Bulgaria is a country located in Europe with name that begins with letter B. The south-eastern European state of Bulgaria is located in the eastern half of the Balkan Peninsula. It borders Turkey and Greece to the south, Macedonia and Serbia to the west, and Romania to the north. Bulgaria is around 110,000 km² and has a population of almost 8 million; around 85% of them are Bulgarians, 9% Turks and 5% Roma. The capital Sofia, with around 2 million residents, is also the largest city in the country. Other important cities are Plovdiv with its ancient sites and the industrial and port city of Burgas on the Black Sea.
Entry
Citizens of other EU countries and Switzerland need a valid passport to enter the EU country Bulgaria.
Climate
The climate of Bulgaria is temperate continental: the summers are generally a little longer, sunnier and drier than in Austria, the winters are shorter, milder, but snowy. In spring it is often cool and rainy, in autumn it is dry and mild.
On the Black Sea coast, the climate is more Mediterranean with hot, dry summers.
In the Black Sea there are sometimes dangerous underwater currents near the beach, which is why it is essential to adhere to warnings or bathing bans.
Food and drink
Bulgarian cuisine is varied and tasty: fish and fish soups are specialties of the coastal region, while vegetables and meat dominate inland. One of the national dishes is the grilled lamb (Cheverme), in which a whole lamb is skewered. The wine and sauerkraut leaves (Sarmi) stuffed with minced meat are also widespread and are particularly popular in the Rhodope Mountains. National drinks are wine and the fruity raki – a legacy of the Ottomans.
Cultural characteristics
You can tell it from almost every statement: Bulgarians are very proud of their country and their traditions. They see their country as the cradle of European civilization and proudly point to the ancient importance of the region. The Orthodox Church with its saints and holidays plays an important role in Bulgarian society.
Ancient customs are also cultivated, such as the spectacular early summer fire dance in villages in the Strandscha mountain region, where dancers dance with images of icons on glowing coals.
Medical advice
No special vaccinations are required for the stay in Bulgaria, but a vaccination against TBE may be advisable. The Bulgarian health system does not meet Western European standards. German and Austrian authorities point out that doctors in the holiday region around Varna often have their services rewarded at excessive prices.
Bringing a personal pharmacy with your own medication is recommended. Tap water cannot be drunk in many regions of the country.
Special provisions
Photographing military installations and installations of strategic importance is prohibited.
Climate and travel time
Climate
The climate of Bulgaria is temperate continental: the summers are generally somewhat longer, sunnier and drier than in Austria, the winters are shorter, milder, but snowy. In spring it is often cool and rainy, in autumn it is dry and mild.
All about money
Currency
The legal tender is the lev. 1 euro corresponds to approx. 2 lev.
Money
You can easily withdraw money in hotels and banks, change in exchange offices and pay by card in larger shops, hotels or restaurants. Pay attention to the international fees that may be due on your card.
Tip
Tips are an important source of income given the relatively low wages in the Bulgarian hospitality industry. A tip of 10% of the total bill is a good choice.
Other essential information
Time difference
Time difference to CET: + 1h – ie in Bulgaria it is always one hour later than in Austria, Germany or Switzerland.
Electrical current
The voltage in Bulgaria is 220 volts. The sockets are usually two-pole as in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. You therefore do not need an adapter to use your electronic devices.
