Suggested length of stay
The Balkan nation of Bulgaria has long been overlooked on standard European travel routes, where traditional tourists rarely travel farther east than Hungary or Croatia. However, planning a Bulgaria itinerary is fantastic for those more intrepid visitors keen to see southeastern Europe’s delights. Staying 5-7 days will give you a good highlight tour of the country.
Modes of transport
Road
Roads are relatively good in Bulgaria, and self-drive is a great way to explore the country.
Air
Domestic air travel in Bulgaria is possible with the national carrier Bulgaria Air, which operates flights to several cities within the country, such as Varna, Burgas, Plovdiv and Sofia.
Rail
Bulgarian State Railways (BDZh; w www.bdz.bg) can get you to most towns; trains are punctual and fares low. Express services (ekspresen) are restricted to main routes, but on all except the humblest branch lines you’ll find so-called Rapid (burz vlak) trains. Where possible, use these rather than the snail-like patnicheski services.
Food
Bulgarian cuisine includes a significant contribution from Ottoman cuisine and, therefore, shares a number of dishes with Middle Eastern cuisine, including moussaka, gyuvetch, kyufte, baklava, ayran, gyuvech, and shish kebab. Bulgarian food often incorporates salads as appetizers and is also noted for the prominence of dairy products, wines, and other alcoholic drinks such as rakia. The cuisine also features a variety of soups, such as the cold soup tarator, and pastries, such as the filo dough-based banitsa, pita, and the various types of börek.
Drinking water
Bulgarian tap water is generally safe and drinkable but may taste oddly.
Visas
Australian passport holders, You don’t need a visa to enter as a tourist for up to 90 days within a 6-month period.
Money
The currency of Bulgaria is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). Bulgaria is mostly a cash economy, although credit and debit card use is increasing.
Inoculations & health precautions
Healthcare standards are well below those in Australia. Medical supplies can be limited. Major cities have good hospitals. You may need to be evacuated if you’re seriously ill or injured. Make sure your insurance covers this.
Embassy Contacts for Bulgaria
Australian Consulate, Sofia
37 Trakia Street
Sofia, 1504
Bulgaria
Phone: (+359) 2946 1334
Email: austcon@mail.orbitel.bg
You can get full consular help from the Australian Embassy in Greece.
Electricity
In Bulgaria the power plug sockets are of type F. The standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.
Getting there
Turkish Airlines fly to Sofia via Istanbul and Kuala Lumpur from Australia.
Time Zone
Time zone of Sofia, Bulgaria is Eastern European Summer Time UTC+3
Ready to discuss your trip to Bulgaria?
Speak to one of our travel specialists and we’ll create your personalised itinerary just for you.