PRACTICALITIES

Currency

Lev (BGL)

Official languages

Bulgarian

Time

GMT + 2

Calling code

+359

Area codes

Burgas: 56, Pleven: 64, Plovdiv: 32, Ruse: 82, Sofia: 2, Varna: 52

Internet TLD

.bg

Shopping

Generally shops are open Monday–Friday from 10am to 8pm. On Saturdays shops are open from 10am to 2pm.

National holidays

New Year’s Day	January 1
National Day	March 3
Orthodox Easter	movable feast
Labour Day	May 1
St George’s Day	May 6
St Cyril and Methodius Day	May 24
The Unification of Bulgaria	September 6
Independence Day	September 22
Day of the Bulgarian Revival Leaders	November 1
Christmas	December 25 & 26

National dish

Gyuvech – a hearty stew dish
Kavarma – a spicy stew dish prepared in earthenware bowl
Moussaka – a baked dish made of potatoes, minced meat and milk and egg sauce
Chorba – a soup made of tripe, onion, garlic and red paprika
Tarator – a cold soup made of cucumbers, yoghurt, garlic, walnuts, dill and vegetable oil

Electricity

Bulgaria’s electricity runs on 230V/50Hz.

Passport/Visa

Citizens of the European Union, Andorra, Croatia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino and Switzerland do not need visa for entry into Bulgaria (for stays of up to 90 days). Only a valid passport is required.

Useful numbers

Ambulance: 150
Fire Brigade: 160
Police: 166