USEFUL INFORMATION FOR GUESTS OF BULGARIA

VISA ARRANGEMENTS

Since January 1, 2007 Bulgaria applies the common visa policy of the European Union. Foreign participants are asked to promptly consult with the respective Bulgarian consular office in their country in terms of visa requirements.

Please mind that in some cases procedures to issuing a visa may take longer time. Detailed information about visa procedures can be found on the website of the Bulgarian Ministry of foreign affairs http://www.mfa.bg/
The following websites might also be useful:

Travel to Bulgaria:

CURRENCY AND FORMS OF PAYMENT

Bulgarian lev (BGN) is the official currency of this country. Levs used in Bulgaria today are in emissions not earlier than 1999. Paper denominations are: 2 levs, 5 levs, 10 levs, 20 levs, 50 levs and 100 levs. The coins are called “stotinki” (1 st = 0.01 lev). In circulation are coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 “stotinki”, as well as 1 lev coin.

Exchange of major currencies in Bulgarian lev can be performed in all Bulgarian banks from Monday to Friday during the regular working hours, free of charge. Exchange offices exist in all big cities throughout the country; some of them operate on weekends, while others – around the clock. Most of them do not charge commission (please make sure in that prior to the exchange).

Payments in Bulgaria are only in BGN or BGN equivalent. Major international credit cards can be used in the country. There are ATMs in larger cities. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and large stores. Payment by credit card includes a transfer to the Bulgarian lev.

ELECTRICITY

The power supply in Bulgaria is 220 volts, 50 hertz

TIME

Official time in Bulgaria is the East European time in the Northern hemisphere.

PHONES

Bulgaria is included into the global network of analogue and cellular phones. The telephone cod for Bulgaria is +359
Sofia: +359 / 02

Most popular wireless standard in Bulgaria is GSM (900-1800 MHz), as mobile operators, working with it in this country are:

Important phone numbers: 

Single European emergency number   112
Emergency medical aid    150
Road accidents    165
Police            166
Fire safety       160

TRANSPORTATION

Bulgaria is connected to Europe and the World by air, rail road and water transport (the river Danube and Black sea).
There are 3 international airports, namely Sofia, Varna and Burgass.
Many express and quick trains pass through Bulgaria, connecting it with Europe, Asia (through Russia and the Near East), as well North Africa and the Near East).
The road network in this country includes highways, first-class, second class and third class roads.
There are bus lines to and from most of the European capitals and big cities. There is a bus line to the Near East and Egypt through Turkey.

Some more important transportation centers in Sofia