Tips experienced tourists vacation in Bulgaria. I want to walk along the old medieval streets - Nessebar. Bulgaria visa processing time

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Before embarking on a journey through sunny beaches Bulgaria, it is worth getting acquainted with the unusual traditions, prohibitions that exist in this resort country. You need to be very careful in studying the laws, traditions, mentality of the inhabitants of the country you want to go to, otherwise there is a possibility of numerous misunderstandings, fines or funny situations that can ruin your vacation. For foreigners, this all looks ridiculous, but for residents of Bulgaria - the usual rules.

1. Bulgarians are a very tolerant and very reserved people. They are very friendly towards foreigners. But a tourist should know that Bulgarians really don't like criticism, they can't even stand it. To avoid any misunderstandings, it is better to praise them both in the case and just like that, otherwise you can easily become a participant in the conflict.

2. Bulgarians will never correct you when you say something in Bulgarian, such a well-educated people. But, if you say a few phrases correctly, this event is very surprising for them, because foreigners who have been living in Bulgaria for more than 10 years have not learned how to speak Bulgarian correctly.

3. Tourists will not find stalls with products of their own production (smoked products, milk, cheese or meat) anywhere in the bazaars. This is prohibited by law. You can only trade vegetables and fruits. In rare cases, Bulgarians do this, but somewhere in the province. So you should forget about homemade food for a holiday in Bulgaria.

4. A categorical refusal among the inhabitants of Bulgaria is not very welcome, so it is better not to ask the Bulgarian how to get somewhere, even if he does not know the route, he will have to lie to you. So, you are not very surprised at the deceit, because it is indecent to refuse here.

5. Do not trust similar words from our dictionary, always clarify what is being said, for example, using English. After all, the word “shirt” among the Bulgarians means “mother”, and, for example, “straight” means that you need to turn “left”, but the word “bun” means “bride”. These are the incidents that can appear against the background of the same-sounding words that have different meanings.

6. Gestures in Bulgaria - this is the most incredible difference between them and foreigners. Be careful with a simple nod of the head, because in Bulgaria it means that you strongly disagree with something. And the movement of the head to the right or left means that you agree with everything. Such a confusion of gestures has long been rooted in the mentality and history of the Bulgarians and has provoked hundreds of misunderstandings. Remember this too. It is not enough to know about it, you still need to get used to it.

7. It is forbidden in Bulgaria to smoke in public places, so those who like to smoke a cigarette will have to look for specially designated places for this action. The fine for violation is from 150-300 euros.

8. Surprisingly, in Bulgaria there is a break in restaurants from 1500 to 1800 due to the heat. You will not be able to dine in the restaurant at this time, they are closed during this period. I'll have to eat at the diner.

9. In Bulgaria it is forbidden to shoot and photograph churches, mosques, military facilities, and border areas, airports.

10. Import or export is also prohibited national currency. Be prepared to exchange currency at a special government office (the commission for this service is set at about 10% of the amount).

11. Cars should also be said. If you decide to travel to own car, remember that in Bulgaria tinted windows of the front doors and windshield are prohibited. In Bulgaria, you can rent a car, however, if you have reached the age of 21, if you have an International driving license and only if your driving experience exceeds 2 years of driving. Also, you can not drive on the roads of Bulgaria on cars with studded tires.

12. In Bulgaria, incredibly hospitable people who welcome guests generously set the table for their arrival. But it is important to know that in this country it is not customary to visit without gifts. Gathered to visit - be sure to take a gift, it is considered good form. The main thing is not the price value of the gift. It may be inexpensive, but bought from the heart.

13. Punctuality is not for residents of Bulgaria. Rest assured, if you make an appointment with someone local to meet in 10 minutes, this means that you will meet much later - in 2 or 3 hours. Here, no one adheres to temporary "accuracies", so you will not be scolded for being late.

These are the features in beautiful country Bulgaria. With this knowledge, you can safely go on a journey, now no curiosities threaten you!

1. Check the information about your flight on the information board and go to the check-in counters, the numbers of which are indicated on the board. When registering, present international passport and a ticket.
2. Get boarding pass. Pay attention to the exit number and the time for boarding the aircraft (in the boarding pass, the exit is indicated by the word GATE, the time is TIME).
3. After checking in and announcing the start of boarding, you must go to the appropriate areas for international flights.

