Bulgaria Traveler Essentials
- Capital
- Sofia
- Currency
- Bulgarian Lev (BGN лв)
- Best time to visit
- May–June and September are ideal for sightseeing and hiking, July–August for the coast, and December–March for ski resorts like Bansko.
Visa requirements
An EU member, Bulgaria allows visa-free entry for many nationalities including US, UK, Canadian and Australian visitors for up to 90 days within 180 days.
Getting around
Trains and intercity buses connect major towns affordably, while Sofia has a modern metro and ride-hailing apps; renting a car is best for mountains and remote monasteries.
Safety
Bulgaria is generally safe, though pickpocketing and taxi overcharging target tourists in Sofia and coastal resorts. Use marked, metered taxis and stay alert in crowded transit areas.
Tipping customs
Tipping around 10% is standard in restaurants for good service, with rounding up common for taxis and cafés.
Travel tips
Cards are widely accepted in cities but carry leva for rural areas and markets. Remember that Bulgarians traditionally nod for 'no' and shake their head for 'yes,' which can confuse visitors. Reliable, inexpensive SIM cards are available from A1, Yettel, and Vivacom.