TRAVEL
TIPS
| Driving |
U.S
Driving Permit accepted |
| Currency |
(BGL)
lev |
| Electrical |
230 Volts |
| Telephones |
Country
Code 359, City Code Sofia 2+4/8D, Plovdiv 32+5/6D, Stara Zagora
35+5/6D |
Climate
and clothing: Summer temperatures range from 18 C to 30 C
(65 F-90 F), but humidity is low. Sweaters are recommended for
the cool evenings. By December, the weather is cold with considerable
snowfall.
Customs: A valid entry visa is required. Check with the
Bulgarian Embassy for specific requirements.
Currency: The lev (pl. leva)
is the basic unit; the stotinka (pl. stotinki) is the fractional
unit. Leva may not be imported, exported, or freely converted
into Western currencies. Personal importation and exportation
of dollars by Americans are unrestricted, and no declaration is
required.
Health: Apart from winter smog, affecting those with respiratory
or sinus problems, Sofia causes no special health problems. Tapwater
in the capital is potable. Eating in larger restaurants is advised.
Telecommunications: Local and long-distance telephone and
telegraph services are available. Sofia is seven times zones ahead
of eastern standard time.
Transportation: There are no direct flights to Bulgaria
from the United States. Connections may be made in Frankfurt,
London, or Vienna with foreign airlines that serve Sofia. Rail
accommodations may be booked from Paris, Frankfurt, or Vienna.
Air or rail service links Sofia with the Black Sea resorts near
Varna and Burgas.
Sofia has streetcars, trolley-buses, and buses. Taxis are available
at stands or by telephone. Cars may be rented. An international
driving permit is required. Main roads are good. Snowtires are
advisable during October-May.