Passengers of international flights go through customs, passport control, as well as security control, after which they await the departure of the flight in the sterile zone of the gallery of international airlines. Passport and boarding pass are presented at the checkpoint.

When transporting animals or plants, it is necessary to pass phytocontrol / veterinary control.

Rules for conducting pre-flight and post-flight inspections

In accordance with Appendix No. 1 of the Rules for conducting pre-flight and post-flight inspections, approved by order of the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation dated July 25, 2007 No. 104 forbidden to carry on board the aircraft by passengers in the checked baggage and in the belongings of the passengers, the following hazardous substances and items:

Permitted to carry on board the aircraft by crew members and passengers, in compliance with the required conditions, the following items and substances:

• in checked baggage in the cargo and baggage compartments of an aircraft with isolated passenger access to baggage during the flight:
  • crossbows, spearguns, checkers, sabers, cleavers, scimitars, broadswords, swords, swords, bayonets, daggers, hunting knives, knives with ejected blades, with locking locks, imitators of any type of weapon;
  • household knives (scissors) with a blade (blade) length over 60 mm; alcoholic beverages containing more than 24%, but not more than 70% alcohol by volume in containers with a capacity of not more than 5 liters, in containers intended for retail trade - not more than 5 liters per passenger;
  • liquids and alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of not more than 24% by volume;
  • aerosols intended for use for sports or domestic purposes, the outlet valves of which are protected by caps from spontaneous release of contents in containers with a capacity of not more than 0.5 kg or 500 ml - not more than 2 kg or 2 liters per passenger;
• in things carried by passengers:
  • medical thermometer - one per passenger;
  • mercury blood pressure monitor in a standard case - one per passenger;
  • barometer or mercury manometer, packed in a sealed container and sealed with the seal of the sender;
  • disposable lighters - one per passenger;
  • dry ice for cooling perishable products - no more than 2 kg per passenger;
  • 3% hydrogen peroxide - no more than 100 ml per passenger;
  • non-hazardous liquids, gels and aerosols: in containers with a capacity of not more than 100 ml (or an equivalent capacity in other volume units), packed in a securely closed transparent plastic bag with a volume of not more than 1 liter - one bag per passenger.

Liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 100 ml will not be accepted for carriage even if the container is only partially filled. Transportation exceptions are for medicines, baby food and special dietary needs.

Liquids purchased at duty-free shops at the airport or on board the aircraft must be packed in a securely sealed (sealed) plastic bag that allows identification of the contents of the package during the flight and has reliable confirmation that this purchase was made at airport duty-free shops or on board the aircraft on the day(s) of travel. Keep your proof of purchase. Do not open the package either before boarding the cabin or during the flight.

The administration of the airport, airline, operator has the right to decide on the introduction of additional measures to ensure aviation security on flights with increased danger, as a result of which it is prohibited to carry the following items in the aircraft cabin:

• corkscrews;
• hypodermic needles (unless medical justification is provided);
• knitting needles;
• scissors with a blade length of less than 60 mm;
• folding (without latch) travel, penknives with a blade length of less than 60 mm.

Flight time

The flight to Bulgaria is about 2.5 hours.

Upon arrival at the airport

1. Go through passport control (a foreign passport with a visa is presented, sometimes upon request return air ticket and voucher).
2. Get your baggage. The monitors above the baggage belts indicate the flight from which baggage will be issued on this belt.
3. At the exit from the customs area in the arrivals hall you will be met by a representative of TEZ TOUR. After presenting the voucher, he will give you the number of your transfer bus.
4. Go to the parking lot to board the bus. The departure of the bus occurs after the collection of all tourists.
5. Listen carefully to the information that the escort will provide on the way to the hotel. He will also inform you about the time of the informational meeting with the TEZ TOUR guide.

Airport codes:

VAR — Varna
BOJ - Burgas
PDV - Plovdiv

In a hotel

The procedure for accommodation varies depending on the hotel, but, as a rule, it looks like this:

• Present at the reception (reception) your passport and voucher (1 copy). After that, the hotel employee can:
  • ask you to fill out a registration card in English;
  • ask you for a passport to make a photocopy of it (check at the reception when you can pick up your passport).
• Check-in at most hotels takes place from 14:00 - 15:00. If you wish to check in earlier than the indicated time, you must pre-book the room one day before the date of your arrival. In case of problems with accommodation, please contact a company representative.
• After checking into your room, check the information provided by the hotel. Pay attention to what services are paid and how much they cost (as a rule, the information is in a folder and lies on a table or bedside table).

