Britons living in Bulgaria. Guide to Bulgaria, Sofia and Varna

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A Mediterranean influence is felt in the country's southern regions. Against this background, British nationals should be vigilant in public places.CrimeCrime levels are roughly comparable to the UK. Available from major international hotels. Average summer temperatures rarely exceed 30C. Avoid confrontations with aggressive drivers who may be armed. Border officials will impound your vehicle if they are not satisfied that you own it or have permission to use it in Bulgaria.If your vehicle is stolen while you are in Bulgaria, you will be considered liable for import duty and related taxes. British nationals should, however, be aware of the risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, in all countries of the world, against civilian targets in public places, including tourist sites. Bulgarian security forces have little experience of combating terrorism. Car-jackings are becoming more frequent these tend to occur outside built-up areas, usually at night, and there is some evidence that foreigners are being targeted. Check with your UK bank/card provider whether you will be able to use these machines to draw Leva.Bulgaria is still largely a cash economy. Facilities in most Bulgarian hospitals are basic and old-fashioned compared to those in the UK. Failure to do so may result in a fine for your host family.You may be able to extend your stay in Bulgaria beyond 30 days by applying at the local passport office. Here you can make and send us your request. However, switching "status" is no longer allowed. However, you should be very careful when using them they are known to dupe customers with misleading rates of exchange, and hide behind small print when complaints are made. If possible, you should use alarms and other visible security measures.Local travelMost cities and larger towns have cheap and extensive public transport. If you are in a hotel or on a package holiday, this will be done for you. If you are staying in a private house, you will need to do it yourself. If you are travelling across Bulgaria by car, you should try to stick to daylight hours.LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMSCurrency regulations are strict. If you cannot pay, you will have to sign a declaration on departure confirming that you will pay the due amount. If you do not, the money will be confiscated, and you may possibly be detained and charged.ENTRY REQUIREMENTSAs a British national you may enter Bulgaria as a tourist without a visa for up to thirty days. If you enter Bulgaria with cash of any currency amounting to the equivalent of Leva 5000 (about \$2500) or more, you must declare it to customs officials (ie the red channel at the port of entry). If you have hired a car you must have the original contract document, which should state that the vehicle can be brought into Bulgaria. If you have travellers cheques you may need to go to a bank anyway.There is now a large network of automatic teller machines (ATMs) that accept standard international credit and debit cards. It is possible to fly between Sofia and the two major towns on the Black Sea coast, Varna and Bourgas.Taxis are plentiful and cheap by UK standards, although vehicles may not be in very good condition. Many roads are in poor condition and road works are often unlit or unmarked. Much local violent crime is the result of turf battles between criminal groups. Organised criminal groups are active in casinos, nightclubs, prostitution and elsewhere. Population: 8,428,006Religion86.6% of the population is Eastern Orthodox, 13% are Muslims. Some criminals even impersonate traffic policemen to flag vehicles down on major routes, especially near international border crossings. Spot fines are charged for minor violations. The average annual temperature is 10.5C. The average January temperature is around OC. The Bulgarian Church is autonomous and headed by a Patriarch.Time DifferenceWinter time: GMT +2 hours (October through March).Summer time: GMT +3 hours (April through September)Voltage220 V onlyWorking HoursOffices - 9.00 a.m. There are many exchange bureaux that normally exchange good condition US dollar bills and other major currencies. There are regular bus services between most major towns in the country. There are several car-hire companies, including Hertz and Avis. Thieves and pickpockets also target holidaymakers at Black Sea coastal resorts. Thieves target prestige and four-wheel drive models, but any unattended vehicle is at risk. This unfair practice does not seem to be illegal. This will ensure that you are covered for all eventualities. We strongly recommend that, if possible, you take out insurance to cover this.Take care when driving, particularly at night. Where possible, you should change money in banks or in large hotels. You can buy Leva from Thomas Cook branches in the UK. You must register with the nearest police station within 48 hours of arrival. You should beware of groups of young pickpockets (often children) in city centres, especially busy shopping areas and underpasses. You should leave passports and other valuables in a hotel safe or other secure place. You should observe the speed limit and ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy.