£1 BGN 2.29
Today
6:00 am
+2h from you
Weather in Bulgaria
Bulgaria
14°
Overcast
Wed
4
14
Thu
5
16
Fri
5
9
Sat
5
11
Sun
5
10
SPF level in Bulgaria
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Bulgaria
Tipping in Bulgaria
Tipping is appreciated in Bulgaria, but not always expected. It's a way to show appreciation for good service.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill
Bar/Café
Rounding up the bill or leaving small change
Taxi
Rounding up the fare
Hotel Porter
1-2 BGN per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
1-2 BGN per day
Tour Guide
5-10 BGN per person
Safety in Bulgaria
Tips for British travellers
Bulgaria is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Watch out for pickpockets and bag thefts in tourist areas, on public transport, and in resorts like Sunny Beach.
Lock your hotel room and balcony doors and keep valuables in a safe, especially in Sunny Beach where burglaries have occurred.
Always carry ID, such as a printed copy of your passport photo page.
Be cautious of overcharging in 'gentlemen's clubs' and some resorts, and check card transactions are completed in your presence.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can lead to vehicle confiscation, a prison sentence, and heavy fines.
Bonus tips:
Obey any warning signs at coastal areas and beaches and follow instructions from lifeguards.
Check the licence sticker and tariffs before getting into a taxi, as costs can vary considerably.
Driving in Bulgaria
A UK driving license is accepted in Bulgaria.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
140 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Remember: Bulgaria drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
166
Ambulance
150
Fire
160
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Bulgaria
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
UK adapter needed?
Yes
Bulgaria uses 230V at 50Hz. Plugs are Type C and Type F. UK travelers will need an adapter.
Cards & payments
Cards are accepted in larger establishments, hotels, and restaurants, especially in tourist areas. It's advisable to carry cash, particularly when visiting smaller towns or rural areas.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
ATMs in Bulgaria
Widely available in cities and tourist areas. Less common in rural areas.
Local name
Банкомат (Bankomat)
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are readily accessible in Bulgarian cities. Ensure your card is chip and PIN enabled. Check for fees from your bank and the local ATM.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the EU's 'Roam Like At Home' policy no longer automatically applies to UK mobile users in Bulgaria. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges before you travel. Some providers may still offer similar packages, but this is not guaranteed. You may want to consider purchasing a local SIM card.
Local SIM data package
10 GB for 30 BGN (~£13.50)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Local carriers
A1 Bulgaria, Telenor Bulgaria, Vivacom
WiFi & internet
WiFi is readily available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public spaces in cities and tourist areas. Coverage may be limited in rural locations.
Average speed
40 Mbps
Bulgaria offers reasonable internet access, particularly in urban centres popular with tourists. Free WiFi is easy to find.
Health & vaccinations in Bulgaria
As a UK resident, you can use a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for state healthcare in Bulgaria. However, it's advisable to have comprehensive travel insurance for medical emergencies, repatriation, and other unforeseen events.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Consider getting vaccinated against Hepatitis A and Typhoid, as these can be contracted through contaminated food or water, particularly if you plan to travel outside of tourist areas or eat at smaller establishments. Discuss your travel plans with your GP or a travel health clinic.
Tap water is generally safe to drink in major Bulgarian cities, but bottled water is widely available and preferred by many. Ensure food is properly cooked and avoid ice from unknown sources. Be aware of tick-borne encephalitis if hiking in forested areas and consider precautions against mosquito bites.
Calling Bulgaria
Country code
+359
To call Bulgaria from the UK, dial 00 359 followed by the phone number.
To call a Sofia number 9876 5432, you would dial 00 359 2 9876 5432.
Bulgaria's country code is 359. When calling from abroad, dial your country's exit code, then 359, then the phone number. Numbers in Bulgaria may vary in length, so always check you have the right number of digits.
UK Embassy in Bulgaria
British Embassy Sofia
9 Moskovska Street, Sofia 1000
Airports in Bulgaria
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.