Holidays in bulgaria what you need to know. Tourism in bulgaria

Bulgaria is an amazing country for beach holidays and sightseeing, both for independent tourists and for lovers of package holidays. So that possible troubles do not spoil your rest, take our tips for tourists in Bulgaria.

In Bulgaria you can find a vacation for every taste... Resorts like Sunny Beach and Golden Sands consist of hotel complexes. From here you can get out on any excursions to the historical sites of Bulgaria. Connoisseurs of unique architecture, cobbled streets and cozy restaurants can recommend Sozopol and Nessebar. There are also new districts in these cities, consisting exclusively of hotels and entertainment establishments. These districts are noisier than in the historical part of the city; such a vacation is suitable for lovers of active pastime. It is worth going on excursions to the ancient Bulgarian monasteries, as well as to the ancient capital of Bulgaria - Veliko Tarnovo - one of the most unusual small towns in the world, standing in the mountains at the edge of the gorge, unusually beautiful and cozy.

In Bulgaria, you can limit yourself to some breakfasts, or you can take All-Inclusive. It's a matter of taste. There are many cafes and restaurants in tourist places with fairly affordable prices. A good lunch with first, second and dessert can cost from 5 EUR. In tourist areas, pizza (portions from 1 EUR), kebabs (from 2 EUR), pancakes with various fillings (cheaper than pizza) are sold.

It is not necessary to stay in a hotel in Bulgaria... You can rent an apartment or an apartment for your vacation. Many residents of seaside towns and villages, as well as in ski resorts, rent one of the floors of a private house to tourists for a low fee. IN Bulgaria has a fairly low crime rate, even local gypsies are mainly engaged in animal husbandry or blacksmithing.

Change your currency in the morning... There are a few things to keep in mind when exchanging currency. At bank branches you will be asked for your passport. In simple exchangers, as a rule, it is not needed, unless you may be asked for your surname. The exchange rate is higher in the morning. If you need to exchange a large amount, then do not delay it until the evening. For example, in the morning the euro cost about 1.93 Bulgarian leva, in the evening - already 1.91.

Sea weather can change very quickly, so watch the flags on the beachthat are posted by rescuers. The principle is like a traffic light: green - you can swim, remembering the buoys; yellow - be careful and careful; with a red flag, rescuers will whistle as soon as you enter the sea more than three meters.

Getting around Bulgaria most convenienton buses that run regularly between all relatively large cities. Buses are municipal (cheaper and easier) and private (more expensive and more comfortable). Convenient for Russians is that the timetables and directions are written in Cyrillic. It makes sense to use railway services only on popular routes, for example: Sofia - Varna or Sofia - Burgas, in other cases it is easier to get there by bus. When traveling by taxi, you need to be careful: it is best to order a car by phone.

In Bulgaria, the language barrier is practically not perceptible, but you should not relax too much. Holidays in Bulgaria are comfortable because the staff of hotels and restaurants, as well as the majority of local residents, speak tolerably Russian (the only exceptions are small towns in the mountainous and central parts of the country, far from the sea). This is somewhat relaxing. However, so that there is no misunderstanding, the order in cafes and restaurants must be voiced clearly and clearly, do not hesitate to ask whether you have been understood correctly.

It is worth remembering that a nod of the head, indicating our agreement- "Yes" in Bulgaria means negation- "not", and vice versa.

In cafes and restaurants, it is customary to leave a tip in the amount of about 10% of the cost of the bill.

As souvenirs from Bulgaria being takenbulgarian ceramics, embroidered textiles, rose oil and cosmetics based on it, rose petal jam, Turkish delight and spirits: Bulgarian wine and rakia, as well as handmade leather, copper and silver products. It is cheaper to buy alcoholic beverages, jam and Turkish delight in supermarkets. Ceramics and magnets are sold in large quantities in tourist areas, in the old town. At the same time, in Duty Free at the airport, the same clay plates are almost three times more expensive. The cheapest place to buy leather goods is in Nessebar. In Sofia, the best shops are located along Vitosha Boulevard and in the gallery in front of the National Palace of Culture (NPC).

As in many southern countries, at lunchtime, when the sun is especially hot, Bulgarians have a rest. therefore many private service establishments are closed in the summer from 12 to 16 hours.

Telephone communication in Bulgaria

You can make calls in Bulgaria from almost anywhere. A call from a post office or a call center will be much cheaper than, for example, from a hotel. Calls within the country by mobile phone are very cheap, therefore, in order to call each other in the country, we recommend that Russian tourists buy local SIM cards. It is most convenient to pay for local mobile communications with payment cards, which are sold everywhere and cost from 5 to 60 leva. you must remember that payment cards must correspond to the company whose SIM card you purchased.

I think that for me, like most middle-aged people born during the Soviet era, the name of this country invariably gives rise to nostalgic associations, including the heady smell familiar from childhood in a bottle of rose oil that was stored in my mother's closet, wooden boxes of fruit and vegetables, kindly grown on the plantations of the union state and languishing on fruit and vegetable bases, and, of course, the enchanting ear of the Soviet layman, the word "abroad", by the standards of that time, so highly valued in the circles of ordinary Crimean and Sochi holidaymakers.

By the way, the first memories of this Balkan country began with a large encyclopedia book “My Bulgaria”, found by a curious child on a shelf at nine years old.

Then the history textbook informed me that with the end of the landmark Soviet period in the history of Bulgaria, the times of active economic growth had passed, perestroika and democracy had safely passed the Bulgarian community. The iron curtain fell, revealing to people the boundless expanses of the globe, parallels and meridians available to every suffering traveler, attracting exotic resorts. Does this mean that sunny Bulgaria has sunk into oblivion and has been completely forgotten by the Russians? Not. On the contrary, our compatriots seemed to be captured by a wave of nostalgia for the “those” times when unpretentious spa joys made a person happy.

Five years ago, having traveled to Bulgaria for the first time, I did not see the former deserted shores, only in some places I saw old socialist boarding houses, like the skeletons of an extinct mammoth, unexpectedly peeking out from under the permafrost. Modern Bulgaria is a hospitable country on the Balkan Peninsula that attracts tourists from all over Europe with an optimal combination of service, price level and a large number of attractions.

Summer resorts in Bulgaria are large and small cities of the southeastern coast, facing the Black Sea: Pomorie, Albena, Varna. But do not think that life in Bulgaria stops in winter, this small country is also proud of its winter ski resorts, such as Pamporovo. Fans of active recreation can easily visit the Bulgarian mountainous regions during the winter holidays, combining active recreation with tranquility and enjoyment of beautiful landscapes. And also Bulgaria occupies the prestigious third place in the world in terms of the number of mineral springs after Japan and Iceland.

It seems to me that the main charm of Bulgarian resorts, both winter and summer, is that they are able to satisfy the needs of any vacationer: a young student-adventurer, a respectable family man, an experienced savage traveler and even a prudent pensioner. You can relax in this country at any time and for any budget, you just need to correctly calculate your financial strategy.

