Driving in Bulgaria: Road Rules & Tips for Tourists

• Driver’s License: EU licenses are valid. Non-EU travelers can use their national license for up to 1 year; an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
• Traffic Rules: Drive on the right. Seat belts are mandatory. Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas like Sofia, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 140 km/h on highways. The blood alcohol limit is 0.05%.
• Road Conditions: Main roads like Sofia to Plovdiv are good, but rural roads can be poorly maintained. Watch for potholes and stray animals.
• Tolls: You need a vignette (digital sticker) to drive on highways, costing about 15 BGN for a week for cars.
• Parking: In Sofia, parking is regulated in the city center—use paid lots or apps like Blue Zone (2 BGN/hour). Avoid parking on sidewalks to prevent fines.
• Emergency Number: Dial 112 for emergencies (police, ambulance, fire). Roadside assistance is available through local services like Union Ivkoni.
• Useful Resource: For more on driving rules, visit the Bulgarian Ministry of Transport website.

Currency in Bulgaria: Using the Bulgarian Lev for Your Trip

• Bulgarian Lev: The official currency is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN), abbreviated with "лв". Coins come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 stotinki, and 1, 2 BGN; notes in 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 BGN.
• Currency Exchange: Exchange money at banks or authorized exchange offices in Sofia for better rates. Avoid exchanging at airports or tourist spots due to high fees.
• Payment Methods: Cards are widely accepted in cities, but cash is essential in rural areas and small businesses. Always carry some BGN for markets or small eateries.
• ATMs: ATMs are common in cities—look for banks like UniCredit Bulbank or DSK Bank. Check withdrawal fees with your bank.

Legal Guide to Bulgaria: Laws Travelers Should Know

• Local Laws: Drug possession is illegal and can lead to severe penalties. Public drinking is generally tolerated but can result in fines if it leads to disorderly behavior.
• Cultural Sensitivities: Respect religious sites—dress modestly at churches like the Rila Monastery. Avoid discussing politics or the Soviet era unless locals bring it up. More in the Culture & Etiquette tab.
• Photography Restrictions: Photography is fine in most places, but avoid taking pictures of military installations or inside some churches without permission.
• Public Behavior: Public displays of affection are acceptable but should be discreet. Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces, with fines for violations.
• Customs Rules: You can bring up to 1 liter of spirits, 2 liters of wine, and 200 cigarettes duty-free. Declare cash over 10,000 BGN upon entry.
• Emergency Contact: Dial 112 for emergencies. For non-urgent issues, contact the local police at 166.

Travel Safety in Bulgaria: Staying Safe on Your Trip

• Crime: Bulgaria is generally safe, but petty theft like pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas like Sofia’s Vitosha Boulevard—keep your belongings secure.
• Road Safety: Roads can be uneven, and local driving habits may be aggressive. Avoid driving at night in rural areas due to poor lighting and road conditions.
• Health Risks: No major health risks. Tap water is safe in cities but opt for bottled water in rural areas. Mosquitoes can be an issue in summer near the Danube.
• Natural Hazards: Flooding can occur in spring, especially in the Danubian Plain. Winters in mountainous areas like Bansko can be snowy—prepare for icy roads.
• Scams: Be wary of taxi scams at Sofia Airport—use official taxis or apps like TaxiMe. Avoid unofficial guides offering tours at inflated prices.
• Medical Facilities: Sofia has good hospitals like Tokuda Hospital. Pharmacies are common—look for signs saying “Аптека” (Apteka).
• Emergency Contacts: Dial 112 for emergencies. Tourist police in Sofia can assist with minor issues—find them in busy areas like the city center.

Culture & Etiquette in Bulgaria: What to Know

• Greetings: A handshake is standard—say “Zdravei” (Hello) for informal settings or “Dobăr den” (Good day) for formal ones. Friends may hug or kiss on the cheek (two kisses).
• Dining Customs: At restaurants, wait to be seated. Tipping isn’t mandatory but rounding up the bill (5-10%) is appreciated. Bread is often placed on the table as a sign of hospitality.
• Religious Sites: Dress modestly at monasteries like Rila—shoulders and knees should be covered. Avoid loud talking or taking photos during services.
• Festivals: The Rose Festival in Kazanlak (June) celebrates Bulgaria’s rose oil production with parades and folk dances. The Kukeri Festival (January-March) features costumed dancers warding off evil spirits.
• Language Tips: Bulgarian uses the Cyrillic alphabet. English is spoken in tourist areas, but learning basic phrases like “Blagodarya” (Thank you) is appreciated.
• Hospitality: Bulgarians are welcoming and may offer you rakia or homemade food—accepting is a sign of respect. Be prepared for warm, lengthy conversations.

Local Cuisine in Bulgaria: Must-Try Dishes & Drinks

• Banitsa: A flaky pastry filled with cheese and eggs, often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack.
• Shopska Salad: A refreshing mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peppers, and sirene cheese, topped with olive oil.
• Kebapche: Grilled minced meat rolls, typically served with fries and lutenitsa (a Bulgarian relish).
• Rakia: A traditional fruit brandy, often homemade, served as an aperitif or with salads.
• Mavrud: A robust red wine from the Thracian Valley, perfect with grilled meats.
• Where to Eat: In Sofia, Shtastlivetsa on Vitosha Boulevard offers traditional Bulgarian dishes in a cozy setting—book ahead. In Plovdiv, Pavaj in the Old Town serves authentic banitsa and local wines with views of the Roman amphitheater. Both are highlighted in our Top Attractions tab.

Top Attractions in Bulgaria: Must-Visit Places

• Rila Monastery: A 10th-century UNESCO site in the Rila Mountains, known for its vibrant frescoes and serene setting. Search for a guided tour on Tiqets.
• Plovdiv Old Town: One of Europe’s oldest cities, featuring a Roman amphitheater, colorful 19th-century houses, and cobblestone streets. Search for tours on Tiqets.
• Sunny Beach: A lively Black Sea resort with sandy beaches, nightlife, and water sports. Search for activities on Tiqets.
• Tsarevets Fortress (Veliko Tarnovo): A medieval fortress with panoramic views, once the seat of Bulgarian tsars. Search for visits on Tiqets.
• Seven Rila Lakes: A group of glacial lakes in the Rila Mountains, perfect for hiking and photography. Search for tours on Tiqets.
• Bansko Ski Resort: A top winter destination in the Pirin Mountains, offering skiing, snowboarding, and après-ski. Search for passes on Tiqets.
• Dining Spots: In Sofia, Shtastlivetsa on Vitosha Boulevard serves Bulgarian classics like shopska salad in a cozy, traditional setting—reservations recommended. In Plovdiv, Pavaj in the Old Town offers banitsa and Mavrud wine with views of the Roman amphitheater and Kapana district.

Flights to Bulgaria: Travel Options

Sofia Airport (SOF) is the main hub, with flights from cities like London, Frankfurt, and Istanbul. Buses or taxis to the city center take 15-20 minutes. Varna and Burgas airports serve the Black Sea coast, ideal for beach destinations.

Create Your Packing List for Bulgaria