Facts about Bulgaria

Local time

Bulgarian Local time is GMT +2 HOURS

Language

The official language in Bulgaria is Bulgarian. The Bulgarian language belongs to the group of the Slavic languages and it is very close to Russian, Macedonian and Serbo-Croatian languages. The majority of people speak English, Russian, basic German and French.

Attention: Bulgarians shake their heads from the left to the right to express "YES". However, this stands for "NO" in the rest of the world.

Voltage

Attention: All electrical appliances work on ~ 220V, 50 Hz.

Public Transportation

Public transport in the big cities : tram, trolley bus and bus.

Inter-city transport : plane, train, coach. Local and long distance bus services cover 90% of Bulgaria's settlements.

Tickets can be purchased from travel and tourist agencies or at the bus stations.

Taxi-cabs

In all towns and resorts there are taxi-cabs situated in the respective taxi ranks. People can take a taxi by calling a taxi company or in the street.

Customs

Common custom declarations and restrictions are applied for import and export of currency, food, alcohol and goods. There is a special custom regime for antiquarian objects, historic and cultural treasures, medicines, narcotics, weapons, ammunitions.

Religion

90% of Bulgarian people are Orthodox Christians and celebrate the traditional Christian holidays - Christmas, Easter and the name days of Bulgarians named after Archangels, Saints and Martyrs. About 8% are Muslims and a few are gypsies. As a whole Bulgarian people are very obliging and hospitable. Religion total: Orthodox (85%), Muslim (8%), others (7%).

Phone, internet & postal services

Local and international telephone services are covered through automatic street telephones operating with tokens and calling cards. Tokens for local calls (0.20 leva) and calling cards are available for purchase from any post office. You can also make a phone call from almost every post office on the territory of the country. Internet services are offered in Internet clubs and cafes in most of the cities. Wireless internet connection is available in almost every hotel.

Accommodation

Bulgaria has an extensive accommodation network ranging from luxury five-star to unpretentious two-star hotels, meeting all modern requirements. Reservations can be made through tourist agencies or local accommodation offices.

Entertainment

One can enjoy a wide variety of fine dining almost everywhere - from the small country villages to the high-volume resorts. In addition, the numerous night clubs and theatres can delightfully compliment your visit to Bulgaria making the most of it.

Important telephone numbers

Emergency medical aid 150

Police 166

Road assistance 146

Telephone information 144

Important telephone numbers on the territory of Bansko Ski Resort