Visa and border crossing

Russians who are going to visit Bulgaria are primarily concerned about the question: do they need a visa to enter its territory for visiting tourists, there is an agreement at the state level on visa-free entry for Russians. The situation is warmed up every now and then by discussions that pop up on the Internet containing statements from the top officials of the Bulgarian government that visas for Russians will be canceled any minute now. But, as they say, things are still there.

Officially, since 2007, Bulgaria is a member of the European Union, therefore, if you are not a citizen of an EU country, you can enter Bulgaria only with a visa issued in advance (not at the border). Therefore, the answer to this sacramental question is still disappointing: Russians will have to obtain tourist visas to Bulgaria in the same way as before. The only relief is that now you can enter the country using the Schengen, which, however, should also be taken care of in advance.

Apply for a visa yourself or through an agency

So, there are two ways for the future Bulgarian tourist: apply for a visa on their own or entrust this business to an intermediary - a travel agency or travel agency. I want to make a reservation right away, I am entirely a supporter of the second option.

Before my first visit to Bulgaria, unknowingly, I was faced with obtaining permission to visit the country on my own, this automatically added bureaucratic difficulties to me as a tourist: it turned out that documents are accepted only through the consulate and only for several hours a day, all the necessary papers must be collected in a certain sequence, it is possible that you will have to stand in a queue for many hours, and, as a result, submit an application from the third time. Please note: if you do not book the whole tour, but plan to travel "savage", that is, rent accommodation on the spot, in order to issue a visa you will be asked to provide a bank statement that you have at least 500 € in cash (for a short visit to the country ) or at least 50 € for one day for one person (for a trip over 30 days).

Documents for a visa to Bulgaria

When applying for a visa, Russians submit a completed application and two photographs measuring 3.5 x 4.5 cm.Since 2016, it is mandatory to obtain medical insurance when traveling abroad.

Now about the price of the issue. If you apply for a visa yourself, you will need to pay a consular fee, which is 35 € (about 1,540 rubles), and a service fee of 836 rubles. Thus, the entire visa will cost 54 € (about 2370 rubles).

Much more optimistic is the situation with obtaining a visa through an intermediary company. You submit the necessary documents, pay the required amount and ... that's it! If you find an inexpensive company, it will cost 50 € (about 3200 rubles).
Compare both options, weigh your financial capabilities and the reserve of the nervous system and - let's go! Do not forget to take your children with you, because if they are under 6 years old, then the visa is issued free of charge! Personally, I always take the path of least resistance, entrusting the paperwork to competent people.

Import and export regulations in Bulgaria

The rules for the import / export of goods and currency from abroad are quite democratic: only an amount over 2500 € must be declared at the border. In my memory, tourists have never been checked, they have not checked the declared amount with what you actually carry. There is a short list of drugs, chemical weapons, ammunition and ozone-depleting products banned from import into the country. If you have none of this, the green corridor is open for you!

How to get there

The convenient location of Bulgaria in the south-east of Europe makes it extremely attractive for Russian tourists. Today, Muscovites and residents of St. Petersburg are offered a choice of several ways to get to the Bulgarian brothers: plane, train or car (plus ferry). Residents of other cities will no longer be able to get to Bulgaria directly, so their flight and train options necessarily include a change.

By plane

The easiest way to travel to Bulgaria is by plane. For the past three years, this is how I get to my summer cottage. There are four international airports in this country:

• in the capital of the country Sofia,
• in the city of the central part of Plovdiv,
• in Varna,
• in Burgas.

Therefore, regardless of the season and the resort, you can reach your destination from the airport. Optionally, you can choose a regular flight operated by Aeroflot and Bulgaria Air, or a charter flight by Yamal and Iflay. In addition, in addition to a direct flight, there is a route with a change in one of the European cities (in this case, the ticket price may be 30-50 € lower). There are direct flights from Moscow and St. Petersburg to Sofia, Burgas and Varna. Tourists from other cities will have to take a flight with a transfer in one of the capitals or in Moscow / St. Petersburg to get to Bulgaria.

How to save on flights

After joining the European Union, Bulgaria has turned into an international recreation center for European youth, in connection with which such European low-cost airlines as WizzAir, Aer Lingus, Smart Wings, Condor and EasyJet fly there. Airfare varies greatly:

• From the time of year: in the season, the price of tickets rises greatly (from 40-50 € in May or October to 350-400 € in July-August).
• From the date of booking the ticket (again, you can save about 200-300 € by taking tickets at least six months in advance).

If you are planning a summer vacation in Bulgaria and want to stay here for the velvet season, check with the travel company in advance which city you will have to fly from, because starting in October, flights from Burgas to Moscow and due to the closing of the season stop. In any case, the flight to Bulgaria does not last long (about 2-3 hours), and therefore it is very comfortable, almost like going to a dacha, only by plane.

You can get acquainted with the prices and schedule of flights to Bulgaria.

By train

Until 2014, it was possible to travel to Bulgaria by train, having bought a ticket for the Moscow - Sofia route that ran all year round (No. 59/60). From May to October, a carriage was attached to the train, following to Burgas.

The first two years I came to Bulgaria in this eccentric way. I felt like a nobleman who went "to the water": shaking in the compartment, looking out the window, boredom, in a word. For example, in such an old-fashioned way, it was possible to get to the summer resort of Sunny Beach for about 150 €, having spent three days in a compartment. After the events in Ukraine, this train was canceled, so today fans of leisurely travel by rail can get from Russia to Bulgaria only with a change in Budapest. I cannot say that this fact greatly upsets me: I am not a train lover, and you must admit that three days in a compartment is too specific a pleasure.

By train to Bulgaria from neighboring countries

In addition to Russia, Bulgaria has a railway connection with the nearest countries: Turkey, Romania, Hungary, Yugoslavia. Personally, I have not yet used such a means of transportation, but I have seen the offices of the Rila agency at the railway ticket offices and at all the major train stations selling international tickets from Bulgaria. In addition, Bulgaria is a member of major European rail alliances: City Star, InterRail, Balkan Flexipass, Rail Plus, within which you can buy a ticket and travel around European countries within the framework of uniform discounted fares. You can find out about the programs on the website of the Bulgarian Railways.

By bus

Until 2014, from Moscow (from the Yugo-zapadnaya metro station) a comfortable Moscow-Burgas bus ran weekly throughout the year, the ticket cost was 124 € one way and 198 € and 218 € round trip (up to 30 days and more 30 days stay, respectively). However, I clarified that today, due to the situation in Ukraine, the route has been canceled indefinitely. I confess that in this way I would not have dared to go to Bulgaria: a long road, still seasick, what good. And there is practically no savings in terms of money.

It is more difficult to get from St. Petersburg by bus: due to the distance (about 56 hours of travel), there is no regular route, this service is offered only by tour operators making organized trips to Bulgaria.

The bus service in Bulgaria itself is developed at a fairly high level. In addition to Romania, the bus will take you to any of the nearby countries: Yugoslavia, Greece, Turkey, Macedonia, as well as to more distant European countries - Hungary, Albania, Austria, Germany and France. Each city has a bus station where you can buy a ticket, the price of which varies from 20 to 150 €, depending on the direction and distance.

