Vitosha Mountain covered in snow at sunrise over Sofia, Bulgaria

Practical Info

Everything you need to know before you go

Currency

EUR (€)

Euro

Language

Bulgarian

English widely spoken

Time Zone

EEST (UTC+3)

Summer time

Calling Code

+359

Sofia area: 2

Visa & Entry Requirements

  • Bulgaria is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area (joined Schengen by air and sea in 2024, land borders expected to follow).
  • EU/EEA citizens can enter with a national ID card — no passport required.
  • Citizens of the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can stay visa-free for up to 90 days.
  • Check the official Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the latest requirements for your nationality.
  • Your passport should be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date.

Currency & Money

  • Currency: Bulgaria uses the Euro (EUR) as its official currency.
  • ATMs are widely available. Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops.
  • Carry some cash for small purchases, markets, and public transport tickets.
  • Tip: Use a card with no foreign transaction fees. Revolut and Wise cards work well in Bulgaria.

Language

  • Official language: Bulgarian, written in the Cyrillic alphabet.
  • English is widely spoken, especially by younger people and in central Sofia. Most restaurants have English menus.
  • Learning a few words goes a long way: Здравейте (zdraveyte) = hello, Благодаря (blagodarya) = thank you, Да (da) = yes, Не (ne) = no.
  • Russian speakers can often communicate, as Russian was widely taught during the Soviet era.
  • Google Translate has excellent Bulgarian support, including camera translation for Cyrillic signs.

Weather & What to Pack

  • May in Sofia is pleasant and mild, with average daytime temperatures of 15–22°C (59–72°F).
  • Evenings can be cool (8–12°C), so bring a light jacket or sweater for outdoor EuroVillage events.
  • Pack comfortable walking shoes — Sofia's center is best explored on foot.
  • Bring a reusable water bottle for the free mineral water fountains.
  • A small umbrella or rain jacket is advisable — May can have occasional showers.
  • Don't forget a power adapter: Bulgaria uses Type C and Type F sockets (220V, 50Hz), same as most of Europe.

Health & Safety

  • Sofia is generally a safe city with low violent crime rates. Exercise normal precautions as in any European capital.
  • EU citizens should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for access to public healthcare.
  • Non-EU citizens should have travel insurance that covers medical expenses.
  • Emergency numbers: 112 (general emergency), 150 (ambulance), 166 (police), 160 (fire).
  • Tap water is safe to drink throughout Sofia — it comes from mountain springs and is high quality.
  • Pharmacies (аптека) are widely available. Look for the green cross sign.

Internet & Connectivity

  • Free WiFi is available in most hotels, cafes, restaurants, and shopping malls.
  • Sofia also has free public WiFi in the city center, parks, and major squares.
  • For data on the go, buy a local SIM card: A1, Telenor (Yettel), and Vivacom offer tourist prepaid plans starting at ~€5.
  • SIM cards can be purchased at the airport, kiosks, and provider shops. You'll need ID to register.
  • Alternatively, use an eSIM app like Airalo for instant connectivity without a physical SIM.

Plugs & Electricity

  • Bulgaria uses Type C and Type F power sockets (two round pins, 220V, 50Hz).
  • Same as most of Europe — travelers from the UK, USA, and other regions will need an adapter.
  • USB charging ports are increasingly common in hotels and cafes.

Useful Apps

  • Sofia Public Transport — official app for bus, tram, and metro schedules.
  • Bolt — ride-hailing (the local alternative to Uber).
  • TaxiMe — local taxi ordering app with fixed rates.
  • Google Maps — works well for navigation and public transport.
  • Google Translate — essential for Cyrillic signs; download Bulgarian for offline use.
  • Tableau / Resto.bg — restaurant reservations and reviews.

Emergency Numbers

General Emergency (EU-wide) 112
Police 166
Ambulance 150
Fire Department 160
Tourist Info (Sofia) +359 888 40 29 00

Save these numbers in your phone before you travel. 112 operators can handle calls in English.

Cultural Tips

Nodding = No

Bulgarians nod their head for "no" and shake it for "yes" — the opposite of most countries! It can be confusing, so listen for "да" (yes) and "не" (no).

Shoes Off Indoors

In many Bulgarian homes, it's customary to remove your shoes at the door. If visiting a local's home, follow their lead.

Rakia Etiquette

When offered rakia, it's polite to accept. Make eye contact and say "Na zdrave!" (cheers) before drinking. Don't sip — it's meant to be downed in one go.

Rose Oil

Bulgaria produces 85% of the world's rose oil. It makes a great souvenir — a tiny bottle lasts for years and is worth more than gold by weight.