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Bulgaria Country Information
Bulgaria is a beautiful country,
with a sprinkling of mountains, it is small in size but rich in
ancient culture, scenic splendour, friendly people and old-fashioned
warmth and hospitality.
Situated in the south east of Europe on the Balkan Peninsula,
Bulgaria is not as much a tourist destination as its Greek and
Turkish neighbours to the south are. This despite the popularity
of its Black Sea resorts, which are scenically captivating with
their fine sandy beaches, sunny climate and safe seas and wonderfully
inexpensive too.
As varied as the different mountain ranges are the people who
dwell in them, with distinctive customs, crafts and colourful festivals,
folklore, religious beliefs and speech. Small picturesque villages
welcome guests with typical warm-hearted Bulgarian hospitality,
sharing age-old traditions and traditional cooking, and a delight
in their pastoral environment.
Bulgaria's history is displayed across the country in its old
towns, ancient Thracian relics and treasures, decorated churches
and monasteries, and in the rustic settlements that have preserved
the traditional beliefs of its people. One of the country's biggest
assets for visitors is its variety, but whatever aspect one chooses
to explore, there is always the assurance of a warm welcome.
Basic Information
Time: Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from last Sunday in March to
last Sunday in October).
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. European two-pin
plugs and schuko plugs are in use.
Money: The official
currency is the Lev (BGN), which is divided into 100 stotinki.
The Lev is tied to the Euro at a fixed rate
of €1 = 1.955 lev. Bulgaria has strict currency regulations.
If you enter Bulgaria with cash of any currency amounting to the
equivalent of 8,000 leva or more, you must declare it to customs
officials. Foreign currency may be exchanged in banks, hotels or
at one of the numerous bureaux de change, however due to a common
practice of misleading rates of exchange it is better to go to
banks or hotels to change money. A receipt called a bordereaux
is issued when exchanging currency, indicating the amount that
will be given, and it must be kept until departure. Not all banks
accept travellers cheques and those that do usually charge a 5%
commission. Major international credit cards are increasingly becoming
accepted by tourist hotels, upmarket shops and restaurants, travel
agents and car rental agents, but Bulgaria is still largely a cash
economy. There are ATMs in the main cities and at Black Sea resorts.
Language: Bulgarian is the official language, which uses the Cyrillic
alphabet, but English, German and French is spoken in resorts,
hotels and restaurants.
Travel
Health: There has been a confirmed case of Swine Flu in
Bulgaria. Bulgaria poses few health risks and there are no vaccinations
required for entry. Travellers to Bulgaria are not at risk of contracting
bird flu, although close contact with caged, wild and domestic
birds should be avoided and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked
as a precaution. Medical treatment can be expensive and payment
is expected immediately. Facilities in local hospitals are basic
and specialised treatment or equipment may not be freely available.
Medical insurance, with provision for emergency evacuation, is
therefore vital. Travellers from the UK should also hold a European
Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in case of emergency medical treatment.
Tipping: Tips of 10% of the bill are customary in restaurants,
while hotel porters and taxi drivers expect the change to round
up the bill. With non-metered taxis you needn't add a tip to the
fare you agreed on beforehand.
Safety
Information: Most visits to Bulgaria are trouble-free.
Violent crime is rare, but criminal groups target casinos and nightclubs
and groups of young pickpockets are active in city centres and
the Black Sea holiday resorts. Car theft is common.
Local
Customs: Foreigners should be aware that a shake of the
head means 'yes' and a nod means 'no', although allowances are
often made for visitors; it is useful to clarify the answer verbally
to avoid confusion.
Business: Relationship building is important in Bulgaria, and
initial meetings may be used as an introduction, after which more
business-related meetings can be planned. Face-to-face meetings
are therefore preferred over communication by email, fax or phone.
The use of English in business is increasing, however the services
of a translator might be required, and presentations should include
the use of visuals where possible. Introductions include firm handshakes,
and the exchange of business cards; dress should be conservative
business attire and punctuality is expected. Business hours are
generally 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday.
Communications: The country dialling code for Bulgaria is +359,
followed by the relevant city code. The city code for Sofia is
(0)2. Bulgaria offers a direct dialling service to 58 countries,
which can be reached by adding the prefix 00 to the country code
(e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Calls to countries that cannot
be accessed by direct dialling must be placed through an operator
at 0123. Betcom or Bulgarian Telecommunication Company phone booths
require a special card available from kiosks. Telephone offices
are also available and are attached to post offices. Bulgaria is
one of the few countries in Europe that has no peak or off-peak
call times. The country has mobile GSM operators, and several Internet
Service Providers. Internet cafes are on the increase in the big
cities.