By car

Automobile tourism is popular among families traveling, so Bulgaria can be reached by car, the distance from Sofia to Moscow is 2360 km. Sofia and Istanbul are separated by 563 km, with Bucharest - 379 km, with Belgrade - 387 km, and with the Greek Thessaloniki, this distance will be 318 km. When getting to Bulgaria via Romania, do not forget to apply for a transit visa through this country. If you want to avoid this, you should take the ferry from Illichivsk to Varna, which I will write about below.

In addition, if, while in Bulgaria, you want to travel, this can be done, since the country has the following road border crossings with neighboring countries: Turkey, Romania, Macedonia, Yugoslavia.

In recent years, due to the political situation in some neighboring countries, the details of your road trip should be planned in advance, bypassing the territory of Ukraine. For example, such a variant of travel through Belarus, Poland and Romania is possible:

• the approximate travel time will be 36 hours (2800 kilometers);
• the journey begins from the A107 highway (on and);
• further details (gasoline costs, border crossing, communication with customs officers) for lack of my own experience, I recommend reading in the reports of amateur motorists, which can be found on the Internet.

By ferry

For Russians who want to get to Bulgaria by water, the Varna - Ilyichevsk ferry line operates, transporting those who wish every week, the cost of a one-way ticket includes accommodation in a cabin with three meals a day and is about $ 70. More information about the schedule and prices for ferries can be found on the website of the company engaged in regular transportation.

There are major ferry crossings across the Danube with Romania. The most popular among tourists is the bridge connecting the Bulgarian city of Vidin and the Romanian city of Kalafat.

The ticket price is 3 €, and if a car is being transported, then the cost is already 23 €. In addition, a port tax of 2 € is paid separately. This way of arrival is suitable, in my opinion, for motorists covering the distance to Bulgaria by personal transport.

Tourist regions

Bulgaria is a country with a rich history. Almost every city has different sights and highlights (see the chapter "Top attractions"), exploring which you can combine active, useful, and passive, relaxing, types of recreation.

Conventionally, I would divide the country's space into three regions:

You can navigate in prices for tours in the winter and summer regions of Bulgaria by.

As a lover of independent travel, I book hotels for, and I check to see if there are any better deals. You can navigate by private offers for renting apartments and apartments.

Top cities

Top attractions

Bulgaria has an ancient history, so there is something to see here. It all depends on your preference. I will try to divide the top sights of Bulgaria into large blocks, which is called "by interests".

Ruin

Despite the ironic word, these are my all-time favorite attractions! It is such a pleasure to wander around the places where thousands of years ago were cities and settlements! But not for everyone.

So, there were many ancient cities on the territory of Bulgaria, I propose to feel the spirit of antiquity in the following places:

Natural attractions

What is created by nature is often amazing. Picturesque valleys, dense forests, stone sculptures, winding caves, age-old sand dunes - all these natural monuments have retained their unique appearance, which is definitely worth seeing:

Cities of Russian military glory

The military history of Bulgaria is closely related to Russia. I am glad to think that the Russians more than once helped their Slavic brothers to cope with the invaders. The pages of Bulgarian textbooks tell about the valiant warriors who set foot on this land.

Religion

Bulgaria, like Russia, professes Orthodoxy; on its territory you can see many churches and monasteries worthy of attention. I was surprised that the attitude of the locals to religion is still rather formal: they are allowed into the church without a headscarf, they are allowed not to bother with their appearance. The subtext seems to be: "Religion is in decline, so come at least someone." It is sad to see that the only visitors to the half-empty churches and monasteries are Russian tourists who have come here specially. Nevertheless, religious architectural monuments look very dignified.

To summarize

In addition to iconic, famous landmarks, Bulgaria has tens of hundreds of other equally interesting places. Museums, churches, lakes, seaside parks, caves - whatever region you travel to, you will certainly find something interesting for yourself.

Weather

The climate in Bulgaria varies from moderate continental (close to central Russia) to Mediterranean. Because of this, as a rule, Russians do not have serious acclimatization in Bulgaria.

In general, the ratio of the seasons in the country is familiar to us.
The summer tourist season opens in April and lasts until September. But the most comfortable for sunbathing and swimming are June, July, August and September. The air temperature at this time averages + 27-30 ° C, and the water temperature is kept at + 24-26 ° C.

It should be remembered that the weather in June and September is still changeable: sunny, hot and rainy, cloudy days alternate. But there are still a lot of tourists at this time.

Lovers of winter holidays in Bulgaria are expected from December to April.
In addition, a number of hotels in the country provide year-round recreation and an indoor heated pool with sea water. There are two truly off-season months in Bulgaria: October and November. It is already cool for summer holidays at this time, but for winter holidays, on the contrary, it is too early. The average temperature by month in Bulgaria can be viewed on the Internet.

Moving around the country

Bulgaria is a small country, but with a developed infrastructure. Roads, railways, sea routes - once a strong connection with the countries of the socialist camp made it possible to build everything necessary for comfortable travel.

The main modes of transportation are bus, car and train.

Bus

In my opinion, one of the most comfortable ways to travel around the country is by bus. There is a central bus station (in Bulgarian, autogara) in every city. One of the major carriers in this direction is the M-bus company, which operates flights to all parts of the country, as well as beyond its borders, the company can familiarize itself with the schedule and directions.

Due to the small size of the country, moving by bus is convenient and allows you to see the passing cities from the window. By the way, this is the most popular type of transport in the country: it accounts for about a third of all traffic.

Car

Independent tourists can rent a car (from 25 € per day and more) and travel around the country in just a couple of days. Again, the compact size of Bulgaria allows you to slide into a neighboring state in one day, and return home in the evening.

There are a lot of firms offering car rental, just go to a search engine on the Internet, compare prices and choose the best option. For example, you can see the cost of car rental.

A train

For lovers of rails and sleepers, I suggest that you familiarize yourself with the detailed routes of communication in Bulgaria, choose a suitable route, check the schedule on the website of the Bulgarian railways and enjoy the trip! The only disadvantage of this movement is the possible lack of comfort of trains left over from socialist times.

Otherwise, everything is extremely convenient!

Metro

Tourists vacationing in Sofia should appreciate the capital's metro.

Of course, it cannot be compared with the Moscow one, but it is quite possible to ride on the only branch connecting the city center with its western part.

Liner

Lovers of leisurely cruises should appreciate sea transportation. It will be possible to travel within the country only on small motor ships, and the company Ukrferry, already mentioned in the chapter "How to get there", which offers ferry flights from Russia, Ukraine and Romania, will help to go on a large liner to a neighboring country.

Communication

There are no problems with communication in large cities and well-known resorts: all public places, restaurants, cafes, shopping centers, city squares and even taxi cabins have free Wi-Fi. Just find out the password (if any) and connect to the network. The quality of the Internet is average, there are no high speeds, but it is quite possible to view mail and vibe. On the territory of hotels, the Internet is usually better, there is a more powerful router, so, most likely, it will even be possible to call the house on Skype.

