Time Zone
Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from April to September).
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 EUR1 = Lv1.955. Bulgaria has strict currency
regulations. If you enter Bulgaria with cash of any currency
amounting to the equivalent of Leva 8000 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.
Currency
US$1 = 1.5263
Electricity
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. European two-pin plugs
are in use.
Health
No vaccinations are required for entry to Bulgaria.
The country poses few health risks beyond mild travellers' diarrhoea.
Bird flu has been confirmed in wild birds in north west Bulgaria,
but measures have been taken to contain the outbreak; visitors
are not at risk although close contact with caged, wild and
domestic birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes
well cooked as a precaution. Mains water is chlorinated, but
occasionally causes stomach upsets, so bottled water is advised.
Food is safe in hotels and restaurants, but street vendors should
be avoided. Medical treatment can be expensive and payment is
expected immediately. Facilities in local hospitals are basic
and old-fashioned and specialised treatment and equipment is
not freely available. Medical insurance, with provision for
emergency evacuation, is therefore vital.
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.
Climate
Unless you visit for skiing, summer is the most
comfortable time in Bulgaria, with low humidity and temperatures
averaging 75°F (24°C); winter temperatures
average around 32°F (0°C).
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.
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. Women do not traditionally hold important positions
in business and visiting businesswomen might have to work harder
to establish themselves as equals by highlighting their qualifications
and business experience and displaying a professional attitude.
In Bulgaria a nod of the head means 'no' and a shake 'yes',
and it is useful to clarify the answer verbally to avoid confusion.
Business hours are generally 8.30 or 9am to 5pm or 6pm Monday
to Friday.
Duty Free
Travellers to Bulgaria, irrespective of age, 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 and 100g of eau de toilette; and gifts. Prohibited
goods include arms and ammunition; narcotics and pornography.
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.
Airports
Name
Sofia International Airport EAD
City
IATA Code SOF
Location Sofia International Airport EAD
Contact Tel: +359 (0)2 937 2211/2 (international flights departures
and arrivals).
Transfer Terminals
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.
Airport 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.
Website
www.sofia-airport.bg
Name
Varna International Airport
City
IATA Code VAR
Location Varna International Airport
Contact Tel: +359 (0)52 573 323.
Transfer Terminals
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.
Airport Facilities
The airport has currency exchange facilities,
a large restaurant and duty-free shops.
Website
www.varna-airport.bg
Name
Bourgas Airport
City
IATA Code BOJ
Location Bourgas Airport
Contact Tel: +359 (0)56 870 248.
Transfer Terminals
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.
Airport Facilities
The airport has a bureau de change, bank, restaurant,
duty free shop, post office and first aid facilities.
Website
www.bourgas-airport.com