Meeting with the hotel guide

The time of the informational meeting with the hotel guide will be communicated to you by the escort on the way to the hotel. At the appointed time, we invite you to come to a meeting with the hotel guide of the TEZ TOUR company, who will be waiting for you in the hotel lobby. Take your passport, voucher, air ticket for the return flight with you to the meeting.

For all questions and problems, please contact the hotel guide or the hotel reception. Guide coordinates (photo, name, mobile phone) and the hours when the guide is directly at the hotel are indicated on the TEZ TOUR information stand in the hotel lobby.

The day before the flight home

1. Go to the reception, check if you have unpaid bills for additional services (use of the minibar, telephone, etc.). If you have debts, pay them off.
2. In the evening, go to the TEZ TOUR information stand and check the time of departure and departure from the hotel, you can also find this information on the last page in the TEZ TOUR corporate folder at the hotel reception. To do this, you need to know the number of the return flight on which you are departing.

Departure from the hotel

On the day of departure, you must vacate the room before 12.00, hand over the keys and cards for towels.

You can leave your luggage in the hotel's storage room.

In order to avoid various complications, please do not be late and come to the transfer at the specified time.

Arrival at the airport of Burgas, Varna, Plovdiv, Sofia for departure

1. Go to the check-in counter, where your flight number is indicated (counter numbers will be indicated on the flight board).
2. Check in for the flight (present your passport and ticket).
3. Drop off your luggage at the check-in desk.
4. Get your boarding pass. Pay attention to the gate number (GATE) and the time to board the aircraft (TIME)
5. Go through passport control (present your passport and boarding pass).
6. Go to the departure hall, where you will be waiting for the boarding announcement.

Helpful information

Medical service

All medical care in Bulgaria is paid, but if you have an insurance policy, the service is provided free of charge or with subsequent reimbursement of expenses according to the insurance policy (see the leaflet attached to the insurance policy). On the onset insured event you must contact the insurance company by phone numbers specified in the insurance policy. Only with the direct notification of the insurance company and coordination by it of your actions will free (or with subsequent reimbursement of expenses) service be provided.

first aid kit

Before the trip, form and take a first aid kit with you, which will help you with minor ailments, save you time searching medicines and get rid of the problems of communication in a foreign language, in addition, many medicines can have different names in different countries.

Money

The monetary unit of Bulgaria is the Bulgarian lev. The euro exchange rate is the Bulgarian lev fixed (1 euro=1.95583 BGN at the rate of the Bulgarian Central Bank). The dollar exchange rate is unstable. You can exchange currency at exchange offices and banks. Bank branches are usually open in weekdays from 8.30 to 17:00. In exchange offices, the exchange rate can be very unfavorable, it is worth consulting with a guide.

Never change money with your hands! In resorts, as well as in cities, near exchange offices you can meet people who will offer you a better rate, most likely they will give you counterfeit or no longer valid banknotes.

International credit cards are accepted in almost all banks, as well as in most hotels, restaurants and shopping centers.

The shops

There is no hourly work schedule in shops; during the tourist season, many shops are open until late at night.

Bargaining is possible in small shops and markets.

Souvenirs

The most popular souvenir in Bulgaria is rose oil in a wooden bottle. The world-famous Bulgarian oil-bearing rose, carefully grown in the Rose Valley, is one of the national symbols of the country. In general, tourists can buy everything related to roses: cosmetics, perfumes, jams, etc.

Bulgaria produces excellent quality wines. Another popular drink is the Bulgarian vodka "rakia". It is quite inexpensive and is presented in a large assortment. Still very popular: ceramic products, handmade silver and sea souvenirs, magnets with views of Bulgaria.

The cuisine of this country cannot be imagined without spices. Especially for tourists, beautifully designed small transparent jars with "sharena salt" are sold - salt mixed with all kinds of seasonings. Knowledgeable tourists bring kimon seasoning from Bulgaria. This spice goes well with meat, fish and vegetables.

Bulgarian cuisine

The Bulgarian national cuisine is original and varied, it is famous for its abundance of vegetables, delicious meat, hearty snacks and fragrant soups, and is famous for its dairy and sour-milk products. At different times to the cuisine of Bulgaria big influence rendered Greek and Turkish cuisine.

