Organize your stay Bulgaria
Money Bulgaria
The Bulgarian currency is the Bulgarian lev (BGN, plural: leva). The lev consists of 100 stotinki (cents). The coins available are 1, 2, 5 (yellow coins), 10, 20, 50 stotinki (white coins) and 1 lev in coin form. The available banknotes are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 leva.
The exchange rate of the lev is indexed to the euro. 1 BGN = 0,51 €; 1 € = 1,96 BGN. So, when you see the prices displayed in lev, it is almost enough to divide by two to know the amount in euros and conversely, multiply by two the levas to have the euros.
Budget & Tips Bulgaria
For everyday consumer goods, food, clothing, everyday objects, prices are about half of what they are in France. A loaf of bread costs about 50 stotinki, a restaurant meal about 10 leva, a kilo of fruit 1 lev, a kebab 2-3 leva, a bottle of wine between 2 and 12 leva, a box of shampoo 2-3 leva. The price of gasoline, obviously variable according to the situation, is lower than in France (about 2.10 leva per liter). On the other hand, products imported from the West, such as household appliances or hi-fi, can be much more expensive than in their country of production, as well as many imported products. For the traveler, therefore, the purchasing power is high. However, in recent years, prices have increased significantly. In the city and in the tourist areas, this is clearly noticeable.
In restaurants, it is customary to leave a tip of 10 to 15% of the bill to the waiter, even if the service is included.
Passport and visas Bulgaria
Bulgaria is part of the European Union, but not yet part of the Schengen area. However, as a European or Swiss citizen, a valid national identity card or passport is sufficient to enter and stay in Bulgaria without time limit.
Driver's license Bulgaria
Your French driving licence is enough to drive on Bulgarian roads. On Bulgarian territory, you are of course subject to the Bulgarian highway code.
Health Bulgaria
Tap water is drinkable, and in the mountains, Bulgarians drink directly from fountains.
Remember to ask your CPAM for a free European insurance card in order to benefit from free care in case of hospitalization. Go to www.ameli.fr to obtain it (to be requested 15 days before departure). The card is valid for two years.
Mandatory vaccination Bulgaria
No vaccinations are required to travel to Bulgaria, but it is safer to be up to date with your vaccinations.
Security Bulgaria
The country is relatively safe. However, small pickpockets exist as everywhere in the tourist places. Be careful with your wallet, cameras and video cameras. As far as cars are concerned, it is preferable to park in paid and supervised parking lots. Never leave valuables in a parked car.
Be careful on the outskirts of the cities with the "invisible borders" of the neighborhoods where you should not enter, especially the Roma mahala. Entering these ghettoized territories can be perceived as an aggression and it is better not to find yourself in this situation. If you see a neighborhood on the outskirts of the city that contrasts sharply with the surrounding area, often made up of alleys with low, closely spaced houses, with no public organization, with the appearance of a shantytown - there are often even "guards" at the entrance to these neighborhoods - preferably leave it alone.
For the latest information on security in the country, consult the "Advice to Travelers" section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs. Be aware, however, that the site provides an exhaustive list of potential dangers and that this sometimes gives a somewhat alarmist picture of the real situation in the country.
Time difference Bulgaria
Bulgaria is on the GMT+2 time zone, one hour more than in France. So when it is 2pm in France, it is 3pm in Bulgaria. The time change in summer and winter is done at the same time.
Spoken languages Bulgaria
The main language is Bulgarian, but depending on the region (if your ear recognizes it), you will hear Turkish, Macedonian or Greek. Concerning English, it is more the younger generations who speak it, especially in the cities; the older ones understand Russian very well. Don't panic though, most of the hotel staff and the staff of the main restaurants in town will speak English to you when you order. Moreover, an English map is usually provided for these restaurants. If not, pictures on the menu can help. Hotel websites often have an English version, usually a Russian version, sometimes a Turkish or German version, but don't dream: almost never a French version. An automatic translator will be useful!
Communication Bulgaria
The telephone network is well covered, as is 4G. Fiber optics is the rule in town. Except in some remote mountain areas, you should not have any communication problems.
Electricity and measurements Bulgaria
The electrical outlets are the same as in France, as is the metric system. No need to take an adapter with you.
Luggage Bulgaria
It depends on the season you plan to visit Bulgaria. Summer is very hot and dry, with little wind (except for the coast, which is a bit more exposed), and light clothing is a must. Winter, on the other hand, is quite cold, with gusts of wind and snowfall from mid-December. Be sure to bring warm clothes so that you don't have to buy them on the spot.