Duty
Free: Travellers to Bulgaria, aged 17 and older, do not need
to pay customs duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco;
1 litre of spirits and 2 litres of wine; 50g of perfume or 100g
of eau de toilette; and gifts. Allowances are larger for goods
purchased within the EU. Prohibited items include arms and ammunition,
narcotics and pornography.
Top of page Bulgaria Visa and Entry Information
- Entry
requirements for Americans: Citizens of the USA do not need
a visa to visit Bulgaria for a period of up to 90 days within a
six-month period. Passports must be valid for at least three months
after entry.
- Entry
requirements for UK nationals: British Citizens do not need
a visa to visit Bulgaria for a period of up to 90 days in a six-month
period. Other passport holders should check with the London Bulgarian
Embassy whether a visa is required or not. A valid passport is
required.
- Entry
requirements for Canadians: Canadians do not need a visa
to visit Bulgaria for a period of up to 90 days within a six-month
period. A passport valid for at least three months after entry
is required.
- Entry
requirements for Australians: Australians do not need a
visa to visit Bulgaria for a period of up to 90 days within a six-month
period. A passport valid for at least three months after entry
is required.
- Entry
requirements for South Africans: South Africans need a visa
to enter Bulgaria. A passport valid for at least three months after
leaving Bulgaria is required and a visa will only be issued if
blank pages are available.
- Entry
requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealanders do not require
a visa for a maximum stay of 90 days within a six-month period.
A valid passport valid for at least three months on entry is required.
- Entry
requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals do not
need a visa to visit Bulgaria for a period of up to 90 days within
a six-month period. A passport valid for the period of intended
stay is required.
Passport/Visa
Note: Visitors must have proof of sufficient funds
or onward or return tickets in addition to other documents needed
for the next destination. Valid health insurance is required. All
visitors to Bulgaria, other than EU nationals, must register as
foreigners at a local police station within five days of arrival.
This registration is usually done as a matter of course through
the hotel or accommodation establishment. Visitors are advised
to check this, as a dated registration slip has to be submitted
when leaving the country. Immigration and entry regulations are
very strictly enforced. Passports of all visitors should be valid
for at least three months after leaving Bulgaria for those requiring
a visa, and three months on entry for visa exempt nationals other
than those from EU countries, whose passports must be valid for
period of stay. Visitors should be prepared to show proof of valid
medical insurance upon request. Weather and Climate in Bulgaria
Sofia's
climate is one of its main attributes. Situated on an open plain
only 1804
feet (550m) above sea level
and ringed in
by the Balkan and Vitosha Mountains, summers days in Sofia are
warm and sunny with temperatures occasionally soaring above 86ºF
(30ºC). Winters are cold and snowy. December and January are
the coldest months and July and August are the hottest months.
The capital receives 25.6 inches (650mm) a year with most rain
falling in the summer months.
The climate
of Bulgaria is one of the country's most favourable features.
With four distinct
seasons the weather in Bulgaria is
generally hot and dry in summer with moderate humidity, mild and
pleasant in autumn, cold and crisp in winter and bloomingly beautiful
in spring. Along the Black Sea Coast the climate is maritime, the
Mediterranean Sea cooling summer temperatures compared to the interior
of the country. Temperatures average 75°F (24°C) in summer
and around 32°F (0°C) in the winter months.
Top of page
Attraction in Bulgaria
- St Sofia -
St Sofia is the oldest Eastern Orthodox church in the city, dating
from the 4th to 6th century, and is regarded as one of the
most significant examples of early Christian architecture in
the Balkans.
- St George Rotunda
- The rotunda church of St George is considered to be the oldest
building in Sofia, dating to the 4th century, and is situated
amid the remains of the ancient Roman town of Serdica.
- Alexander
Nevsky Cathedral -
One of the finest examples of 20th-century architecture in Sofia
and one of the symbols of the city, the magnificent Alexander
Nevsky Cathedral was built between 1882 and 1912 to honour the
Russian
soldiers who died fighting to liberate Bulgaria from Turkish
rule in the war of 1878 under Tsar Alexander II.
Airtports in Bulgaria
Sofia International Airport (SOF)
- Location: The airport is situated six miles (10km) east of Sofia.
- Time: Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from April to September).
- Contacts: Tel: +359 (0)2 937 2211/2 (international flights departures
and arrivals).
- Getting
to the city: Regular bus service 84 runs on a frequent schedule
day and night from the bus station close to Arrivals.
Taxis are available, and passengers are advised to use
O.K. SUPERTRANS taxis from outside the arrivals hall;
their enquiries
desk is
located inside the arrivals hall. Most hotels and tourist
resorts run their
own airport shuttles.
- Car
rental: Avis, Hertz, Budget, Tani Rent and Sixt have desks located
in the arrivals hall.
- Facilities: The airport is well equipped with banks, bureau de change,
ATMs, restaurants, cafeterias and
bars, duty-free
shopping,
a chemist, travel agency, tourist information desk
and first aid facilities. There is also a business
lounge
with Internet
access,
and a luggage-wrapping machine at departures.