Many Bulgarian dishes are cooked on a skar (on a metal grill), such as kebapcheta (fried minced meat sausages), kyufteta (meatballs) and shish (shish kebab). Famous dishes are kebab (meat on a spit), gyuvech (stew with potatoes and vegetables), kavarma (meat dish with mushrooms, onions and potatoes), kashkaval pane (breaded soft homemade cheese), chushka byurek (bell peppers fried in egg , stuffed with cheese and tomatoes), Shopska salad (tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet peppers, onions, seasoned with grated cheese, vegetable oil, vinegar, spices).

Bulgarian cooks successfully combine vegetables with fish, meat, flour, egg and dairy products. Tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet and hot peppers, zucchini, eggplant, beans - this is still far from complete list vegetables that are grown and cooked in Bulgaria and which largely characterize the national cuisine. Vegetables are stewed in pots with cheese, stuffed, baked and, of course, vegetable salads are prepared.

The cold Bulgarian soup "tarator" is also very unusual (finely chopped cucumbers, dill, garlic and walnuts are filled with diluted Bulgarian "sour milk"). And you can have a snack with a banitsa - a puff pastry pie with cheese. Banitsa is usually eaten with the famous Bulgarian sour milk And, of course, in a country where many different varieties of grapes are grown, there is always excellent wine on the table.

Transport

The bus is the most popular means of transportation within Bulgaria. The average ticket price in the city is 1 Bulgarian lev (0.5 euro), long route costs more, up to 3-4 leva.

You can see the traffic pattern and bus schedule on the Southern Black Sea coast (Elenite - Sunny Beach - Nessebar).

Car rental. You can only rent a car if you have a driver's license. All cars have hull insurance. The minimum rental period is one day, the mileage is not limited. Make sure the car is fully insured, including headlights and glass. Gasoline is purchased independently. In the event of an accident, do not move the car until the arrival of the police. It is necessary to urgently report the incident to the TEZ TOUR representative and the company where the car was taken, as the police may not speak Russian or English, and you will not have the opportunity to explain your version of the incident.

Don't forget to have your driver's license, passport and car rental documents with you, as police checks are possible.

Visa

To travel to Bulgaria, you need to apply for a Bulgarian visa in advance.

Citizens of Russia can visit Bulgaria for the same period with a valid Schengen visa only if it is double or multiple entry. With a single-entry Schengen visa, entry into Bulgaria is no longer allowed.
Citizens of the Russian Federation may enter the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria by valid visa Cyprus, Romania and Croatia for a period of stay, which is limited to the period specified in the visa, within the period of its validity and a certain number of entries, but not more than 90 days within 180 days. Owners Bulgarian visas under the same conditions can enter the territory of Cyprus and Romania. You can only enter Croatia with a double-entry and multiple-entry visa.

Time

The time is 2 hours behind Moscow in winter and 1 hour in summer.

Safe

To store valuables and documents, tourists should use the safe. For valuables and documents left unattended in the room or on the territory of the hotel, the administration is not responsible.

Tips

The tip system applies to waiters in bars and restaurants, maids in hotels, porters, guides. Tipping is optional, but if the client is satisfied with the service, tipping is a sign of good taste. Almost always, the average tip is 10% of the bill. In hotels, in taxis, they do not give tea, but the meter readings are rounded up.

Cot

Baby cot - on request, free of charge in most hotels. There are hotels where baby cot comes for an additional fee. Payment - 1-8 euros per day.

Most hotels offer one extra bed (cot, pull-out couch or armchair) for DBL+EXB accommodation.

Beach

In Bulgaria, all beaches are public. Umbrellas and sun loungers are available for separate fee. Some hotels offer free use of umbrellas and sun loungers on the beach. Keep in mind that their number is limited!

Mains voltage

Mains voltage 220 V.

Religion

90% of the local population are Orthodox Christians, about 9% are Muslims, about 1% are Protestants, Catholics and Jews.

Customs

You can export from Russia without issuing a bank certificate until 3000$ per person. If you take out up to 10,000 euro per person, the amount must be declared and the passage is through the red corridor; if more than 10,000 euro per person, then you must have bank documents with you.

At the airport in Bulgaria, be sure to include in the declaration all electronic equipment, antiques and jewelry (their presence can be checked upon departure).

Duty-free import is allowed: 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco, 1 liter of strong alcohol, 2 liters of wine, perfume - 50 ml in uncorked bottles, food within the limits of personal needs.

The import of drugs, medicines containing a large dose of narcotic substances and weapons is prohibited.

• it is recommended to use mineral water bought in the shops and bars of the hotel;
• jewelry, money and documents are recommended to be stored in a safe located in the room or at the reception desk;
• it is recommended to hand over the room key at the hotel reception. If you lose your key, please notify the hotel immediately.

Phones

Telephone communication in Bulgaria is very good and relatively inexpensive. You can call from the hotel, but it is more expensive than from the post office. Post offices are open from 8.30 to 17.00, telephone call centers - until midnight. Mail identification marks - black on yellow POST.

Cell phones work great in Bulgaria. There are 3 mobile operators in Bulgaria (M-Tel, Globul, Vivacom). It makes sense to buy a local SIM card for a few euros. The price of a conversation with Russia M-tel (Prima card) - 2.50 euro / min, Globul (B-connect, Frog) - 0.60 euro / min., Viva Com (Viva International) - 0.10 euro / min.

Russia can be contacted using the code 007 + area code + subscriber's phone number.

To call Bulgaria, dial 00 - 359 - area code or 8 - 10 - 359 - area code.

Useful Phones

If you have any questions during your stay in Bulgaria, please contact your guide, whose mobile phone is placed on the information stand (folder).

Welcome Bulgaria offers tourists best beaches"their" Black Sea, a great holiday with children and budget ski tours. Sunny Beach and Golden Sands, Bansko, Borovets and medical resorts - everything about Bulgaria from the Subtleties of tourism: hotels, weather, map, tours and visa.

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Bulgaria and tourists from Russia are connected by a long-standing, pre-perestroika friendship. And, I must say, the reasons for its occurrence - the beautiful nature, the extensive "excursion", the warm sea and the hospitality of the locals - are still evident. At the same time, many hotels today have freshened up after repairs, the service has improved and, of course, prices for tours have grown. But still not so much that the country has become an expensive destination, inaccessible to the "mass tourist". So for a relatively inexpensive family vacation, especially with children, and with equally inexpensive and high-quality treatment, many travelers are now heading to Bulgaria. Winter Bulgaria is quite suitable for beginner skiers without super requests, as well as youth companies and families with children.

The import of foreign currency is unlimited, amounts above 10,000 EUR, including traveler's checks and bills, will have to be declared. To export foreign currency in excess of 30,000 BGN, you need to obtain a special certificate of the absence of debts in the country, as well as a cash declaration certificate. Import and export of the national currency is prohibited. The remaining leva can be exchanged before leaving the country, for this you need to present a certificate of the initial exchange from the exchange office. It makes sense to declare personal jewelry and expensive electronics.

When crossing the border at the airport, duty-free import of 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 100 cigarillos or 250 g of tobacco is allowed, in other cases the limits are reduced by 5 times. You can bring 1 liter of strong alcohol, 2 liters of drinks with a strength of up to 22%, 4 liters of wine or 16 liters of beer. These permits only apply to travelers over the age of 17. Please note that on the way back, Russian customs will not allow more than 3 liters of alcoholic beverages, including beer, without duty. With a fee, the limit can be increased by only 2 liters. When flying or arriving in Bulgaria by sea, it is allowed to import coffee, perfume, tea, toys, electronics and other non-prohibited goods in the amount of up to 430 EUR, when crossing the border by land - up to 300 EUR.

When traveling by car, customs will only approve the fuel in the tank and an additional 10 liter canister.

It is forbidden to import products from meat and milk, except for baby food. It is not allowed to import and export objects and things of historical, artistic or archaeological value without a special permit. Naturally, no drugs, weapons, poisons, psychotropic drugs and other universally prohibited things.

tax free

The return of Tax free in Bulgaria is a story entangled in many rumors and ambiguities. What we have in practice: there are quite a lot of stores operating in the system, you can find them both in large cities and in small ones. The minimum check from such an outlet must be at least 300 BGN, and the cost of one product - from 50 BGN. Carefully check the data in the form filled out by the seller - from the name and address outside the EU to a detailed list of purchases, do not forget to keep the cash register and Tax free receipt.

Money will not be returned for alcohol, cigarettes and tobacco, liquid fuels and goods that are not subject to VAT.

