Useful information

Money
The Bulgarian currency is Lev (plural Leva), and is divided into 100 stotinki.
The Lev is fixed to the Euro, which provides extra security for your investment.

The current exchange rate is approximately:
1 Euro = 1.95 Leva

ATMs:
In all major cities, at banks, at many supermarkets and in tourist centres there are plenty of opportunities to withdraw money from ATMs. The maximum amounts that can be withdrawn vary per ATM from 200 to 400 Leva. The exchange rate that is charged for this varies per Dutch or Belgian bank. Some banks (for example the Rabobank) also charge a fixed amount per transaction.

We advise you to withdraw money from bank ATMs as much as possible, and always keep the statement of the transaction. That way you can check at home later whether everything has been written off correctly.

Exchanging money
You can exchange money at the bank or at the reception of your hotel. Do not accept damaged or bad-looking banknotes. It is of course not advisable to exchange money from someone on the street. The best exchange rates are available at the major banks such as Bulbank or FI-bank. The exchange offices at the airport or train stations charge very unfavourable exchange rates.

If you get sick
It is always wise to take out travel insurance.

In Bulgaria, there is a public and a private sector within health and dental care. You can find clinics and dental practices in all major tourist centres. If you need medical help, make sure you have your insurance documents with you. You will be asked to pay for the consultation or treatment, but with the doctor's prescription and proof of payment, you can claim this amount from your insurer afterwards.

Eating out
In Bulgaria, there are plenty of opportunities to eat out. The local produce of fruit and vegetables is of such high quality that you will be amazed at the taste of, for example, an ordinary salad of tomatoes and cucumbers! Grilled meat or fish are also incredibly rich in flavour - and why not try one of the traditional Bulgarian dishes? Prices are very friendly, even in tourist centres and big cities. Two people can have an excellent meal including drinks for less than 40 Leva. And in restaurants outside the tourist centres the prices can be even lower.

Tipping - It is common practice to tip 10%. The salaries for catering staff are generally very low, sometimes less than 300 Leva per month. Your tip is therefore very important to them and of course you can always give more if you are satisfied with the service.

Taxis - There is no shortage of taxis in the tourist centres. Most taxi drivers are very friendly and will do their utmost to serve you. A friendly taxi driver can often be a great help to you in finding a good restaurant or a place of interest.

But always make sure that you are being charged the correct rate! Always make sure that the kilometre rate is stated in the taxi and that the meter is turned on when the journey starts. Sometimes the driver will "fix" the price during or at the end of the journey. If you have any doubts, ask them for the fare to your final destination before getting in.

Bulgarian language - In tourist centres and larger towns you will always find people who speak English. In restaurants, the menus will also usually be available in English. However, street signs, road signs, shop signs and newspapers are all in Cyrillic, sometimes accompanied by an English translation.

Your stay in Bulgaria will be even more enjoyable if you learn some simple words and expressions from a language guide - this will certainly bring a smile to the faces of your new Bulgarian friends!

Driving in Bulgaria - A Vignette is required to use the main roads outside the towns. There are vignettes for 1 week, 1 month or a year. Vignettes are available at post offices, but also at petrol stations of the larger chains (e.g. OMV).

Visa and immigration advice and services - Dutch citizens are allowed to stay in Bulgaria for a period of 90 days without needing a visa. For a longer stay, permission must be requested from the authorities.