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FAQ
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DO FOREIGNERS NEED VISAS TO BULGARIA?
Holders of valid ordinary EU passports do not need visas for visits to Bulgaria for a certain period. Citizens of most EU countries may visit Bulgaria without visas for a period of up to 90 days. Citizens of UK, Ireland, Poland, Slovakia, USA, Canada may visit Bulgaria without visas for a period of up to 30 days.
Remember that you must register at the police station within 48 hours of your arrival! If you are staying at a hotel this will be done for you and you don’t have to do it yourself. If you are staying at a private house you will need to do it yourself and you must register at the nearest police station.
HOW DOES ONE FLY TO BULGARIA?
The international flight destinations in Bulgaria are Sofia, Burgas, Varna and Plovdiv. For example traveling time from London to Sofia is about 2 hours 30 minutes.
WHAT IS THE CURRENCY UNIT IN BULGARIA?
The currency unit in the Republic of Bulgaria is the Bulgarian Lev or BGN (1 lev = 100 stotinki). Pegged exchange rate: EUR 1 = BGN 1.95583.
ARE CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED IN BULGARIA?
Credit cards, such as MasterCard, Visa, Diners Club, American Express, Access, Air plus, are accepted in Bulgaria. They can be used for payment at the biggest hotels, shops, restaurants, travel agencies, car rentals, etc.
WHAT ARE THE REGULATIONS FOR CURRENCY IMPORT AND EXPORT?
Foreigners may import and export Bulgarian banknotes and coins in circulation (and relevant amounts of foreign currency) to the amount of up to BGN 8,000 without declaring it. They may import and export sums exceeding this amount if they fill in a declaration after a sample for the currency value they carry. The foreign persons may export without any other formalities convertible (hard) currency in amounts that do not exceed the amount of the currency they had imported and declared.
WHAT ARE THE REGULATIONS FOR FOREIGNERS OWING PROPERTY IN BULGARIA?
According to Bulgarian Law foreign individuals can buy and own buildings but not land. Foreign companies registered in Bulgaria can buy and own both buildings and land. That is why the way for foreigners to buy property in Bulgaria is to register their own limited company which owns the land and the buildings.
WHAT ARE THE TAXES FOR PROPERTY OWNERS?
Transactions of property for residential purposes are exempt from VAT; other property transactions are subject of VAT (20 % in Bulgaria). Property owners pay annual local tax for their property (0,15 % of the tax valuation of the real estate).
WHAT IS THE WEATHER IN BULGARIA LIKE?
Weather in Bulgaria is determined by a temperate continental climate and four clearly marked seasons. Summers are warm and sunny; the average temperature for five months (May-September) is about 25 degrees Celsius. Although not severe, winters are cold in some parts of the country, especially in the mountains and offer excellent opportunities for winter sports. That is why Bulgaria is an attractive tourist destination both during summer and winter. A mild Mediterranean influence is felt in more southern parts of the country and at the Black Sea coast and winters there are milder and not so cold.
WHAT IS THE POLITICAL SITUATION IN BULGARIA LIKE?
Political situation in Bulgaria is determined by a stable parliamentary democracy. Bulgaria is a NATO member since 2004 and an intended EU member in 2007. Since 1997 a currency board is in force and Bulgarian currency (lev) is already pegged to the Euro.
WHAT IS BULGARIAN CUISINE LIKE?
Bulgarian cuisine is close to European cuisine; nevertheless there are particular dishes where European flavour is combined with oriental influences. Traditional Bulgarian cuisine is oriented toward vegetables, meat, cheese, yoghurt, fruit. Bulgaria is also popular with its fine wines and is a renowned producer and exporter of wine all over the world. Bulgarian beer is also popular and there are a few very good local brands. |
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