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

Bulgaria


Any person entering or leaving the EU has to declare the cash they are carrying if this amounts to 10,000 euros or more; this includes cheques, travellers' cheques, money orders, etc. Anyone who is carrying more than the limits should pay UK duty on those goods by entering the Customs red channel or by using the red point telephone. At the airport you should use a taxi from one of the two companies (OK and Express) operating the official rank.  Bulgaria is still largely a cash economy.  Bulgaria, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia - 200 cigarettes.  But there are special rules for cigarettes and some other tobacco products from some EU countries.  Crime Organised criminal groups are active in casinos, nightclubs, prostitution and elsewhere.  Customs Regulations Travellers entering the UK from European Union countries do not normally pay any UK tax or duty on excise goods they have bought tax and duty paid in EU countries for own use. Facilities in most Bulgarian hospitals are basic and old-fashioned compared to those in the UK. However, please note that British subjects, e.g. If travellers enter the Customs blue channel with more than the limits, then all of their tobacco may be seized.  Keep valuable belongings in a hotel safe where possible.British citizens holding valid passports can enter Bulgaria without requiring a visa.  LOCAL TRAVEL Most cities and larger towns have cheap and extensive public transport.  MoneyYou can buy Leva from banks and foreign exchange offices in the UK.  Obtaining a replacement passportThe British Embassy in Sofia does not issue full passports.  Please be aware that many local authority officials and police officers do not speak English.Please be aware that the majority of y local authority officials and police officers do not speak English, even in tourist areas.Political SituationCountry Profile: Bulgaria.  Rail Travel If travelling by train, you should check with operators on the availability of sleeping compartments and whether bicycles can be taken on board.  Road Travel If you enter Bulgaria in a private vehicle, you must have your driving licence, all original registration and ownership documents (including logbook) as well as evidence of insurance valid in Bulgaria.  Safety and securityTerrorismThere is an underlying threat from terrorism. Some criminals have been reported to impersonate traffic policemen to flag vehicles down on major routes, especially near international border crossings, though there have been no incidents reported to us in 2007 or 2008.  Standards of medical care are acceptable, although specialised equipment/treatment may not be available, and hospital staff invariably do not speak English.  Take care when driving, particularly at night.  Taxis are plentiful and cheap by UK standards, although vehicles may not be in very good condition.  The EHIC is not a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but entitles you to emergency medical treatment that becomes necessary on the same terms as Bulgarian nationals. The limits are: Estonia - 200 cigarettes or 250g of smoking tobacco.  The overall level of the advice has not changed.(see travel advice legal disclaimer)Travel advice for this countryTravel SummarySafety and securityLocal laws and customsEntry requirementsHealthGeneralSee entire profileTravel SummaryThere is an underlying threat from terrorism.  The risk from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low.  The UK is maintaining limits on the amount of cigarettes and some tobacco products that travellers are able to bring in to the UK for own use from nine European Union Member States (including Bulgaria), without paying UK duty.  There is now a large network of ATMs that accept standard international credit and debit cards.  This does not apply to anyone travelling via the EU to a non-EU country, as long as the original journey started outside of the EU, nor to those travelling within the EU.Travelling with childrenAll children entering Bulgaria will need to have their own passport.  You should be aware of young pickpockets in city centres especially in crowded areas e.g. You should be aware, however, that most insurance companies will not authorise a medivac to the UK as a matter of routine, or because local hospitals are not up to UK standards.  You should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK. You should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. You will not be covered for medical repatriation, on-going medical treatment or treatment of a non-urgent nature.