Useful Information

Here's our top tips to help you know what's what when coming to Bulgaria...

By Louise R. Candy

Visas

Since Bulgaria's entrance into the EU, all EU nationals are free to travel and work without a visa. But if you come from a non-EU country you will need one and will only be allowed to stay for a period of 90 days in every six months.

Currency

Currency Bulgarian Levas (lv), 1 lev is divided into 100 stotinki. To convert your currency into levas, check out this website: http://www.currencyconverter.uk.com/jump/ggo.html

Taxis

Taxi drivers are known to pump up fares, especially in tourist hot spots, so be wary and agree the price beforehand. As a guide, a 20 minute journey should cost about 12 leva (about £5).

Credit

Credit-cards are accepted in many places, like hotels restaurants and bigger shops, but don't take it for granted.

On the road

In Bulgaria you drive on the right. Speed limit is 50km/h in populated areas, 90km/h outside populated areas, but will drop down to 40km/h on junctions, so be aware because this is where the police hang out. On motorways the speed limit is 130km/h.

Watch out for police looking to line their own pockets. If you are unlucky enough to get a speeding ticket, it should only cost around 68 leva (£27). Best course of action is to say you will pay it at the local police station.

Bulgarian driving is, well... erm... interesting, they do have a fondness for overtaking on corners, so again watch out! Driving isn't the only thing that is bad in Bulgaria, many of the roads are full of potholes, especially inland, and you may have to weave your way around them. Just take care of oncoming traffic!

Finally, the Bulgarians don't like to stop for pedestrians, so you need to be decisive when crossing the road.

Buying property

If you are buying a property, watch out for unscrupulous estate agents. Just because a property is cheap, doesn't mean it's a bargain. Some estate agents are known to pump up the price and pocket the difference, so make sure that the property is worth what you are paying! Do your research and always make sure you have a good solicitor on hand.

If you need work done on your property, be aware that the standard often isn't very good. And builders will often charge you many times what it is actually worth, so shop around and do your homework.

Tipping

In restaurants tipping of 10-15 per cent is usual, but if you hand the money over and say thanks, a Bulgarian will think the deal is done and won't give change back.

Plugs

Voltage is 220V and you need two-pin plugs, so bring adapters.

Medical attention

If you end up in hospital, you'll be lucky to find anyone who speaks English. The doctors are highly educated, but the facilities are very run-down. Also you will have to rely on friends and family to bring you food and take care of you while you are there.