- Parking: There is 24-hour short and long-term parking available in front
of the terminal buildings.
Departure Tax: US$20 (nationals of the USA only).
Varna International Airport (VAR)
- Location: The airport is situated on the western outskirts, about five
miles (9km) from Varna.
- Time: Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from April to September).
- Contacts: Tel: +359 (0)52 573 323.
- Getting
to the city: Public bus 409, which passes through central Varna
and travels as far as Golden Sands resort,
serves the airport;
departures are from in front of the VIP hall. Taxis
are available in front of International Arrivals, but the meters
are often
not working and it is advisable to agree on a fare
with the driver
before departure. Many resort hotels run their own
shuttle
services to and from the airport.
- Car
rental: Car rental agents are on site at the airport including
Avis, Hertz, Sixt and Europcar.
- Facilities: The airport has currency exchange facilities, a large restaurant
and duty-free shops.
- Parking: Short-term parking bays are available.
- Departure
Tax: US$20 (nationals of the USA only).
Bourgas International Airport (BOJ)
- Location: The airport is situated six miles (10km) from Bourgas.
- Time: Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from April to September).
- Contacts: Tel: +359 (0)56 842 631
- Getting
to the city: Most passenger flights into Bourgas Airport are
part of package holiday deals and visitors
are conveyed by
their host tour operators. Taxis are available, and
local buses serve the airport.
- Car
rental: Car rental is available.
- Facilities: The airport has a bureau de change, bank, restaurant, duty
free shop, post office and first aid
facilities.
- Departure
Tax: US$20 (nationals of the USA only)
Top
of page
Driving
Information
Drinking and driving:
If the level of alcohol in the bloodstream is 0.05 per cent or
more the driver will be prosecuted.
Driving licence:
Minimum age at which a UK driving licence holder may drive a
temporarily imported car and / or motorcycle 18. An International
Driving Permit
(IDP) must accompany UK driving licences that do not incorporate
a photograph,
and it is also recommended for photo card licence holders.
Fines:
On-the-spot. An official receipt should be obtained. Wheel clamps
are in use
for illegally parked cars. Vehicles causing an obstruction will
be towed away.
Fuel:
Leaded petrol is no longer available. Unleaded petrol (95 and
98 octane),
diesel and LPG is available. It is forbidden to carry petrol in
a can. Credit cards
accepted at most filling stations but not all local stations in
small towns accept
international cards; check with your card issuer for usage in Bulgaria
before travel.
Motorists should not use the 'red' pumps at the petrol stations
as these are for
service vehicles only.
Driving
Distances:
Please click here http://www.viamichelin.com/ for
driving distances
Lights:
The use of dipped headlights during daylight hours throughout the
year is
recommended, however their use is compulsory from the 1st November
to the 31st
March.
Motorcycles:
Wearing of crash helmets compulsory for both driver and passenger.
Motorcyclists must have their lights on at all times.
Motor Insurance:
Third party insurance compulsory. Green Cards are recognised.
Passengers / Children in cars:
Children under 12 cannot travel as a front seat
passenger.
Seat belts:
Compulsory, for front seat occupants to wear seat belts, if fitted.
Speed limits:
Standard legal limits, which may be varied by signs, for private
vehicles without trailers. In built-up areas: 31 mph (50 km/h), outside
built-up
areas: 55 mph (90 km/h) and motorways: 80 mph (130 km/h).
Compulsory equipment:
-
Fire Extinguisher
- First-aid-kit
- Warning triangle - not required for two wheeled vehicles
- Reflective jackets - The wearing of a reflective jacket is compulsory
for any
person who has to step out of their car, day or night in case
of breakdown or
emergency on a motorway. This regulation also applies to motorcyclists.
Other
rules / requirements:
In built-up areas it is prohibited to use the horn between 2200hrs
and 0600hrs
(0900hrs on public holidays), and between 1200hrs and 1600hrs.
Visiting motorists are required to drive through a liquid disinfectant
on entry for
which the charge is (approx) €4, and also purchase a 'vignette'
(road tax). The
vignette is available at the border, UAB offices, some petrol stations
and offices of
the DZI Bank, weekly, monthly or annually. Heavy fines are imposed
for non-
compliance.
Snow chains are permitted. Their use can become compulsory according
to road
conditions, in which case this is indicated by the international
road sign. Spiked
tyres are forbidden.
Drivers of luxury or 4 x 4 vehicles are advised to use guarded
car parks.
A GPS based navigation system which has maps indicating the location
of fixed
speed cameras must have the ‘fixed speed camera PoI (Points
of Interest)’ function
deactivated. The use of radar detectors is prohibited.
In one way streets parking is on the left only.
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