Essential Travel Information for Bulgaria
Bulgaria includes a mix of history, mountains, cities, and coastal destinations. It is a member of the European Union, but it does not use the euro. The national currency is the Bulgarian lev (BGN). Roads and rail services connect major cities such as Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna, while more remote areas are best reached with a private driver or guided service.
Travelers will find good infrastructure in urban areas. Taxis are common in cities, though agreeing on a fare or using a metered cab is recommended. For more flexibility between rural areas and smaller towns, organized tours or private transport make it easier to reach cultural sites and scenic areas.
Tap water is generally safe to drink, but bottled water is also widely available. Pharmacies and clinics are common in cities, and medical services are reliable in larger towns. Travel insurance that includes medical coverage and emergency assistance is strongly recommended.
Shops, restaurants, and cultural sites often follow a split schedule, opening in the morning, closing for a few hours in the afternoon, and reopening later in the day. In tourist areas and during peak months, many businesses stay open continuously.
Bulgaria is in the Eastern European Time Zone (UTC+2) and uses Type F power sockets with a standard voltage of 230V. U.S. travelers will need a plug adapter and may need a voltage converter for certain devices.
Many people in tourist-facing roles speak English, especially in larger towns. Guides can assist with communication, local etiquette, and travel planning. Visiting Bulgaria with a guide helps with logistics, provides insight into regional customs, and ensures access to less commercial areas that are harder to reach without local knowledge.
Recommended Tours in Bulgaria
Currency in Bulgaria
The official currency in Bulgaria is the Bulgarian lev (BGN). One lev is made up of 100 stotinki. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, but some smaller businesses and rural shops may only take cash. ATMs are available in most towns and offer reliable access to local currency. It is useful to carry some small notes and coins for minor purchases.
Tipping Policies in Bulgaria
Tipping is common but not mandatory in Bulgaria. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving around 10 percent is appreciated. Hotel staff, taxi drivers, and tour guides also value small tips for good service. Carrying cash in smaller denominations can be useful for this purpose. In cafés or casual eateries, leaving some change is considered polite and is generally well received.
Staying Connected in Bulgaria
Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, restaurants, and many public areas. Mobile coverage is reliable in cities and most towns, though it may be limited in remote regions or mountain areas. Purchasing a local SIM card is affordable and offers good coverage for calls and data. International roaming is available, but rates vary, so check with your provider before travel to avoid unexpected charges.
Visa Requirements in Bulgaria
U.S. and Canadian citizens can enter Bulgaria for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. A passport valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay is required. Entry rules may differ for other nationalities. Always check current requirements with your local consulate or the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs before travel, as regulations are subject to change.
Social Customs in Bulgaria
In Bulgaria, greetings are polite and friendly. A handshake and direct eye contact are common in professional or public settings, while among friends and family, greetings are more relaxed; cheek kisses are quite normal. People often use titles and surnames until a closer relationship develops.
Bulgarians are warm and hospitable, though they may stand a little closer during conversation than overseas visitors might expect. Public displays of strong emotion are rare, and speaking calmly is considered polite. Loud conversations in public spaces are usually avoided.
One charming quirk is the Bulgarian head gesture: nodding can mean “no,” while shaking the head can mean “yes,” which often surprises visitors. Your guide can explain this and other local customs that differ across regions.
Meals are social and leisurely. Guests usually wait for the host to begin eating, and toasting is common—“Nazdrave” is the traditional word when raising a glass. Trying local dishes is appreciated, and showing interest in the food goes a long way.
When visiting churches or monasteries, modest dress is expected: cover shoulders and knees, remove hats, speak quietly, and check for photography rules. Respecting these customs makes visits more meaningful and enjoyable.
Language & Communication in Bulgaria
Bulgarian is the official language and is written in the Cyrillic alphabet. In major tourist destinations and hotels, English is spoken by many service staff, especially younger people. Outside of city centers, English is less common, so having a guide or learning basic Bulgarian phrases can be helpful.
Common greetings include “Zdravey” (hello) and “Blagodarya” (thank you). Even a small effort to speak Bulgarian is usually appreciated. Your guide can assist with pronunciation or provide simple phrases to use in markets or restaurants.
Communication in Bulgaria tends to be direct but polite. People usually maintain eye contact during conversation, and body language plays a role in informal settings. In rural areas, older residents may speak Russian or another Slavic language, and signage may be limited in English.
In most cases, signage in airports, transportation hubs, and government buildings includes English translations. Your guide will help bridge any language gaps and support communication, particularly in villages or off-the-path locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to travel to Bulgaria?
U.S. and Canadian citizens can visit Bulgaria for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. A valid passport with at least three months of remaining validity beyond the date of departure is required. Always check current entry requirements before you travel.
Is tap water safe to drink in Bulgaria?
Tap water is generally safe to drink in most parts of Bulgaria, especially in cities and towns. Bottled water is widely available and may be preferred in rural areas or during short stays.
What is the local currency in Bulgaria?
The Bulgarian lev (BGN) is the official currency. Credit and debit cards are accepted in many places, especially in cities. Carrying some cash is helpful in smaller towns and for market purchases.
What is the best way to get around Bulgaria?
Trains and buses connect major cities, but rural areas can be harder to reach. A private driver or guided tour provides easier access and helps manage local road conditions and parking.
Do people speak English in Bulgaria?
English is spoken in hotels, restaurants, and shops in tourist areas. In rural regions and small towns, fewer people speak English. Traveling with a guide helps with communication and navigating local customs.
Embassies in Bulgaria
U.S. Embassy Sofia
Address:
16 Kozyak Street Sofia 1407 BulgariaEmbassy of Canada to Bulgaria
Address:
90 Rakovski Street, 3rd Floor Sofia 1000 BulgariaOur local expert in Bulgaria
Traveling with Finest Journeys to Bulgaria
Traveling with Finest Journeys to Bulgaria means seeing the country with local insight and comfort. With private transport and expert guides, each itinerary is planned to help you make the most of cultural sites, mountain landscapes, and daily life. Finest Journeys manages the logistics and timing so you can focus on the experience, not the planning.