If you want to contact Russia, be sure to purchase a local SIM card. Perhaps one of the largest mobile operators is Vivacom. According to the latest information that I received from a representative of this company in the office, the most profitable package is a package worth 5 € or 10 levs (remember that this is about 400 rubles), which includes a SIM card with a Bulgarian number, 25 minutes of conversation with Russia and 1 GB internet. With further replenishment of the account, a minute of conversation with the homeland will cost 0.4 €, or 30 stotinki (about 14 rubles). SMS is not provided in this tariff.

Language and communication

Bulgaria is a South Slavic country, therefore the official language of the country is Bulgarian, which is somewhat close to Russian. The same Cyrillic letters, the same pronunciation with slight nuances (for example, the Bulgarian letter Щ is read as [SHT]). At the very least, there should be no sharp language barrier, in which, in principle, there should be no understanding of what the interlocutor is talking about.

In addition, in large resorts, receiving guests from all over Europe, Bulgarians have learned to speak all languages, including English, so if you can't find a common language in Russian, feel free to switch to English, then everything will be clear.

However, a few phrases in Bulgarian are probably worth remembering, because everyone is pleased when you respect the native language of the place where you arrived. So, an impromptu Bulgarian mini phrasebook for all occasions:

• Saying hello or saying goodbye to the locals is very simple: just say "hello!" and "ciao!"
• Ask about the price of the desired Kolko Struva product?
• You can admit the absence of something with the very cute word "nyama", in particular, in the absence of money, lower your eyes sadly, throw up your hands and say "nyama bet". If you take a deep breath at the same time, perhaps you will be fed a bun - Bulgarians are sympathetic and kind people.
• By the way, agreement and disagreement with the interlocutor is expressed by the usual words "yes" and "no".
• After having dinner at a restaurant, ask for the bill by saying "Smetkata praying."
• Want to appear polite? Thank you for everything, even the smallest service, with the words "thanks" or "merci".
• If it comes to getting to know the locals, you can find out about the name of the interlocutor like this: "How are you?" For an even closer acquaintance, use the phrases "Wife system?" (Are you married?) And "Are you married?" (Are you married?).
• Looking for the place you need (post office, bus stop, museum), you can specify "where are you ...?" For example, when searching for a stop, ask the question "Where are the spirka?"
• If you need to ask about the presence of something, ask: "Imate ...?"
• While approving what you are shown / told, say “Haresva mi” (I like it), if something does not suit you, tell the interlocutor “Not mi Haresva” (I don’t like it).
• At the end of my mini-phrasebook, I would like to remind you that Bulgarians are very optimistic, they do not like to be discouraged, therefore with the most common phrase in the Bulgarian language “everything is good” (everything is good) you will cheer up yourself and your interlocutor.

As for communication, there are no differences from the Russian-speaking conversation, with the exception of one, but very significant: affirmation and denial are directly opposite to what we are used to. It is customary for Bulgarians to nod if they want to say “no”, and shake their heads from side to side if “yes”. When I went to Bulgaria for the first time, I thought it was a joke. But after talking with the locals, I was convinced that it was so. Believe me, the vigorous nod of the interlocutor in response to the question "Is there a toilet?" will confuse you, because it means that he is not there!

The situation has become even more complicated in recent years, when, due to the multitude of tourists, the real Bulgarian manners and mentality have slightly shifted towards European standards. Therefore, in response to the nodding and shaking of the head of the Bulgarian interlocutor, it is better to ask again: "No toilet?", "Is there a bank here?" Let him say in words.
And the last piece of advice: it is better to address questions to Bulgarians over 40-50 years old: the generation of people who were born in socialist Bulgaria studied Russian at school without fail. Therefore, it is usually easier to negotiate with them somehow.

Features of mentality

Originally Bulgarians are simple-hearted and kind people. The predominantly rural life made them conscientious and sympathetic toilers, and living in warm latitudes added leisurely and slowness to nature. True, the low level of development of the economic situation in the country and the annual abundance of tourists made Bulgarians more calculating and selfish. It is sad to see how in a place filled with tourists at every step they offer taxi services, electricians, plumbers, workers. Seeing that you are a tourist and need something, they will immediately name the price for which they will agree to help, although they could have done something for free, without being left at a loss.

In this sense, the case of visiting the shopping and entertainment center "Burgas Mall Gallery", located about 40 km away, became glaring in this sense. from the popular summer resort "Sunny Beach". Having missed the free bus, which runs there and back once a day, we were left without a ticket and asked the driver of such a bus to take us with him so that at least we could get back safely. And the driver of the free bus, who had several (!) Free seats in the cabin, looked at our frankly naive tourist faces and said: “Okay, but it will cost 5 levs,” and then he looked around again and added: “This from one person. From two there will be 10 levs. " Well what can I say? Just imagine that in Moscow you pay the driver of a free bus to allow you to sit down and get to Ashan! At that moment I remembered the hero of Gaidaev's film, saying the catch phrase: “Three hundred thirty. To each!"

Once again, Bulgarians are very sympathetic at heart, they were just spoiled by the thirst for easy money and a large number of tourists who are ready to pay for everything. And one more feature that I do not like about Bulgarians is optional. Of course, not all. But delays in everything - they are the norm. A bus half an hour late, a taxi that did not come to pick you up on time, the forgetfulness of a plumber promising to fix a tap - such trifles sometimes make up a not very attractive portrait. But, again, this is not common. I personally communicated with local residents, who were distinguished by both conscientiousness and punctuality. Therefore, here is how lucky.

Food and drink

In my opinion, traditional Bulgarian cuisine is a kind of hybrid of Russian and Mediterranean.

Food

A common Slavic love for potatoes, cereals, side dishes, and first courses is also present in Bulgarian cuisine. So soup lovers will like both hot Bulgarian stews in meat broth, and a cold version of Russian okroshka - tarator (soup made from kefir and cucumbers with herbs).

Hot dishes are potatoes, rice, beans, traditional for Russian people, served with meat or fish. Bulgarian cuisine is quite spicy and contains mostly grilled food, so if you're on a diet, opt for stews from the menu. For example, when you see the inscription “choking zelenchutsi” on the menu, do not rush to get scared, these are just stewed vegetables, which means that not a single carrot was seriously damaged during the preparation of this dish. By the way, locals are very fond of grilled bell peppers, seasoned with cheese - it's worth trying!

The Mediterranean flavor of the Bulgarian cuisine is due to the presence of a large number of fish and dishes from it, olive oil, vegetable salads. The classic Bulgarian version of the appetizer is a Shopska salad (cucumbers, tomatoes, feta cheese, onions, butter). A special feature of the Bulgarian cuisine is feta cheese (siren).

