Bulgaria Holidays - Useful info

Passports / children - With effect from 1 January 2006, all children entering Bulgaria will need to have their own passport. Children included in their parents' passports will only be allowed into the country if the passport also contains their photograph. Also all foreign nationals entering Bulgaria have to present a passport valid for at least three months beyond the holder's period of stay.

Visas - Holders of a valid UK or EU passport do not need a visa to visit Bulgaria. Most other nationalities from countries outside the EU, including Russia and the Ukraine have to apply for visa's to enter the country. 

To enquire more about visa requirements etc see the Bulgarian Embassy website in London or the Embassy in your particular country.

Please note: This information above is accurate as of 01 Jan 2015. All charges and visa requirements are subject to change. It is the responsibility of all guests to ensure they have the correct travel documents and we advise you to contact the appropriate consulate if in doubt.

Levs - 1 Lev (leva) = 100 stotinki

ATM machines - All major towns have ATM machines. Credit and Maestro/debit cards can normally be used. A small fee will be charged for withdrawal. Normally no more than 400 Levs (£160 approx) can be withdrawn at any one time.

Changing Money - Bulgarian currency - Levs (leva in Bulgarian) - can be purchased in the UK from outlets such as the Post Office, Marks and Spencers and some travel agents. In May 2015 the rate at a UK Post Office was approximately 2.59 Levs to £1. In Bulgaria the rate in the same month was approximately 2.70 Levs to £, so you do normally get a better rate when you are in the country. If you choose to buy most of your spending money when you are in Bulgaria we would advice that you take enough to get you by until you can get to a ATM or Bank after you arrive. Always change your money in Bulgaria at a Bank or alternatively at the Currency Exchange at the apartment complex - check the rates - you will normally get a far better rate at the bank. Do not change your money at the currency change booths you see in the towns - definitely do not change your money on the streets! When changing sterling or other foreign currency in Bulgaria make sure that none of the notes you are exchanging are torn or written on - most places will not accept them!

Payment in Euros - For car hire payment and also for Airport transfers it is usually possible to pay in Euros. The Bulgarian lev is linked to the Euro, and the rate is usually constant at approximately 1.95 levs to 1Euro.

Credit/debit cards - While you can withdraw money from ATM's and most banks using credit/debit cards more shops or restaurants will now accept credit and debit cards particulalry in the main towns and resorts, please check however before purchase!

Bulgarian Holidays - Many shops and businesses could be closed on these dates -

January New Year's Day
3 March National Day
April Easter is a moving feast, falling in one week after Easter in the UK
1 May International Labour Day
24 May Day of the Slavonic Script and Bulgarian Culture
6 September Unification Day
22 September Independence Day
24 December Christmas Eve ('Budni vecher', the Eve of the Future)
25 December Christmas Day
26 December Second Day of Christmas

Time - Bulgaria is 2 hours ahead of UK Time and 1 hour ahead of CET

Capital - The capital of Bulgaria is Sofia

Religion - The main religion practised in Bulgaria is Eastern Orthodox

Water - Tap water is safe but bottle water from shops is recommended.

Electricity - Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. European two-pin plugs are in use - adapters are required

Toilets - In most public toilets you will be charged a small fee so it is advisable to keep hold of small change for such purposes

Important - Traveling by public bus from central Sofia to Sofia airport - It is a requirement that for suitcases etc taken on public buses an additional ticket(s) need to be purchased. Inspectors regulary get on buses just before the airport and will fine you if you do not have a ticket(s) to cover your luggage!!

Buses and Coaches - For local buses fares are paid to the conductor on the bus or a ticket can be purchased from a ticket office at a bus station.

For longer distances there are numerous travel companies operating in Bulgaria and coaches are generally every hour to most destinations. It is advisable to book in advance during the summer as they can quite often be full. The long distance coaches all have air-con and usually show English movies.

If you are travelling into Sofia the Central Bus Station has domestic routes to most parts of Bulgaria. There are numerous ticket counters for all the different operators and destinations are clearly listed. There is also an information desk where the staff speak some English. Sofia to Bourgas takes approximately 7 hours and is 35 leva.

For infomation regarding coach travel from Sofia.

Rail - Rail travel can take a long time in Bulgaria - but it is a great way to see the country. There is a main line station in Bourgas and Varna, but connections between the two are not direct. Sofia to Bourgas can take between 6-8 hours and costs in the region of 20 - 25 levs for first class travel single and approx 35 levs (approx £13.00) for a return ticket. There is an overnight sleeper service from Sofia to Bourgas and a berth costs only BGN10. For very good online train timetables and prices (in English) go to BDZ

Taxis - Are readily available and are only licensed to operate locally. Always check the price before starting the journey.

..and finally local customs - foreign visitors should be aware that in Bulgaria a shake of the head means 'yes' and a nod means 'no', although allowances are often made for visitors!!