Welcome to Bulgaria 😊
Bulgaria is a country located in Southeast Europe, bordering the Black Sea. It has a rich cultural heritage and a diverse landscape, including sandy beaches, rolling hills, and snow-capped mountains. The capital city, Sofia, is home to many landmarks, including the ancient Roman city of Serdica and the UNESCO-listed Boyana Church, both fascinating historical sites to explore. Bulgaria is also known for its traditional cuisine, which includes dishes like banitsa (a pastry made with cheese and eggs) and kebapche (grilled minced meat). Visitors can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking in the Rila Mountains or sunbathing on the beautiful beaches of the Black Sea coast.
Quick Facts About Bulgaria
- Currency: Bulgarian lev
- Population: 7.0 million
- Languages: Bulgarian
Money and Finances
The currency used in Bulgaria is called Bulgarian Lev (BGN), with denominations of coins ranging from 1 to 50 stotinki and notes ranging from 1 to 100 lev.
ATM Network
ATMs can be found in major cities and tourist areas in Bulgaria, but may be limited in more rural areas. It is recommended to withdraw cash before traveling to these areas.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are widely accepted in Bulgaria, especially in larger cities and tourist areas. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted cards, while American Express may have more limited acceptance.
Internet and Phones
In Bulgaria, the average download speed is around 44 Mbps and the average upload speed is around 22 Mbps. There is no government interference in internet use.
Phone Plans and SIM Cards
The main telco companies in Bulgaria are A1, Telenor and Vivacom. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around 20-30 BGN per month. There are no known sim compatibility issues.
Dialling to Bulgaria
To call Bulgaria from another country, dial +359 followed by the area code and local number. The area codes in Bulgaria are two-digit numbers, with Sofia being 2, Plovdiv being 32, and Varna being 52.
Transport Around Bulgaria
Air Travel
Bulgaria has five major international airports: Sofia Airport, Varna Airport, Bourgas Airport, Plovdiv Airport, and Gorna Oryahovitsa Airport. Sofia Airport is the busiest and the largest airport in Bulgaria and is located in the capital city of Sofia.
Train Travel
Bulgaria has an inter-city train network operated by the national railway company, BDZ. Example ticket prices for a one-way trip from Sofia to Varna start at 30 BGN ($18) and the journey time is around 9 hours.
Metro / Local Trains
Bulgaria has two major cities with metro systems: Sofia and Plovdiv. The Sofia Metro has two lines and 34 stations, while the Plovdiv Metro has only one line and six stations.
Buses
Bulgaria has an extensive bus network operated by multiple companies. Example ticket prices for a one-way trip from Sofia to Plovdiv start at 15 BGN ($9) and the journey time is around 2.5 hours.
Rideshare
Bulgaria has several rideshare companies, including Uber and TaxiMe. Average travel prices vary depending on the distance and the time of day.
Driving by Car
Driving in Bulgaria is relatively easy, but drivers should be aware of the narrow roads in rural areas and the mountainous terrain. The speed limit is 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas and 90 km/h (56 mph) on highways. Bulgaria uses right-hand drive.
Local Customs
In Bulgaria, it is common to tip 10% in restaurants, taxis, and hairdressers. Locals greet each other with a handshake, and close friends and family may hug and kiss on the cheeks. It is customary to call elders by their title and first name, followed by the respectful pronoun 'gospodin' for men and 'gospozha' for women. Men and women generally speak with each other in a formal manner, using proper titles and deference to age and status.
Health and Diseases
Medical System
The healthcare system in Bulgaria is a mix of state-funded and private healthcare. Most services are free for Bulgarian citizens, but visitors may have to pay for treatment and medicine. The cost for a doctor's visit ranges from approximately 20-50 Bulgarian lev (12-30 USD). Health insurance is recommended for visitors to Bulgaria. Private clinics and medical centers are also available at varying costs.
COVID Situation
Bulgaria has faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, but has implemented measures to contain the spread of the virus. As of September 2021, the country has a moderate rate of infection, with efforts underway to encourage vaccination and maintain social distancing measures.
Common Health Risks
Bulgaria has relatively low health risks for visitors, but precautions should still be taken to avoid food and water-borne illnesses. Visitors should also take precautions against tick-borne diseases. Malaria is not prevalent in Bulgaria, but cases have been reported in rural areas during summer months.
Laws and Regulations
Alcohol Consumption
In Bulgaria, the legal drinking age is 18 years old. It is illegal to drink alcohol in public places, and there are restrictions on the sale of alcohol during certain times of the day. Additionally, there are laws against drunk driving.
Recreational Drugs
The use, possession, and sale of drugs are illegal in Bulgaria, including soft drugs like cannabis. Penalties for drug-related offenses can be severe, including imprisonment and fines.
Pre-Marital Relationships
There are no laws against pre-marital relationships in Bulgaria, and consensual sexual activity is legal for individuals over the age of 16.
LGBTQ and Same-Sex
Homosexuality is legal in Bulgaria, but same-sex marriage and civil unions are not recognized. Discrimination against LGBTQ individuals is also not prohibited by law.
Firearms / Guns
Gun ownership in Bulgaria is legal, but there are strict regulations in place. A license is required to own a firearm, and there are restrictions on the number and type of firearms that can be owned.