visas
A visa is no longer required for visitors from the EU and EFTA member states. Other nationals are advised to check with the Bulgarian embassy in their country. Tourists on a package holiday or in an organized group booked through a recognized travel agent or tour operator do not require visa.

Public transport
Public transport in Sofia runs daily from 5.30 till 23.30 and covers most of the city. Single trip tickets cost 0.80 leva and are sold at kiosks at the major stops of the vehicle. If you transfer you must use another ticket. If you luggage exceeds the size 60x40x40 you have to punch a second ticket. Tickets are inspected at random by controllers. The fine is 5.00 leva.

Cash mashines
Cash machines are widely available in cities and larger towns and provide a convenient access to local currency. All major European and North American debit cards are accepted.

Water in Bulgaria
Tap water is safe to drink all over the country but not always pleasant in taste. In mountain areas, tap water is delicious. Bulgaria's vast supplies of tasty and inexpensive mineral water are widely available in 0.5 and 1.5 l bottles. Some of the best brands are Gorna Banya, Devin and Velingrad.

Saying 'yes' and 'no'
One unique feature is that Bulgarians most often nod for 'no' and shake their heads for 'yes'. Watch out! It can lead to great confusion.

The Bulgarian language
The Bulgarian language and the Cyrillic alphabet in particular, are possibly the biggest barriers you will face during your visit. In tourist resorts most signs and menus have translations and the service staff speaks foreign languages. But in the countryside you may experience some difficulties communicating with the locals.

Washroom fee
Many places charge small fees /0.20-0.50 leva/ to use their washrooms. Don't be surprised.

Tipping
A tip of 10% is generally expected by the waiting staff in restaurants, cafes and bars. Nonetheless, tipping is also recognized as a means of expressing one's satisfaction, so you are in no way obliged to tip if you feel the service did not merit it. Some restaurants automatically add a service charge, so check the bill before tipping.

Stamps and postcards
Normally stamps are available where you purchase postcards. For delivery you can either post them at the Post Office or leave them in reception of the hotel.

Post offices
Post offices can be found throughout the country, in most villages, towns and tourist resorts, though opening times are unpredictable and many close for lunch.

Internet
Internet: Almost all towns have at least one Internet club and rates are exceptionally good. Large hotels and many of the newer private ones also offer Internet facilities.

Mobile phones
There are two mobile operators which cover most of the country, though do not expect coverage really high up in the mountains. Both offer a prepaid card system - Prima (from Mtel) and b-connect (from GloBul) - which can be purchased from newspaper kiosks or mobile phone shops. A third mobile operator has entered the market in 2006 providing competitive prices and services.

Identification
Identification /a valid international passport/ should be carried on you at all times. In case of stolen or lost documents you must go immediately to the nearest police station, where it will be made a protocol of the accident. Be sure to take a copy of it with you otherwise you can not leave the country.

Car accidents
In the event of an accident the traffic police /KAT/ should be called and a report be filed. The process is lengthy but necessary for any insurance claims. If you use rent-a-car do check with the company about formalities.

Parking
Do not park in restricted zones even if everyone else seams to be doing so.

Driving in Bulgaria
To drive in Bulgaria you can use your national license if it is issued by a country - signatory to the Convention on Road Traffic /Vienna 1968/ but to avoid unnecessary problems it is useful also to have an international license. On-the-spot fines are in operation for not fastened seat belts, speeding, drink-driving etc. The police may well stop you without a reason to check your documents. It is best always to remain calm and polite. You can also be fined for refusing to show your documents or refusing to be tested for alcohol.

Saying 'Cheers!'
When you say "Cheers!" to Bulgarian you'd better look into his/her eyes because the opposite is taken for disrespect. Cheers in Bulgarian is "Nazdrave".

Bulgarian yoghurt
Did you know that the yoghurt originally comes from Bulgaria? Do not forget to try it when you visit the country. Ask for KISELO MLIAKO.

Shops
Shops' working hours: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., Monday to Friday. Some supermarkets are open 24 hours a day. Fresh food products, fruit and vegetables can also be bought from market places open every day in the capital and the country.

Taxi services
Taxi company "O.K. Supertrans" provides taxi services from Sofia Airport. It charges normal fares. The average fare between Sofia Airport and the city center is 6 leva /3 EUR/. You are kindly advised to avoid other taxis otherwise you can be cheated.

Pick-pocketing
The most frequent crimes in Bulgaria are pick-pocketing, mugging and car theft. Keep to well-lit areas and do not walk across parks in the dark. Pickpockets are most active in the city centers and in areas frequented by tourists. Make sure your bag has a zipper and try to avoid using a rucksack. Do not leave your luggage unattended to. Keep your valuables in the hotel safe.

Credit cards
Most hotels, shops and restaurants in Sofia accept credit cards, but this is not so in smaller towns and rural areas. Cash is the accepted form of payment, so keep plenty of small notes on you when traveling in the countryside.

Changing money
Money can be exchanged safely at most banks and also at reputable exchange bureaus. Hotels and airports tend to give less favorable rates. Exchange bureaus are no longer allowed to charge a commission for money exchange, so check this first. Never change money with anyone who stops you on the street and offers you a better rate.

Address registration
Foreigners visiting Bulgaria must register their address with local authorities within 24 hours of arrival, unless staying at a hotel where registration is done automatically. If you intend to remain in Bulgaria longer than three months, you must apply for a residence permit from the local police office.

Enter Bulgaria by car
When you enter Bulgaria by car you must state which border crossing you'll be using when you leave and pay a road tax accordingly. Route restrictions apply if you're only in transit through Bulgaria.