Bulgaria Flights and Travel Guide

Language

Bulgarian is the official language, which uses the Cirillic alphabet, but English, German and French is spoken in resorts, hotels and restaurants.

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Communications

The country dialing code for Bulgaria is +359, followed by the relevant city code. The city code for Sofia is (0)2. Bulgaria offers a direct dialing service to 58 countries, which can be reached by adding the prefix 00 to the country code (e.g. 001 for the U.S.). Calls to countries that cannot be accessed by direct dialing must be placed through an operator at 0123. Betcom or Bulgarian Telecommunication Company phone booths require a special card available from kiosks. Telephone offices are also available and are attached to post offices. Bulgaria is one of the few countries in Europe that has no peak or off-peak call times. The country has mobile GSM operators, and several Internet Service Providers. Internet cafes are on the increase in the big cities.

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Tipping

Tips of 10 percent of the bill are customary in restaurants, while hotel porters and taxi drivers expect the change to round up the bill. With non-metered taxis you needn't add a tip to the fare you agreed on beforehand.

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Safety

Most visits to Bulgaria are trouble-free. Violent crime is rare, but criminal groups target casinos and nightclubs and groups of young pickpockets are active in city centers and the Black Sea holiday resorts.

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Health

No vaccinations are required for entry to Bulgaria. The country poses few health risks beyond mild travelers' diarrhea. Bird flu has been confirmed in wild birds in north west Bulgaria, but measures have been taken to contain the outbreak; visitors are not at risk although close contact with caged, wild and domestic birdsshould be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked as a precaution. Mains water is chlorinated, but occasionally causes stomach upsets, so bottled water is advised. Food is safe in hotels and restaurants, but street vendors should be avoided. Medical treatment can be expensive and payment is expected immediately. Facilities in local hospitals are basic and old-fashioned andspecialized treatment and equipment is not freely available. Medical insurance, with provision for emergency evacuation, is therefore vital.

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Electricity

Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. European two-pin plugs are in use.

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