Useful information Print
Country area: 111 000 sq. km
Time zone: East European /GMT+2 h/
Capital city: Sofia
Official language: Bulgarian, Alphabet: Cyrillic
Political government: Bulgaria is a parliamentary republic with a president ahead, democratically elected by people. Territory of country is divided into 28 administrative regions, named after their regional town centres.
Public Holidays: 1 January – New Year, 3 March – Liberation Day, Late April/May – Easter, 1 May – Labour Day, 6 May – Day of Bulgarian Army, 24 May – National Culture Day, 6 September – the Union Day, 22 September – the Independence Day, 25 December - Christmas.
Currency: The official currency is the Bulgarian lev, that contains 100 stotinki. Money can be exchanged in bank offices and numerous exchange offices. 1 EUR = 1.955 BGN.
Transport: railway, automobile, air and water, rent-a-car. International and Bulgarian airline companies connect Bulgaria with all the countries in the world. International sea ports are Varna and Bourgas, Danube ports – Russe, Lom, Vidin. International airports – Sofia, Plovdiv, Bourgas and Varna.
Credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, Diners club, American Express, Access. Credit cards can be used both on ATMs and for payments in hotels, restaurants, shops, etc.
International telephone code: +359
Important telephone numbers: 160 - Fire-brigade, 150 - First aid, 166 – Police, 146 - Road assistance, 144 - Telephone information
Electricity: 220V
Entrance in the country: Most of the foreign citizens entering Bulgaria do not need visa but they must carry their valid international passport. For more information you can visit the embassy of Republic Bulgaria in your local country.
Custom’s formalities and limitations: Crossing the state border of Republic Bulgaria passengers may import and export duty free commodities that in type, quantities, and value are not of a commercial nature and personal belongings. Common custom declarations and restrictions are applied for import and export of currency, food, alcohol and goods. There is a special custom regime for antiquarian objects, historic and cultural treasures, medicines, narcotics, weapons, ammunitions.
Restaurants, cafes, shops: There is a great variety of restaurants, offering traditional Bulgarian and European cuisine. Shops work from 9.30 a.m. to 18.30 p.m, as most of the shops in Bulgarian resorts close at 22.00 p.m.
