General information

SUMMARY

Location
Bulgaria is situated in Southeast Europe and occupies the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula. To the north it borders on Romania, to the west on the Republic of Macedonia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, to the east on the Black Sea, to the south on Greece and to the southeast on Turkey's European part.

Area: 111.000 sq km.

Relief
Extremely varied: large plains and lowlands, low and high mountains, valleys and lovely gorges.

Nature
It will fascinate you with its fantastic creativity, squeezing so much beauty onto such a tiny land - curious rock formations and mysterious caves; sunny seashores with golden sands, quiet coves and romantic capes; majestic mountains with fiery peaks, mirror lakes and shady woods full of scent.

Climate
Temperate continental with clearly marked four seasons. A Mediterranean influence is felt in the country's southern regions. The average annual temperature is 10.5C. The average January temperature is around OC. Average summer temperatures rarely exceed 30C.

Population: 8,428,006

Religion
86.6% of the population is Eastern Orthodox, 13% are Muslims. The Bulgarian Church is autonomous and headed by a Patriarch.

Time Difference
Winter time: GMT +2 hours (October through March).
Summer time: GMT +3 hours (April through September)

Voltage
220 V only

Working Hours
Offices - 9.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. (Monday to Friday)
Banks - 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. (Monday to Friday)
Shops - 10.00 a.m. to 8.00 pm. (Monday to Friday, Saturday until noon)

Transport - Public transport

• in big cities: trams, trolley-buses, buses
• elsewhere: buses
• inter-city transport: plane, train, coach, Taxi
• Rent-a-car:AVIS, Hertz, Intertel, Europcar, Budget and International Car Rental in Sofia, the country's big cities and resorts

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Terrorism
There is no recent history of either domestic or international terrorism in Bulgaria. British nationals should, however, be aware of the risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, in all countries of the world, against civilian targets in public places, including tourist sites. Although we are not aware of any specific threat to British interests from terrorism in Bulgaria, we believe there is an increased general threat to visibly British institutions and organisations from global terrorism in Bulgaria, as there is in all other countries in this region. Bulgarian security forces have little experience of combating terrorism. Against this background, British nationals should be vigilant in public places.

Crime
Crime levels are roughly comparable to the UK. Organised criminal groups are active in casinos, nightclubs, prostitution and elsewhere. Much local violent crime is the result of turf battles between criminal groups. You should beware of groups of young pickpockets (often children) in city centres, especially busy shopping areas and underpasses. Thieves and pickpockets also target holidaymakers at Black Sea coastal resorts. You should leave passports and other valuables in a hotel safe or other secure place. (You are strongly advised, however, to carry a copy of the information pages of your passport as proof of identity).
Car theft is commonplace. Thieves target prestige and four-wheel drive models, but any unattended vehicle is at risk. If possible, you should use alarms and other visible security measures.

Local travel
Most cities and larger towns have cheap and extensive public transport. There are regular bus services between most major towns in the country. There are several car-hire companies, including Hertz and Avis. It is possible to fly between Sofia and the two major towns on the Black Sea coast, Varna and Bourgas.
Taxis are plentiful and cheap by UK standards, although vehicles may not be in very good condition. Seat belts are rarely present or used. Most taxis are metered, but these may be rigged and foreigners are often subject to overcharging.
If you enter Bulgaria in a private vehicle you must have your driving licence, all original registration and ownership documents (including logbook) as well as evidence of insurance valid in Bulgaria. If you have hired a car you must have the original contract document, which should state that the vehicle can be brought into Bulgaria. Border officials will impound your vehicle if they are not satisfied that you own it or have permission to use it in Bulgaria.
If your vehicle is stolen while you are in Bulgaria, you will be considered liable for import duty and related taxes. If you cannot pay, you will have to sign a declaration on departure confirming that you will pay the due amount. We strongly recommend that, if possible, you take out insurance to cover this.
Take care when driving, particularly at night. Many roads are in poor condition and road works are often unlit or unmarked. Driving standards are generally poor. Avoid confrontations with aggressive drivers who may be armed. You should observe the speed limit and ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy. Spot fines are charged for minor violations. Car-jackings are becoming more frequent these tend to occur outside built-up areas, usually at night, and there is some evidence that foreigners are being targeted. Some criminals even impersonate traffic policemen to flag vehicles down on major routes, especially near international border crossings. If you are travelling across Bulgaria by car, you should try to stick to daylight hours.

LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
Currency regulations are strict. If you enter Bulgaria with cash of any currency amounting to the equivalent of Leva 5000 (about \$2500) or more, you must declare it to customs officials (ie the red channel at the port of entry). If you do not, the money will be confiscated, and you may possibly be detained and charged.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
As a British national you may enter Bulgaria as a tourist without a visa for up to thirty days. You must register with the nearest police station within 48 hours of arrival. If you are in a hotel or on a package holiday, this will be done for you. If you are staying in a private house, you will need to do it yourself. Failure to do so may result in a fine for your host family.
You may be able to extend your stay in Bulgaria beyond 30 days by applying at the local passport office. However, switching "status" is no longer allowed. For example, if you enter as a visitor then decide to establish a business here, or stay on a more permanent basis, you will have to go back to London and apply for the appropriate entry clearance at the Bulgarian Embassy.

HEALTH
British nationals are entitled to free state medical treatment in Bulgaria. (This excludes private treatment.) However, we still recommend you take out comprehensive travel insurance, which includes medevac to the UK if necessary. This will ensure that you are covered for all eventualities. Facilities in most Bulgarian hospitals are basic and old-fashioned compared to those in the UK. Standards of medical care are acceptable, but specialised equipment/treatment may not be available.

GENERAL

Organic food not to be imported in Bulgaria
You should not attempt to import into Bulgaria any foodstuffs for personal consumption originating from cloven-footed animals (eg cows, sheep).

Money
The current exchange rate is approximately 3 Bulgarian Leva to 1.00. You can buy Leva from Thomas Cook branches in the UK. There are many exchange bureaux that normally exchange good condition US dollar bills and other major currencies. However, you should be very careful when using them they are known to dupe customers with misleading rates of exchange, and hide behind small print when complaints are made. This unfair practice does not seem to be illegal. Where possible, you should change money in banks or in large hotels. If you have travellers cheques you may need to go to a bank anyway.
There is now a large network of automatic teller machines (ATMs) that accept standard international credit and debit cards. Check with your UK bank/card provider whether you will be able to use these machines to draw Leva.
Bulgaria is still largely a cash economy. Credit cards are not yet very widely accepted, though they may be used in major hotels and, increasingly, in restaurants and retail outlets.

Further Information/Contacts
For up-to-date information prior to departure, particularly regarding entry requirements:

Bulgarian Embassy- 186-188 Queen's Gate, London, SW7 5HL; tel: 020 7584 9400; fax: 020 7584 4948; website: www.bulgarianembassy.org.uk; e-mail: information@bulgarianembassy.org.uk.(The Bulgarian Embassy can provide useful information on residing, buying property and setting up a business in Bulgaria. You are strongly advised to contact them on such issues before you travel.) In-country

British Embassy - 9 Moskovska St, 1000 Sofia; (tel: + 359 2 933 9222) (main switchboard).Website: http://www.british-embassy.bg Consular section - for advice and assistance to British citizens, including lost/stolen passports has separate contact details: (tel: +359 2 933 9290) (fax: +359 2 933 9263) e-mail: britembcon@mbox.cit.bg British Honorary Consulate 40 Graf Ignatiev St, Varna; (tel: +359 52 66 55 555) (fax: +359 52 66 55 333)(The Honorary Consulate can offer advice and general assistance in an emergency, but has no passport - or visa - issuing function). Sofia City Info Guide A monthly publication in English providing a large amount of useful information for foreign visitors and newcomers to Sofia. Available from major international hotels. Website: http://www.sofiacityguide.com