Money
The official currency is the Lev (BGN), which is divided into 100 stotinki. The Lev is tied to the Euro at a fixed rate of EUR1 = Lv1.955. Bulgaria has strict currency regulations. If you enter Bulgaria with cash of any currency amounting to the equivalent of Leva 8000 or more, you must declare it to customs officials. Foreign currency may be exchanged in banks, hotels or at one of the numerous bureaux de change, however due to a common practice of misleading rates of exchange it is better to go to banks or hotels to change money. A receipt called a bordereaux is issued when exchanging currency, indicating the amount that will be given, and it must be kept until departure. Not all banks accept travellers cheques and those that do usually charge a 5% commission. Major international credit cards are increasingly becoming accepted by tourist hotels, upmarket shops and restaurants, travel agents and car rental agents, but Bulgaria is still largely a cash economy. There are ATMs in the main cities and at Black Sea resorts.

Electricity
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. European two-pin plugs are in use.

Health
No vaccinations are required for entry to Bulgaria. The country poses few health risks beyond mild travellers’ diarrhoea. Bird flu has been confirmed in wild birds in north west Bulgaria, but measures have been taken to contain the outbreak; visitors are not at risk although close contact with caged, wild and domestic birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked as a precaution. Mains water is chlorinated, but occasionally causes stomach upsets, so bottled water is advised. Food is safe in hotels and restaurants, but street vendors should be avoided. Medical treatment can be expensive and payment is expected immediately. Facilities in local hospitals are basic and old-fashioned and specialised treatment and equipment is not freely available. Medical insurance, with provision for emergency evacuation, is therefore vital.

Tipping
Tips of 10% of the bill are customary in restaurants, while hotel porters and taxi drivers expect the change to round up the bill. With non-metered taxis you needn’t add a tip to the fare you agreed on beforehand.

Climate
Unless you visit for skiing, summer is the most comfortable time in Bulgaria, with low humidity and temperatures averaging 75°F (24°C); winter temperatures average around 32°F (0°C).

Customs
Foreigners should be aware that a shake of the head means ‘yes’ and a nod means ‘no’, although allowances are often made for visitors.

Business
Relationship-building is important in Bulgaria, and initial meetings may be used as an introduction, after which more business-related meetings can be planned. Face-to-face meetings are therefore preferred over communication by email, fax or phone. The use of English in business is increasing, however the services of a translator might be required, and presentations should include the use of visuals where possible. Introductions include firm handshakes, and the exchange of business cards; dress should be conservative business attire and punctuality is expected. Women do not traditionally hold important positions in business and visiting businesswomen might have to work harder to establish themselves as equals by highlighting their qualifications and business experience and displaying a professional attitude. In Bulgaria a nod of the head means ‘no’ and a shake ‘yes’, and it is useful to clarify the answer verbally to avoid confusion. Business hours are generally 8.30 or 9am to 5pm or 6pm Monday to Friday.

Duty Free
Travellers to Bulgaria, irrespective of age, do not need to pay customs duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 1 litre of spirits and 2 litres of wine; 50g of perfume and 100g of eau de toilette; and gifts. Prohibited goods include arms and ammunition; narcotics and pornography.

Communications
The country dialling code for Bulgaria is +359, followed by the relevant city code. The city code for Sofia is (0)2. Bulgaria offers a direct dialling service to 58 countries, which can be reached by adding the prefix 00 to the country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Calls to countries that cannot be accessed by direct dialling must be placed through an operator at 0123. Betcom or Bulgarian Telecommunication Company phone booths require a special card available from kiosks. Telephone offices are also available and are attached to post offices. Bulgaria is one of the few countries in Europe that has no peak or off-peak call times. The country has mobile GSM operators, and several Internet Service Providers. Internet cafes are on the increase in the big cities.

Airports

Sofia International Airport EAD
City
IATA Code SOF
Location Sofia International Airport EAD
Contact Tel: +359 (0)2 937 2211/2 (international flights departures and arrivals).

Transfer Terminals
Regular bus service 84 runs on a frequent schedule day and night from the bus station close to Arrivals. Taxis are available, and passengers are advised to use O.K. SUPERTRANS taxis from outside the arrivals hall; their enquiries desk is located inside the arrivals hall. Most hotels and tourist resorts run their own airport shuttles.

Car Rental

Avis, Hertz, Budget, Tani Rent and Sixt have desks located in the arrivals hall.

Airport Facilities

The airport is well equipped with banks, bureau de change, ATMs, restaurants, cafeterias and bars, duty-free shopping, a chemist, travel agency, tourist information desk and first aid facilities. There is also a business lounge with Internet access, and a luggage-wrapping machine at departures.
Website

www.sofia-airport.bg

Varna International Airport
City
IATA Code VAR
Location Varna International Airport
Contact Tel: +359 (0)52 573 323.
Transfer Terminals
Public bus 409, which passes through central Varna and travels as far as Golden Sands resort, serves the airport; departures are from in front of the VIP hall. Taxis are available in front of International Arrivals, but the meters are often not working and it is advisable to agree on a fare with the driver before departure. Many resort hotels run their own shuttle services to and from the airport.

Car Rental

Car rental agents are on site at the airport including Avis, Hertz, Sixt and Europcar.

Airport Facilities

The airport has currency exchange facilities, a large restaurant and duty-free shops.
Website

www.varna-airport.bg

Bourgas Airport
City
IATA Code BOJ
Location Bourgas Airport
Contact Tel: +359 (0)56 870 248.

Transfer Terminals
Most passenger flights into Bourgas Airport are part of package holiday deals and visitors are conveyed by their host tour operators. Taxis are available, and local buses serve the airport.

Car Rental

Car rental is available.

Airport Facilities

The airport has a bureau de change, bank, restaurant, duty free shop, post office and first aid facilities.
Website

www.bourgas-airport.com