Monetary Units

The national monetary unit is the Lev, with bank-notes of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 leva , and coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 stotinki and 1 Lev. (1 stotinka = 0.01 Lev). 1 EUR =1.95 BGN.

Passports and Visas

Foreign citizens enter the Republic of Bulgaria with a valid passport or transit visa, if required. No visa is required for EU citizens, EU candidate member countries as well as citizens of the United States of America, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan and citizens of the neighboring countries - Romania, Serbia and Montenegro, Macedonia.

Visa can be obtained in advance from Bulgaria's diplomatic and consular offices abroad or upon entry at the border checkpoints.

Customs Regulations

When entering the Republic of Bulgaria foreign citizens are presented with an instruction leaflet containing information about customs regulations in the country.

Currency Rules

Bulgarian leva (BGN) and foreign currency may be imported/exported without limits. If the amount exceeds 10,000 leva or its equivalent in Euro, it must be declared at the customs office. Banks, travel agencies and change bureaus are providing exchange receipts upon each transaction.

Medical Services

In case of emergency or accidents, foreign citizens are entitled to medical aid, including hospitalisation, in the nearest medical institution. Unless bilateral agreements on medical assistance have been signed, foreign citizens pay for their treatment in a medical institution according to set fees.

Telephone Connections

All Bulgarian cities and resorts have automatic dialing connections to all European countries and the rest of the world. Inter-city and international phone calls can be made from all hotels. Post offices and hotels also provide fax, e-mail, and Internet services. There are three major mobile networks – MTel, GloBul and BTC covering almost 100% of the territory. MOBIKA and BULFON public phone cards are available as well.

Pets
Dogs, cats and other pets may only be brought into the country with a valid veterinary certificate. The hotels have different pet policies.

Important phone numbers:

Police – 166

Medical emergency – 150

Fire emergency – 160

Road assistance: from mobile phone – 146 or 91 146, 980 3308