Getting to Bulgaria
 |
A number of Bulgarian and foreign airlines fly to Bulgaria's international airports from
most capitals of Europe, Africa, Middle East and North America. You can also travel by
train to Sofia and the main Bulgarian towns. Reaching Bulgaria by car is also convenient.
National driving licenses are valid for use. Insurance for Bulgaria is required. |
| Roads |
Very well developed network of
roads, 90 % asphalted. Speed limits apply on all public road - 50 km/h in populated areas,
90 km/h outside towns and villages, 120 km/h on motorways. |
| Passports & Visas |
The citizens of the European
Union and EFTA members' states do not need any visa. To
pass the Bulgarian border you need a passport and an entry or transit visa which you can
obtain from the Bulgarian Consular Office in your country or you can buy it at the border.
Travellers having a voucher for prepaid tourist services
issued from a licenced agent in Bulgaria do not need visa. This rule does not apply to all
countries.
For the possibility of obtaining visa at the border or use
tourist voucher, please contact your local Bulgarian Consular Office before departure. |
| Population |
The total population is a little
bit over 8 million. The official religion is the Eastern Orthodox, professed by 86% while
13,1% profess Islam. The Catholics, Protestants and other religious groups are there also. |
| Language |
The official language is
Bulgarian. Cyrillic alphabet is used. English, German, French and Russian are spoken in
the major cities and resorts. Directions signes on international routes, airports and
resorts are also written in Roman alphabet. |
| Time |
GMT + 2 hours, CET + 1 hour.
Daylight-saving time is applied. |
| Currency |
The monetary unit is the lev.
The exchange rate is fixed to the EUR ( 1 EUR = 1.95 Lev). Only Bulgarian currency can be used for shopping and services. Foreing
currency can be exchanged at airports, banks, exchange bureaux and hotels. Travellers'
cheques can be exchanged in banks and some exchange bureaux. |
| Credit Cards |
Major international credit cards
are accepted in big hotels, some restaurants and shops. |
| Banking Hours |
08:30 - 15:30 hrs Monday -
Friday |
| Electricity |
220 Volts |
| Official Holidays |
January, 1st - New Year
March, 3rd - National Liberation Day
Easter - usually, 1 week later than the Catholic
May, 1st - Labour Day
May, 24st - National Day of Bulgarian Culture & Slavonik Script
September, 22nd - Independence Day
December, 24st - 26st - Christmas |
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