Time zone: GMT /London/ + 2 hours, East-European time /Germany/ + 1 hour
Electricity: 220 V, 50 Hz
Money: The Bulgarian monetary unit is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). 1 Lev = 100 stotinki. Presently, coins in circulation are of nominal values 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 stotinki, and 1 lev. The banknotes are: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 leva. The exchange rate of the Lev is pegged to the Euro, one Euro being exchanged for BGN 1.9 on average. Exchange of foreign currency takes place in all banks in Bulgaria or in the network of change bureaus in the towns and resorts. Some banks and exchange offices charge commission fees. Change money only in banks and change bureaus. Sometimes in front of the change bureau, you may be accosted by people offering a higher exchange rate than the official one. Avoid such gains on the cheap, if you don’t want to be the victim of a street swindle.
Custom’s formalities and limitations: Upon crossing the state border of the Republic of Bulgaria passengers may import and export commodities that in type, quantities, and value are not of a commercial nature. These do not include objects the passenger carry for personal use and consumption objects. Passengers have the right to import at no custom duty or import fees the objects necessary to the foreign individuals for their stay in the country, which in their type and quantity correspond to both purpose and the duration of their stay, as well as consumption objects: - tobacco products (passengers over 16 years of age) - cigarettes - 200 items, or other tobacco products - 250 gr.; - alcoholic beverages (passengers over 16 years of age) - wine - 2 liters, and alcoholic liquors - 1 liter; - other drinks: coffee - 500g. or coffee extract - 200g. tea - 100 g. or tea extract - 40g.; - perfumes - 50 ml. and toilet water - 250 ml. Passengers who are under full 16 years of age are not entitled to duty-free import of the commodities listed above, except for medications. There is a special custom regime for antiquarian objects, historic and cultural treasures, medicines, narcotics, weapons, ammunitions.
Credit cards: Most of the biggest hotels work with VISA or Master Card. American Express is less widespread.
Medical service: If you need medical attention, call a representative or the office of AYA TRAVEL.
Guide service: At the airport or at the station you will be welcomed by our representatives who carry signs AYA TRAVEL they will accompany you to the bus, accommodate you and take care of your delightful holiday. They can answer all your questions connected with your holiday. In all hotels, in which are partners of AYA TRAVEL there are information folders or notice boards with specified visit hours of your representative in the hotel, his or her telephone number, our excursions list and other useful information for our guests.
Important contacts:
112 – Emergency (to be introduced)
150 – Ambulance
160 – Fire Brigade
166 – Police
142 – Road aid