for foreigners

Passport

There are no restrictions on any foreign passport-holders entering Bulgaria, other than the length of time they are allowed to stay.

Entering the country

Now that Bulgaria is inside the EU, citizens of other EU nations, at least, will face minimal border formalities. Officially, there is still a fairly vague bureaucratic requirement that foreigners register with the police within 48 hours of arrival, but nobody really bothers with this communist-era leftover any more. At hotels, hostels, camping grounds and, sometimes, private homes, staff normally take details from your passport, fill out the registration form (in Cyrillic) and give you a copy. Theoretically, you must then show these forms to immigration officials when you leave. However, you’re unlikely to be asked to produce these forms when you leave, but keep hold of a couple, just in case.

For information about other countries, see the following site: www.mfa.bg/en/pages/view/85

Communications

Mobile service operators provide Bulgaria with almost 100% 2G and 3G network coverage both on its territory and on territorial waters.

There is also internet coverage almost everywhere in the country. In the larger towns and cities, there are wi-fi spots with free internet access. These are located mainly in the trade centres, railway stations, bus stations and biggest gas station chain.

In famous resorts and places English is most useful. Many of young people use foreign language as well.

Medical Services

Medical care for foreigners who are residents of the EU, EEA and Switzerland have the right to avail themselves of their health insurance. When obtaining medical care, they need only visit a medical facility or diagnostic laboratories that has concluded a contract with the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), or any of the state or municipal medical institutions (see the file entitled Healthcare Establishments Register) that are supported by the Ministry of Health.

Emergency assistance

In the event of a medical emergency, call the toll-free telephone number 112. This is also the number to call for any other emergency. The number can also be reached outside the range of your mobile network.

The money

At present, only BGN (lev) is accepted. The banks are the best way to exchange currency.

In large stores, hotels, and catering and entertainment establishments, the following credit cards are generally accepted: Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club. In smaller stores, hotels, and catering and entertainment establishments, it is necessary to pay in cash.

Driving

The speed limits for motor vehicles/motorcycles in Bulgaria is 50/50 km/h in populated areas; 90/80 km/h outside populated areas; 130/100 km/h on limited access highways. Be careful, exist many places with speed cameras and many of road policeman are corrupt ! The road isn't in good condition.

Using helmet is obligatory.

Permanent on front and rear light is obligatory!

Else

I believe that food will be to your taste. Traditional cooking is not so spice. Be careful with country beverage, it's hard. I recommend you to try local dishes and drinks.

Be careful in big cities. There are many pickpockets.

Most of the people are very kind and hospitable.

You can camp everywhere. The most popular places is near dams, rivers and springs. Don't embarrass from wild animals, fisherman or locals.

Check your track for and mark List of the 100 Tourist Sites of Bulgaria