Arrival and departure

Within 48 hours after arrival you must register with the police or the town hall. The manager (s) can help you with this. Your registration certificate must be submitted upon departure at customs. The lack of this can lead to a fine.

Important to know for your vacation in Bulgaria

Emergency services
The general emergency number of the police is 166; traffic police 165, road assistance 146, fire brigade 160 and ambulance 150. The hospital with first aid station can be found in the center.

Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least another 3 months! Children must be credited to one of the parents present. It is mandatory to always carry your passport with you so that you can identify yourself.

Crime
Watch the pickpocketing guild that is represented all over the world. Furthermore, never leave assets unattended and keep them with you. Watch out for friendly people who are helpful on your own initiative. There is usually a distraction maneuver. Car theft is also common. More modern European cars in particular are of interest. Beggars and some gypsies can bother you with nagging requests for money, but that’s it. It is recommended that you never go out alone and certainly not in the evening. Yet it can be said that in general Bulgaria is a reasonably safe country where the police still inspire awe.

Finances and Bulgaria

Importing money and possessions
Importing money and traveler’s checks is freely permitted up to an amount of 8,000 Lev (approximately € 4,000) per person. Expensive videos, telephones, laptops, jewelry, etc. can be cleared in better. Provide proof of purchase of expensive equipment. Export of money is permitted up to an amount of 8,000 Lev (approximately € 4,000). The taking of goods is also bound by rules, which often change. Inform about it before you leave.

Money
The Bulgarian currency is the Leva (coins 0.10 / 0.20 / 0.50 / 1.00 Lev; notes 1/2/5/10/20/50/100 Lev). The official rate is just around 1.95 Leva and 1 Euro. Cash machines can be found in the center at various banks and there is also a vending machine outside at the supermarket. Furthermore, pin payments are almost never possible and everything has to be paid in cash. Never participate in street trading in currencies (often no longer valid old coins and banknotes!) And pay close attention at a money exchange office whether they are giving the right price and / or not charging too much commission.

Health insurance
A valid health insurance is mandatory in Bulgaria. You must be able to show the policy on request (also at customs).

Prices
Bargaining is not customary everywhere, but usually possible. Tips are around 10%. The hospitality industry in particular has foreigners pay too much by mentioning incorrect items or higher prices. Some occasions charge a surcharge for service and music. It is also common for foreigners to charge a higher rate in hotels and museums than for Bulgarians.

Facts about Bulgaria

Language
The Cyrillic script applies in Bulgaria . Traffic signs can be difficult to read, especially in the interior. The purchase of a good bilingual road map is recommended. Along the coast and on major roads there are usually bilingual traffic signs.

Traffic
The normal traffic rules in Bulgaria apply. The right has priority, unless stated otherwise. Speed ​​within built-up areas is 50 km / hour, outside 90 km / hour and 120 km / hour on highways. Wearing seat belts (also in the back) is mandatory. Watch out for the sometimes bad roads. Pay particular attention to the evasive pendulum that vehicles can make if there is a significant gap in the road. On the roads it is possible that you will come across farm carts, cattle, etc. without lighting! Road signs are often missing. If you receive a ticket (whether or not justified), your passport will be taken. By paying your ticket at the bank and going to the police station with that proof, you can get your passport back. Drinking is not permitted in traffic. If you have to drive, do not drink alcohol! Some guides state that you may have a 0.05% promillage, but some Bulgarians claim that it is absolutely not allowed. A fine is always imposed for causing an accident or becoming involved. In the event of death due to guilt, imprisonment can be imposed.

Time
The time is 2 hours ahead of the London time, both in summer and in winter.

Telephone traffic
In large cities, the mobile telephone generally works. Bulgaria’s area code is 00359. The Netherlands area code is 0031. For international telephone traffic, do not dial 0 for the local number.

Habits
The most deviant habit is that European shaking no head in Bulgaria means yes. And meant as a Bulgarian no, he nods his head lightly shaking our European yes! Often reason for hilarious misunderstandings. The southern European toilet is originally a hole in the ground. You won’t find a lock on the door anywhere. Fortunately, our toilet habits are quickly taken over. You also don’t always find toilet paper. The habit is sometimes that you take that with you. The food in Bulgaria is generally good. The Bulgarian cuisine is famous for its culinary delights. Excessive use of olive oil can disrupt bowel movements. In Bulgaria it is customary to remove empty plates, glasses etc. directly from the table.

Taxi
The taxis in Bulgaria are yellow in color and are recognizable as such. The rates are indicated on the side window. Usually a starting rate with a surcharge per kilometer driven. Taxi transportation is not expensive. From well-known resorts such as Golden sands Resorts and from the airport, huge rates are sometimes charged. Asking the price in advance is always the best. Public transportation is completely cheap. You can buy a ticket in the bus or at the railway station. There are discount cards, but that changes quite often.