It is made from all types of milk (cow, sheep, goat and even buffalo) and is used to season absolutely all dishes with it. Cheese differs from the traditional yellow cheese in our understanding - kashkaval. If the word "siren" is indicated on the menu, be prepared, the dish will be with feta cheese. You can treat this in different ways. I know both ardent amateurs and indifferent and even hateful people to cheese. But remember, feta cheese is the pride of Bulgarian cuisine, so be prepared to eat it to the last crumb on your plate. Once I asked not to add feta cheese to a Greek salad (since instead of feta cheese, Bulgarians put feta cheese there), so the waiter took offense at me.

Everyone who comes to Bulgaria gets to know not only the wonderful feta cheese, but also extraordinarily tasty tomatoes. The so-called “pink” tomatoes grow well in Bulgaria.

They are not so attractive in appearance, they may seem green, unripe, but their taste is divine! Juicy, sweet, aromatic - you should definitely try them!

Almost all types of our favorite fruits and berries are grown in Bulgaria. In July you will find the season of sweet raspberries, pears and apricots (kaisia), in August you will taste ripe grapes, melons, peaches. Figs and kiwis also thrive in these latitudes. But what you shouldn't try in Bulgaria is typical northern berries: blueberries, blueberries, blackberries. I was surprised to find that most Bulgarians do not know what cranberries are. Therefore, if you see them on the counter, they will be imported berries that are sold at exorbitant prices. Quite exotic fruits such as pitahaya, pomelo, grapefruit, pineapple, bananas, coconuts do not grow in Bulgaria, the climate is not the same, but in large supermarkets you will certainly find foreign fruit brought from abroad.

The drinks

As for drinks, Bulgaria is famous for its winemaking, it is a country of huge vineyards, local residents distinguish wines from different regions by the richness of taste and aroma. True, most of them are dry and dry, so some seem sour. Lovers of sweet dessert drinks should not despair, you can find a variety of liqueur wine by looking at the coveted semi-sweet inscription on the bottle, which means semi-sweet. The sweetest thing that I have tasted in Bulgaria turned out to be Cahors. Also a good option for those who are turned back by the sour grape flavor.

Strong lovers should definitely try the Bulgarian vodka - brandy.

In Bulgaria it is insisted on plums of apples, apricots and grapes. In addition to its strong degree, it has a pleasant fruity taste. Also known since Soviet times are the Bulgarian varieties of cognac - brandy "Pliska" and "Sunny Beach".

These drinks have been produced for almost half a century and are distinguished by the same quality of taste. I recommend trying them too.

Especially for non-drinkers, I can recommend my own option: add brandy to strong black tea. Believe me, it is very relaxing.

To summarize

In general, there are plenty of food and drinks in Bulgaria for every taste. Only one should understand that having become a popular country and having European-class resorts in its composition, Bulgaria, in addition to the traditional one, diversifies its table with pan-European dishes: in any menu you will find sandwiches, pizza, french fries, spaghetti. Of course, this is just a tribute to the common European brotherhood, which Bulgaria was lucky enough to join almost ten years ago. And for tourists it is also a backup option: did you like feta cheese or mutton? You can eat it with Quatro Formaggi pizza and wash it down with cola!

5 dishes worth trying

The hit parade of Bulgarian yummy from me looks like this:

What you need to know about shopping in this country

As in any large country, goods in Bulgaria are divided into three main categories:

• Expensive, branded items (most often, clothes and interior items imported from Italy). It is hard to say that the prices are clearly favorable, but if you wish, you can find products at the price of Italian outlets (for example, in one of the shops in Burgas I saw cute leather belts of the Italian brand Cocinelli for 40-50 euros)
• National goods are usually produced in Bulgaria or Turkey. They have a middle price segment, optimal quality.
• Cheap Chinese goods: toys, beach accessories. As a rule, they are inexpensive, they also serve for a short time, one season at best.

My advice is this: it's better to go to the mall for clothes and cosmetics. But look for food and alcohol in large supermarkets. Of course, Bulgarian shopping cannot be compared with Italian (connoisseurs and lovers of Italy will understand me), but, you must admit, it is always pleasant to buy European quality things with a decent discount of 50, or even 70%.

Best Cities for Shopping

In my opinion, the main thing to know about the cities for shopping in
Bulgaria, is the principle of choosing “Cities” with a capital letter. In the sense that small towns and resort villages are very rarely suitable for shopping. Everything that is worth bringing from Bulgaria, in my opinion, is produced at large factories and factories, which means that it is delivered primarily to large stores and supermarkets, and only then is brought to small shops and shops. Therefore, it is simply ridiculous to buy the same thing, overpaying double or even triple price. The best cities where you can profit from interesting and inexpensive souvenirs are, in my opinion, Sofia and:

What to bring from this country

Despite the relatively small territory of the country, the proximity to the Slavic mentality and the rather modest level of economic development, you can bring a lot of pleasant, aromatic, tasty and even intoxicating things from hospitable Bulgaria:

Nuances

When choosing gifts, remember: the maximum allowable weight of baggage and hand luggage at the airport is 23 and 10 kilograms, respectively. From personal experience, I can say that 3-4 bottles of alcohol can be taken safely.

And, of course, any large store will issue you a tax-free refund. This is usually indicated by signs at the entrance. A trifle, but nice. You can get a tax-free refund at the Burgas airport, at the tourist information point (near entrance no. 2).

Vacation with children

The moderate mild climate of Bulgaria is very comfortable for both adults and children to stay in this country. Choosing a resort, you can take into account the peculiarities of the child's health in order to choose the most optimal option for rest.

Suitable resorts

The resorts of the north-east and south-east of the country, known since Soviet times, are ideal for family holidays:

In these cities to this day there are many children's health camps, boarding houses, campgrounds. In addition, almost every large hotel (4 stars and more) has an animator hired to organize an entertainment program for visiting young tourists.

Benefits

There are many advantages of resting with children in Bulgaria:

• Comfortable two-hour flight. Even if you are flying with small children, this travel time is acceptable.
• A temperate climate, ensuring that the warm season and high season in Bulgaria coincides with the summer months when most children have holidays. Most likely, there will be no difficult acclimatization in this country. It is better to relax in Bulgaria with children in July - August. The air temperature at this time of the year reaches + 29–34 ° C, the water temperature + 24–26 ° C. Starting from August 20, the weather begins to change: more cloudy days appear, rains begin.
• In most of these cities, sandy beaches are comfortable, provided with umbrellas and sun loungers, and free areas for vacationers. In addition, there are rescue booths every 50-100 meters. There are few wild beaches in these places, so the rest will be as safe as possible.
• Warm gentle sea. There are no sharp cliffs, rocky bottom and dangerous whirlpools on the Bulgarian beaches. Entry into the water is extremely convenient for those who are just learning to swim. The sea is clean, jellyfish and algae come only during high tides (about a couple of days a month).
• Healthy organic food. Most of the Bulgarian fruits, vegetables, meat and cereals can be safely eaten by children, as they are grown in a clean, non-industrial region.
• Bulgarian summer resorts meet modern safety requirements, hotels are equipped with year-round security and round-the-clock duty.
• Lack of a language barrier: the employees of the vast majority of hotels speak Russian well, so they can always help, and in extreme cases they will call someone who does it great (such people are always somewhere nearby), and then the problem will be 100% solved.
• And finally, entertainment. In an effort to attract tourists, Bulgaria has gone out of its way to all sorts of swing-roundabouts. There will definitely be a place to go with a child: little robbers will like the pirate water park with steep slides, active kids will be able to jump on a trampoline, take pictures with their favorite cartoon characters, curious explorers will be able to travel with their parents on a jeep safari, and little women of fashion can take a photo session in beautiful dresses. So there can be only one advice to parents: prepare a wallet, because there are a lot of temptations on the coast, and they are so tempting that no one can resist them.

disadvantages

I can name only one of them: there is a possibility of catching the so-called rotavirus infection. It is quite difficult, especially in children, so I recommend taking medicine for this ailment with you in the first-aid kit.

