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Bulgarian Hotels and Accommodation
Bulgaria has a wide range of accommodation possibilities, though there is a great difference in provision between town and country. Bulgarian Five-star hotels are few and concentrated in the capital but there is more provision at the four and three star level in the major towns and cities, and of course along the Black Sea coast, with concentrations at Burgas, Albena, Sunny Beach and Golden Sands. Beyond the major Bulgarian tourist centres prices really drop, but most hotels fall into the three and two star categories. Many so-called hotels are surprisingly small, having as few as three rooms. For most forms of accommodation prices are good value compared with Western Europe, even given that foreigners will be charged up to double the price for native Bulgarians.
Bulgarian bed and breakfast is an excellent budget option throughout Bulgaria. Rooms will be simple but spotlessly clean, though they probably won't have private bathrooms. Private room prices per night can be as low as 20 leva, and that includes breakfast. Many of the monasteries offer overnight accommodation to travellers - though it usually won't be in an authentic monk's cell.
There's little pressure on Bulgarian accommodation provision except at times of major festivals, when booking ahead is essential. The Black Sea coast is always full late July-September, when a lot of hotels are commandeered by large tour groups. Out of season(October-May) the majority of the accommodation on the Black Sea closes completely and it may be more difficult to find rooms in private homes across the country.
If you want to travel independently in Bulgaria, without making bookings ahead, then you can use the services of the commercial information offices throughout the country. They act as agents for hotels and B&Bs but some are more helpful then others.
Bulgarian Climate
Bulgarian weather is characterised by hot dry summers and cool-to-cold, damp winters. Summer temperatures are tempered in the east by the Black Sea. The mountains receive more rain and snow than the plains but winter can produce massive rain and snowfall across the whole country.
Crime in Bulgaria
You'll be at a relatively low risk of
becoming a victim of serious crime in
Bulgaria. However, so-called petty crime
such as theft (especially from vehicles)
can be a problem in big cities or on the
Bulgarian Black Sea coast.
Take the following
precautions to minimise your chances of
a loss.
Do not leave valuables in a car and leave
nothing on show.
Don't carry large amounts of cash or
valuables with you.
Deposit valuables in the hotel safe.
Take extra care at cashpoint machines.
Carry handbags over your shoulder and
across your chest to thwart bag
snatchers.
Don't leave valuables unattended on the
beach or in cafes and restaurants.
Bulgarian Customs Regulations
Foreigners over 16 are allowed to take in the following items duty-free: 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco 21 of wine or 11 of stronger alcohol 500g of coffee 50ml of perfume
Bulgarian currency up to the amount of 50,000 leva may be imported or exported without restriction.
Driving in Bulgaria
Although driving is by tar the best way of seeing the wonderful Bulgarian countryside, it presents several challenges. Roads vary greatly in quality. The main link roads are acceptable but may have areas where the upper layer of tarmac has been removed. Minor roads are in poor condition and riddled with potholes.
Traffic is a combination of modern juggernaut trucks, modern family cars, slow farm vehicles and horse-drawn carriages. Road signs are in Cyrillic only (except in Sofia and on the Black Sea coast) and some are missing, making navigating a challenge.
Speed limits for cars are 120kp/h on dual carriageways, 90kp/h on main roads and 50kp/h in urban areas. Seat bells are compulsory for driver and front seat passenger and helmets compulsory for motorcyclists. The blood-alcohol limit is 0.05% and it is strictly enforced. It's compulsory to wait with the vehicle until the police arrive if you have an accident.
Car Rental in Bulgaria
Cars can be rented in Sofia and in the
major resorts and towns. The
international car rental companies may charge up to 50 per cent more than a local Bulgarian agency; you will, however, get a new car and good back-up if you have a problem. Renting through a local agency will be cheaper but cars maybe older and not all companies accept credit cards, which means leaving cash as a deposit (normally around €150). Many Bulgarian travel agencies/commercial tourist offices will also organise car rental.
Bulgarian Trains
Bulgarski Durzhavni Zheleznitsi, the Bulgarian state railway, has a comprehensive network linking all the major settlements. It is cheap, but the rolling stock and track is not up to Western standards. Trains are classified as ekspresen (express), burz (fast), and putnicheski (slow). First-class fares are only around 20% higher than second class. Bookable sleeper couchettes are available on longer journeys. Advance tickets are recommended if you want to travel to the Black Sea from Sofia. Most European rail passes are valid in Bulgaria and the Bulgarian system is also linked to the Euro-Domino pass. Timetables are available but are only in Cyrillic. For a timetable of the main Bulgarian rail services, consult the Thomas Cook European Timetable,published monthly and available from UK branches of Thomas Cook or through tel: 01733 (+44 1733) 416477, www.thomascookpublishing.com.
Bulgarian Buses
A network of public buses run by the government connects almost all towns and villages in the country. Fares are cheap but many buses are antiquated and you can't book ahead. In larger towns and cities modern private bus services now offer a much more acceptable alternative and a reliable way to get around, with the added advantage that you can book tickets in advance from the ticket office at the bus station.
Minibuses link the resorts along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. You can normally buy tickets from the driver.
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