Language
The official language in the country is Bulgarian. Russian is widely spoken by the older generations, while English is popular among younger people.
Visa
For more information regarding visa regime in Bulgaria and visa services, please visit the page – Visa Services.
Currency
The exchange rate is fixed – 1 euro is exchanged for 1.95583 lv. You can exchange your money safely and securely at most banks and change. Hotels and airports are not a good option for money exchange. The change is no longer allowed to charge a commission for currency exchange, so be sure to check first. Never exchange money with someone who stops you on the street and offers you a better exchange rate. Most hotels, shops, and restaurants in Sofia accept credit cards, but this is not the case in smaller towns and rural areas. Cash payment is the preferred form of payment, so carry small bills with you while traveling in other cities. ATMs are almost everywhere in the cities and provide easy access to the local currency. All major European and North American debit cards are accepted at local ATMs.
Mobile Networks
There are three mobile operators that have range over most of the country, although you shouldn‘t expect coverage high in the mountains.
Important phones
In case of emergency, please call 112. Other important phones are:
146 – Roadside assistance
150 – Ambulance
160 – Fire brigade
166 – Police
Taxi Services
You can order a taxi over the phone or pick it up at their special stops.
Official carrier company: Yellow Taxi – 02/91119 or short number 1219.
Radio CB Taxi – tel. : 91 2 63 or short number 1263
Green Taxi – tel. :+ 359(2) 810 810 , mobile + 359 878 810 810
Tipping
Tips are almost never included in the price of goods and services in Bulgaria so if you feel satisfied with what you get, don’t hesitate to add an extra buck. Normally, we would advise you to leave a tip that is somewhere in the 10% range.
Oh, and one more thing: the prices of all goods and services in Bulgaria include 20% VAT.
Time
Local time in Bulgaria is +2 (GMT)
Business hours
The official business hours of most companies and administrative institutions in Bulgaria are from 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. This includes banks, ministries, post offices, libraries, etc. However, 99% of the supermarkets, shops and bookstores have longer business hours and are open on weekends as well. Restaurants, bistros and pubs are usually open seven days a week from say 11am until midnight (at least). And please don’t expect the night clubs and discotheques to close before dawn.
Safety
Bulgaria is a reasonably safe country. It is recommended to take normal precautions as everywhere else when travelling.
Water
The tap water in Bulgaria is drinkable and tastes fine. We do realize, however, that taste is a highly subjective thing so if you don’t feel absolutely sure about this, you can just opt for one of the many different brands of mineral water sold in the nearby supermarket. Bulgaria’s got hundreds of mineral springs that produce high-quality bottled water, so it is pretty safe to say that you will get the taste you want. We promise.
Electricity
All power outlets in Bulgaria provide 220 V (50Hz) AC and the Schuko AC power plug and socket system is regarded as the standard one in the country. It is compatible with europlugs.
Telecommunications
Phones:
Country Code: 00359
Area Codes: 00359+
Sofia – (0)2
Plovdiv – (0)32
Varna – (0)52
Burgas – (0)56
Ruse – (0)82
Stara Zagora – (0)42
Veliko Tarnovo – (0)62
When calling from abroad, dial the country code first and then the area code. If you are in the country and you wish to make a long-distance phone call just pick the relevant area code and add a 0 in front of it.
Mobiles
There are three major mobile phone network providers operating on the territory of Bulgaria: A1, Yettel and Vivacom.
They all provide decent services but due to their affiliations to different international telecommunication groups the price at which you will get them may vary substantially. So if you intend to use your own cell phone during your stay in the country, make sure you are well aware of the roaming fees you are charged and always pick the cheapest option. This will surely prevent you from getting extremely upset at the end of the month when the mobile phone bill arrives.
Attractions
The free English language sightseeing walking tour of Bulgaria’s capital, organized by a non-profit organization. freesofiatour.com
The Free Sofia Tour expects its guests twice a day every day. The best attraction in Sofia according to TripAdvisor users. Approved by Tourist Service Municipal Company at Sofia City Municipality. The sightseeing tours of Sofia are organized by guides from a non-profit organization. Every tour is both fun and educational, the perfect introduction to the city and its thousands of years of history.
The route is indicative. Tours run all year long despite the weather.
Every day, twice a day
Mon-Sun: 11 AM & 2 PM
No reservation required!
Duration: around 2 hours
Start: Palace of Justice
1 Start: Palace of Justice
2 Sveta Nedelya Church
3 Coat of Arms of Sofia
4 Statue of Sofia
5 Church of St. Petka
6 Largo Square Roman Ruins
7 Banya Bashi Mosque
8 Sofia Synagogue
9 Former Public Bath / Museum of Sofia
10 Mineral Water
11 Council of Ministers
12 Former Communist Party Headquarters
13 Presidency
14 St George Rotunda
15 City Garden
16 National Theatre Ivan Vazov
17 National Gallery (Former Royal Palace)
18 Russian Church
19 St. Sophia Basilica
20 End: St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Food & Beverage
Restaurants
Traditional Bulgarian Cuisine
Hadjidraganov’s Houses Restaurant
75 Kozloduy str., phone: +359 899 917 837
Working times: 11:30-23:30
Chevermeto
Sofia, 1 Bulgaria Sqr. NDK – PRONO, phone: +359 2 963 03 08, chevermetobg@gmail.com
Working times: 12:00-23:30
Mediterranean cuisine
Restaurant San Remo
89B Vitosha Boulevard, Grand Hotel Millenium, Sofia, phone: +359 02 488 4 999, sanremo@palmsroyalesofia.com
Working times: 12:00-00:00
Asian cuisine
888 Taste Show Asian Cuisine
89B Vitosha Boulevard, Grand Hotel Millenium, Sofia, phone: +359 2 444 0 888 , 888@palmsroyalesofia.com
Working times: 11:00 – 23:00
Bars
Black&White Club
89B Vitosha Boulevard, Grand Hotel Millenium, Sofia, phone: +359 88 533 8697, events@palmsroyalesofia.com
Working times: 10:00 – 02:00
Night Clubs
Megami Club
1407 Sofia, 100 James Bourchier Boulevard, phone: +359 879 333 999
Working times: Thursday – Saturday: 23:30 – 04:00