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

Balkania Travel - How to book


A Department of Health leaflet “Health Advice for Travellers” isavailable free from your doctor and main post offices. Any Bulgarian currency notes left at theend of your holiday can be re-exchanged into sterling (or euros, as available) at the airport. Besure to list the items included and obtain a receipt for them, and for any subsequent additions orwithdrawals. British citizens on these Balkania Travel BBFS tours do not need avisa. Credit cards are still not widelyaccepted in Bulgaria, though there are a growing number of ATMs. Exchange offices will not normally accept defacedor damaged notes. For security reasons we recommend you to use this service.Many hotels make a small charge to all (including hotel guests) who use their swimming pools, fitnesscentres, night-clubs and public toilets. In large purposebuilt resorts, local clinics will normally be private. It is always less expensive to buy local drinks, but note that spirits are served in 50g and 100gmeasures, and that even 50g is larger than a British double! It is generallytemperate with noticeable fluctuations between day and night temperatures, even in summer it can be chillyat night and in the early morning, especially in the mountains. Its capital, Sofia, is 1,300 milesfrom London. Other nationalities should check with the Bulgarian Embassy (Visa Section). Our coach tours are not really suitable for disabledholidaymakers, especially those confined to a wheelchair or needing regular medical treatment. Pleasecheck with your GP before departure. The airline will not accept responsibility ifyou do not do this, and holiday insurers may not accept a subsequent claim.Most hotels offer to deposit small valuable items in an envelope in the hotel safe, for a small charge. The Black Sea coast is about 300 miles to the east of Sofia. The time in Sofia is 2 hours aheadof British time. There are also private clinics where you should expect to pay. There is a 24 hour automated visa information line: 090 6550 8950, chargedat £1 per minute. There will be a greater choice of goodsat the airport shops than on the plane. They charge a higher commission on travellers’ cheques. This is open onweekdays from 09.30 – 13.00. Westill advise you to take your spending money in sterling notes in good condition, which can be exchangedshortly after arrival. Winters tend to be much colder than in Britain,often with heavy snowfall, while summers are drier and hotter. You can import or export for your own use 1litre of spirits, 2 litres of wine, 200 cigarettes and 50g of perfume. Your travel insurance normally covers medical expenses,so do keep all receipts and contact your insurers direct, on your return.