Security

Bulgaria is a fairly safe country. Order and observance of laws on the streets of cities and resorts is ensured by the police: gendarmes in uniforms ply public places from time to time, so you can not fear for your life, I would not call this country a criminal country.

The only trouble that tourists who come to Bulgaria may encounter is a meeting with the so-called ethnic gypsies. This is a special social stratum in Bulgaria, living by its own rules.

For the most part, they do not work and trade by begging for money from everyone who comes across them. In such a situation, it is better to simply ignore the beggars (these can be both children and adult women and men with disabilities) and move on without paying any attention to them. The gypsies themselves understand the powerlessness of their position in society, so they will definitely not pester you.

As for thefts in resorts, several times I heard from other tourists about cases of theft of valuables and money on the beaches. Pah-pah, but personally I have never come across this, although I often go swimming, leaving my things unattended. True, I don’t take money, documents and expensive electronics there, which is what I advise you.

Popular types of scams

I have not come across completely sophisticated methods of fraud in Bulgaria. Rather, small tricks that use the carelessness and gullibility of tourists, for example:

5 things you definitely shouldn't do

I can't name cardinal prohibitions, but things that I definitely don't recommend doing sound like this:

5 things to do in this country

I hope that with my article I have convinced you that vacationing in Bulgaria is useful, interesting, tasty and, moreover, not very expensive. Once again, I repeat the thought stated in the introduction: regardless of age, marital status, taste and cultural preferences, you will be fine in Bulgaria. It's comfortable, because a lot is here, like we have in Russia (and something even like in the USSR), but still, this is the European Union. Holidays in Bulgaria will definitely not be in vain if you manage to do five extremely important things:

To summarize

In conclusion, I would like to say: while vacationing in Bulgaria, do whatever your soul asks. Even if it is strongly immoral, local authorities are humane towards tourists, on whom the country's economy depends. At best, no one will pay attention to it, and at worst, you will be warned and released in peace. This is how the modern inhabitant of the Balkan Peninsula of Bulgaria lives: with one foot in a glorious past with a historical heritage and rich traditions, and with the other modern Europe with a decent level of economy, service and tourism.

Nearby countries

Now a little more about where you can go from Bulgaria.

Balkan Brotherhood

I call this cluster of countries the "Balkan brotherhood": ancient history, arid, sultry climate, a historically developed passion for agriculture. Even the attitude to life among these peoples is somewhat similar: slowness, slowness in business, a completely different sense of the passage of time. But at the same time, remember the films of the most real Balkan - Yugoslav Emir Kusturica (who has not seen, I strongly advise you to get acquainted, for example, his film "Black Cat, White Cat")! This is a real tangle of incredible events, fireworks of emotions and a fountain of passions! And all this in an ordinary village among silent sunflowers under the blue cloudless sky of the Balkans!

Where to go

While vacationing in Bulgaria, I always find time to get out to one of the neighboring countries: sometimes joining an organized excursion group, and sometimes independently going on an exciting voyage to one of the Balkan neighbors. When going on a visit, do not forget to get yourself a double-entry visa (or multiple-entry visa) in advance so that at the end of the trip you will be allowed back into the country. So, where exactly is it worth getting from Bulgaria:

1. ... To see with your own eyes the ancient ruins of the old city, admire the architectural monuments and feed the black swans with bread in the Herastrau National Park - all this, or the city of joy, as the Romanians themselves call it.
   But the most popular attraction in this extremely poor country is Bran Castle, located 30 kilometers from the city of Brasov. Remember the chilling story of the vampire Dracula? So, according to legend, it was in this castle that a demonic creature lived, hunting people at night.
   The cost of a two-day trip to Romania will cost tourists 100 € (200 levs). By the way, due to the distance of the road and high fees for entrance tickets to museums, this is the most expensive excursion program offered in Bulgaria.
2. ... Among tourists living in the Bulgarian Sofia, the option of spending a weekend in fraternal Serbia is extremely popular. Only 12 € (24 levs), four hours' journey, and you are in a quiet city or Pirot (depending on where you decide to go). Admire the ancient fortresses, wander the native streets of the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great, and when you get hungry, appreciate the quality and low prices of Serbian food.
   The cuisine is similar to the Bulgarian one: mainly fish and meat fried on a wire rack with vegetables. Unpretentious and very tasty! Another plus: Russians do not need a visa to stay in this country. Unmarried women should remember that the demographic situation in Serbia is extremely favorable for dating with a serious continuation: according to statistics, there are more men than women, and they all yearn to find family happiness. By the way, they love and appreciate Russian girls. And the same Orthodox as we are.
3. ... “I have never been to the Bosphorus,” wrote Sergei Yesenin, and Russians have a great opportunity to visit Istanbul, one of the most beautiful cities in this Muslim neighbor of Bulgaria. While resting in the south-eastern part of the country, be sure to find time to go here: the road will take only five or six hours, and there will be a lot of impressions. I still remember this magical city on the Bosphorus!
   Soaring mosques, the cry of a muezzin flying over the waves, delicious ice cream “dondurma” - I have never seen such a fabulous eastern city anywhere else! A bus ticket here will cost about 80 € (160 lev), and a trip organized by the agency for two days will be about twice as expensive. In the light of recent political events, Russians are temporarily closed travel to Turkey, but I really hope that the situation will be resolved in the near future, because it is very, very sad to lose the opportunity to see a beautiful city on the border of two countries of the world, Europe and Asia.
4. ... The main places of tourist voyages to Greece from Bulgaria are the city in the northern mainland of the country, the bustling port of Kavala, from where you can get by ferry to the green island of Thassos, lost in the Aegean Sea.
   You can get to this wonderful country both from the capital Sofia and from the south-east coast. All you need is to clarify the train schedule on the Bulgarian railways and ... go to meet the ancient Hellas! A ticket for a comfortable train will cost from 10 € (from the coast) to 15 € (from Sofia). While monitoring hotels in Kavala, I brought out the average price per night, it is about 72 € (5000 rubles). Choosing an organized trip to Greece, which, in my opinion, is more economical, be prepared to pay an average of 105 € (210 lev) for a two-day stay. Do not forget to take care of the Schengen visa in advance, as it is an EU country.

To summarize

Although a trip to a neighboring country is often a rather expensive item of expenses, I advise you not to spare the money and go to at least one place. These are such vivid impressions! As if several small trips inside one!

Money

Despite joining the European Union, Bulgaria, in addition to the universal euro, retained its own national currency. It is considered the Bulgarian lev (BGN or lev. In the designation).

The exchange rate of the Bulgarian lev to the euro is 1.95 as standard. This means that 195 BGN is relied on for 100 €. The ratio of the lev and the euro is thus, relatively speaking, 2: 1.

The exchange rate of the lev to the ruble is approximately 0.256-0.268, depending on the season and the resort where you are changing. This means that for 1000 rubles you will be given 25.6 or 26.8 leva, or 1 lev is slightly less than 40 rubles.

To mentally translate Bulgarian prices into euros, you just need to divide the price by two, and to get the same amount in rubles, multiply by 40. This method helps a lot, because psychologically, seeing prices of 2.3, 4 levs, people think that everything is cheap , but multiplying and comparing this with prices in the homeland, as a rule, they stop rejoicing.

Where to exchange money in Bulgaria

You can change money in Bulgaria:

Not only rubles and euros are exchanged in such places, but also all major European currencies, in some points you can buy Israeli shekels.

However, the popularity of tourists, as well as the thirst for simple economic profit, led to the fact that in the summer in the so-called "high season" (July - August), the real exchange rate of the lev ranges from 1.90 to 1.95. This means that at a well-known resort you will be offered to exchange 100 euros for 190 levs, and in a large city (especially if it is unpopular among tourists) for 195. The banks offer an average option for the optimum: from 1.92 to 1.94 depending on the location ...

Payment by cards

All major stores and restaurants accept both cash and international cards Visa, Maestro, Mastercard for payment. In this case, there will be no large commissions and double overpayments, the price will remain the same based on the rate of 40 rubles per 1 lev. In some shops, in the absence of Bulgarian levs, they are ready to accept euros out of the kindness of their soul. But the rubles, as far as I saw, are not accepted anywhere by the Bulgarian brothers.

Therefore, advice on currency for tourists can only be this: if you are traveling to Bulgaria for the first time, especially to a large resort, and you do not have Bulgarian levs in stock, prepare in advance small bills of 5, 10, 20 €, then when exchanging in the first way by point (believe me, this is unlikely to be a profitable course) your losses will be minimal. When you reach your destination, find a bank with the best rate and change the principal amount there. And you will be happy!

Prices in Bulgaria

Finally, I would like to say how the current crisis affected prices in Bulgaria. A few years ago, before the fall of some currencies, the ratio of the lev to the ruble was different: 1 lev cost about 20 rubles. In this situation, the vast majority of prices for goods and services seemed cheap. And so it was. Let's say, a bottle of good champagne for 1 €, or 2.5 leva for our money, cost only 50 rubles! It was the time of cheap alcohol, fruits, cheeses, clothing, services, etc.

However, after the fall of the ruble and other perturbations in the European economy, prices rose markedly. And today, most products and services are not cheaper, if not more expensive than we are used to. Smokers will clearly not like the fact that a pack of cigarettes, which costs 2 € in Moscow, or 150 rubles, in Bulgaria will cost you about 5.7 €, or 400 rubles. Alas, while the times of super cheap prices have passed, but, perhaps, the situation will change, and we will again rush to the Bulgarian brothers across the warm sea and cheap food.

, .

Bulgaria

Many people choose this country for family holidays, the most popular time to visit with children is from May to October, but in the rest of the year tourists have something to see and where to have fun. is actively developing, the state allocates special programs in order to take its rightful place among European resorts.

The geology of the country is also of interest, where there are the Balkan Mountains, the Black Sea and rivers on the plains, which allows you not only to bask on the beaches of Bulgaria, but also to engage in active recreation: descending rivers (rafting), climbing mountains, etc.

Resorts of Bulgaria

All kinds of recreation are offered in this country: these are seaside resorts for summer holidays, sightseeing tours in cities with a 13-century history, and winter ski resorts. Marine resorts of Bulgaria Sunny Beach, Rusalka, Golden Sands, Balchik, Albena, Pomorie and Nessebar have proven themselves with modern comfortable conditions, entertainment centers and fun water parks.

Mediterranean climate and golden sandy beaches make tourism and vacation in Bulgaria unforgettable. The purest sea breeze blows through the windows of modern hotels, mixed with the smell of coniferous forests surrounding the hotels. Club life at night will also find its fans and leave a romantic impression.

Ski resorts in Bulgaria

Winter ski resorts in Bulgaria Bansko, Borovets, Vitosha Mountain, Chepelare and Pamporovo welcome tourists from December to February with fresh mountain air, relatively low prices and excellent service. Bulgaria is loved by tourists for its snowy slopes. Moreover, they are good for beginners and athletes with an average level, and the climate is warmer than in the mountains of Austria or France, so here it is much more convenient to have fun with the whole family.

Medical resorts in Bulgaria

Most vacationers choose exactly medical resorts in Bulgaria,which are represented by all types of services at any time of the year. There is a ski resort on the Rila massif, where tourists are welcomed by mountain lakes with mineral springs. Hundreds of thousands of tourists have experienced the miraculous effect of the balneological resorts in the Rhodope mountain range. Thermal springs in the sanatoriums Sandanski, Golden Sands, Hisar, Velingrad and Pomorie help to overcome various diseases (from skin to urological). However, even in the capital itself there are mineral springs with temperatures ranging from 20 to 50 ° C.

Tours in Bulgaria

You can start traveling around this country from the capital - Sofia, where sights of Bulgaria literally at every step. Here you can visit the ruins of the Thracian fortress of Serdika, the Cyril and Methodius library with mysterious and wonderful treasures inside, the Banya-Bashi mosque.

For those who are interested in herself Bulgaria, with its amazing history, will offer an ethnographic tour that starts from the village of Bata near Bourgas. Here you can be offered tours in Bulgaria to the lakes of Burgas. They attract tourists with unearthly beauty, purity of waters and the opportunity to fish. Romantic natures will be offered to visit the valleys of roses on the slopes of the most beautiful mountains, and cruise lovers - to sail along the Danube.

Holidays in Bulgaria

A visit to Bulgaria is possible with a national visa, and for holders of multiple Schengen visas, entry is simplified. To apply for a Bulgarian visa, a lot of effort and documents are not required, special certificates are not required, the package of documents is standard. Regular visitors to the country are given a multivisa or a three-year visa, which will allow them to get high-quality vacation in Bulgaria and enjoy the spas repeatedly and without difficulty.

Bulgaria beaches

On the coastline of the Black Sea, golden beaches of Bulgaria... Most of them are equipped with all the services for a civilized rest: changing rooms, toilets, the ability to rent sun loungers, umbrellas and other accessories, although there are also untouched places. In the resorts of Bulgaria there are more than 700 sandy beaches.

