Bulgaria Holidays - Useful information
Entry - EU nationals do not have to complete registration forms on arrival into Bulgaria. You will however need to register if you are staying in the country for more than 30 days.
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 EU passport do not need a visa to visit Bulgaria for up to 90 days within each period of six months.
To enquire more about visa requirements etc contact the Bulgarian Embassy in Dublin
Bulgarian Embassy, Dublin - 22 Burlington Road, Dublin 4. Tel: (353 1) 660 3293. Fax: (353 1) 660 3915
Please note: This information above is accurate as of 30 Jan 2007. 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.
Changing Money - Bulgarian currency - Levs - can be purchased from outlets such as the Post Office and some travel agents. In Bulgaria the rate to change Euros is approximately 2 levs to the euro. Always change your money in Bulgaria in the Banks or alternatively at the Currency Exchange at the apartment complex - check the rates. 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 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!
Levs - 1 Lev = 100 stotinki
ATM machines - All major towns have ATM machines. Credit and Maestro cards can normally be used. A small fee will be charged for withdrawal. Normally no more than 400 Levs (200 euros approx) can be withdrawn at any one time.
Credit cards - While you can withdraw money from ATM's and most banks not many shops or restaurants accept cards - so in most cases you will need to pay by cash.
Bulgarian Holidays - Many shops and businesses could be closed
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 Ireland
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
Buses - Fares are paid to the conductor on the bus or a ticket can be purchased from a ticket office.
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 17 euros) for a return ticket. 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!!