Bulgaria hotels

Choosing a place to stay is easy and pleasant. Hotels Bulgaria presented for every taste and wallet, of various "stars". Hotels can be both family complexes and SPA, with their own beaches and beautiful forest landscapes. At the resorts "Golden Sands" and "Sunny Beach", a fun pastime will be provided by the availability of water parks with a symbolic fee.

Transport in Bulgaria

Traveling around Bulgaria is easy and comfortable by any means of transport. For tourists, a special transport in Bulgaria for transportation on tours, you can rent a car for self-formation of the route, you can travel by river and rail. For short-distance movements (for example, to water parks) minibuses are provided.

Bulgaria is a beautiful country. It is small in size, but it has an ancient culture, very picturesque landscapes, its people are very friendly, and they are old-fashioned and welcoming and hospitable. The country is located in the south-east of Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. Bulgaria is not as popular a tourist destination as its southern neighbors Greece and Turkey, despite the popularity of the inexpensive Bulgarian Black Sea resorts, most of which are surrounded by stunning landscapes and excellent sandy beaches with a sunny climate and safe sea. Nevertheless, tourism in Bulgaria is quite widespread, and all amenities have been created for tourists and vacationers.

Although the country is best known for its seaside resorts, the country's character is well reflected in the country's impressive mountainous regions. The six very different mountain ranges in Bulgaria range from high mountains with snow-capped peaks, to gentle green hills with forests, on the territory of which are located thermal springs and mineral spas, and among which there are valleys, where the scent of flowers and herbs soars in the air. In the heart of the country is the Rose Valley, thanks to which Bulgaria is one of the largest producers of rose oil in the world, and which is why Bulgaria is sometimes called the "land of roses". At the foot of the Vitosha mountains lies the capital of the country, Sofia, which is famous for a large number of architectural monuments and museums. Among the rocky peaks of the Rila and Pirin mountains, excellent conditions for skiing are created, in the territory of ski resorts, and also there is the famous Rila Monastery and the Pirin National Park (which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site) with a majestic landscape. The Balkan Mountains run across the country, a 530 km chain that provides some of the best hiking conditions in Europe.

The history of Bulgaria can be traced throughout the country, in the old cities of the country, ancient Thracian religions and jewels, decorated churches and monasteries, and country settlements in which the traditional beliefs of the inhabitants of Bulgaria have been preserved. One of the main assets of the country for visitors is its diversity, but whatever aspect a tourist in Bulgaria decides to explore, you can always be sure that you will be warmly welcomed anywhere.

As follows from the above, there are all conditions for tourism in Bulgaria.

Basic country information

Time

Local time in Bulgaria is GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).

Electricity in Bulgaria

The mains voltage in Bulgaria is 220 volts, 50 Hz.

Plugs and sockets in Bulgaria

Uses a European 2-pin plug, and a schuko plug.

Tongue

The official language is Bulgarian, but English, German, and French are also spoken in resorts, hotels, and restaurants.

Health, vaccinations for travel to Bulgaria

There are no major health threats in Bulgaria and no vaccinations are required to enter the country. However, before traveling to other countries, tourists are always advised to get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, and they should also be vaccinated against typhoid if they plan to eat in places other than hotels and restaurants and visit places that are rare among tourists. Medical services can be expensive and are expected to be paid immediately. Only the most essential equipment and medicines are available in local hospitals, and any specialized treatment may not be available everywhere. Therefore, it is very important to take out medical insurance, which includes an emergency evacuation.

Tipping in Bulgaria

In restaurants, it is customary to leave a 10% tip, and it is customary for porters in hotels and taxi drivers to leave change when paying. In taxis without a meter, you don't need to leave change or tip.

Safety in Bulgaria

Most of the visits to Bulgaria take place without any hassle. Violent crime is rare, but casinos and nightclubs are often targeted by criminal groups. In the central areas of cities and in the Black Sea resorts, groups of young pickpockets are wielding. There are frequent cases of car theft.

Local customs and traditions

Foreigners should bear in mind that head-shaking means “yes” and nodding means “no,” although locals often make allowances for newcomers for not knowing this; it does not hurt to clarify the answer in words to avoid confusion.

Business and entrepreneurship in Bulgaria

Building business relationships is very important in Bulgaria. Therefore, face-to-face meetings are preferable to communicating by phone, faxing or messaging via email. Russian is sometimes used in business and English is gaining popularity, however translation services may be required. When meeting, it is customary to shake hands tightly and exchange business cards; clothing should be conservative; you should be punctual. Hours of operation are generally from 9 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday.

Communications in Bulgaria

The international access code for Bulgaria is +359, followed by the telephone code of the desired city. The code for Sofia is (0) 2. From Bulgaria, you can directly connect to 58 countries, for which you need to add the 00 prefix to the phone number. Calls to countries that cannot be connected directly must be made through the operator by calling 0123. In Betcom or Bulgarian Telecommunication Company phone booths, a special call is required for calls. a card that can be purchased at kiosks. There are also telephone exchanges in the country, which are located at post offices. Bulgaria is one of the few countries in Europe where there is no peak or off-peak time for calls. The country has GSM mobile operators and several Internet providers. There are more and more Internet cafes in big cities.

Cash, money, credit cards in Bulgaria

Money in Bulgaria, what is the currency in Bulgaria

Credit cards in Bulgaria

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, and Visa are accepted in big cities, large hotels, and car rental companies, as well as in some restaurants and shops, mainly in Sofia. However, Bulgaria is still a cash-dominated country.

ATMs in Bulgaria

ATMs are common in Bulgaria, although it is best to check with your bank before traveling. Not every ATM in Bulgaria accepts all foreign cards. It may take more than one attempt to successfully withdraw money from an ATM.

Traveler's checks

These checks are accepted at major hotels and restaurants, although cash payments are much more common. To avoid additional costs due to the exchange rate, travelers are advised to take travelers checks in US dollars or euros.

Bank opening hours

Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 16:00.

Currency restriction

Import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is not limited, provided that the amount is announced on arrival. The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount indicated upon arrival in the country.

Currency exchange

Tourists and vacationers are advised to exchange money in Bulgaria in banks, in large hotels, and in independent exchange offices, where the exchange rate is clearly marked. One should not be tempted by the “more lucrative rate” offered by the money changers on the streets. No store, bank, or exchange office will accept a damaged, torn, or too dirty foreign banknote.

Duty free in Bulgaria (duty free)

Bulgaria is part of the European Union. If you arrive in the country from another EU country, there are no restrictions on the quantity or value of imported goods and items, provided that what you bring is intended for personal use.

If you are entering Bulgaria from a country that is not a member of the European Union, you are allowed to import the following items without duties for persons over 17 years old:

• 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250 gr. tobacco;
• 4 l. wine or 16 liters. beer or 1 liter. alcohol with a strength above 22% or 2 liters. alcohol with a strength of up to 22%;
• other things and items worth up to 430 euros for arriving by plane and by sea, or 300 euros for arriving by any other means.