Do not open the package and do not put your purchases in luggage, the Bulgarian customs officers will ask you to show the purchased item. That is, it will be possible to try out a new camera or flaunt in a fashionable sheepskin coat only after going through all the procedures and receiving money. VAT in the country is 20%, but after the voluntary-compulsory withdrawal of the banking commission and not the most clean exchange rate at airports, somewhere around 12-13% will remain on hand.

There are Tax refund points at Sofia, Burgas and Varna airports. If you leave in another way, you can send all documents with customs stamps to the E&S Tax Services office in Sofia, leave the package of documents in a special mailbox on the border of Bulgaria with non-EU countries, try to return the money in Russia through a tax free bank, or contact with documents to the store, returning to Bulgaria within 6 months from the date of purchase.

How to get there

Bulgaria meets tourists at 4 international airports - in Sofia, Burgas, Plovdiv and Varna, you can also get there by train, by sea or the Danube, by bus or by your own car.

Aeroflot and Bulgaria Air planes regularly fly from Moscow to Sofia, the journey time is about 3 hours. IN low season other cities will have to be reached with transfers through Istanbul or Athens, during the summer navigation period, direct flights and charters to Bulgaria are launched from several airlines at once, and not only from the capitals, but also from a number of Russian cities.

In the summer, travel agencies launch bus flights to Bulgaria, the journey from Moscow takes about 48 hours, the time for walking along transit settlements most likely won't. Ticket price - from 200 EUR. Also, major Bulgarian cities are connected by bus routes with all of Europe.

Most short cut on your own car lies through Ukraine, which at the moment, perhaps, is not the best option. Another route is 400-500 km longer, it goes through Belarus and practically repeats rail travel. The total length of the road between Moscow and Sofia is about 2600 km.

By sea from the Russian coast, alas, you can’t get there yet. If you really want to take a boat, you will have to go through Ukraine, Romania or Turkey, or buy a tour along the Danube in one of the European countries.

Search for flights to Bulgaria

Transport

Domestic air traffic is poorly developed and connects the capital with only a couple of airports. A direct flight from Sofia to Varna takes about an hour. But everything is not bad with the BDZ railway network. The train ride from Sofia to Plovdiv takes 4 hours, a full ticket costs 9.5-11.8 BGN. It takes about 8 hours to get from the capital to Burgas, tickets - 21.5-26.8 BGN for the 2nd and 1st class, respectively. Prices on the page are for November 2018.

It is also convenient to move around the country by buses: they regularly run between all more or less large cities. Buses are municipal (cheaper and easier) and private (more expensive and with a certain degree of comfort). The price of a bus trip depends on the level of comfort, on average, moving between cities for a distance of 50-70 km will cost 5-8 BGN. An additional bonus for dear Russians: the timetable and directions are written in Cyrillic.

When traveling by taxi, you need to be careful: in the country there are a large number of private traders masquerading as taxi drivers, let's say, not guaranteeing the safety of tourists. It is best to order a car by phone.

Urban transport

In the cities of the country there are buses, trolleybuses and fixed-route taxis, and in Sofia the main means of transport are trams and metro. A single bus ride costs about 0.60–1.0 BGN, such a ticket can be purchased from the driver. The cost of a single travel pass ranges from 2 BGN per day, a week pass costs about 9 BGN, for a month - 37 BGN. Tickets can be bought at kiosks or from the driver. Bus fares can be a bit more expensive.

Taxis in Bulgaria are yellow with traditional “checkers”, a price list with prices should be fixed on the side glass, often you can even get a check from the driver. Walk past the cars and try to figure out the average cost of a ride in your area, filtering out the obscenely expensive offers. When landing, look at the counter, sometimes extraneous numbers are “accidentally” found there. On average, for 1 km of a taxi ride, they ask for 0.70–0.90 BGN during the day and 0.90–1.10 BGN at night, plus the “initial tax” - the price of landing. In resort areas, airports and railway stations, prices are higher - up to 3 BGN per km, the ability to negotiate is useful here.

Hotels on ski resorts provide their guests with a shuttle service to the ski lift station. Depending on the level of the hotel, it will either be free or cost 1.50–2 BGN per person one way.

For independent trips around the country, you need to purchase a special sticker on the windshield of the car - a vignette that gives permission to travel on most Bulgarian roads. Tourist vignettes cost from 15 BGN per week to 30 BGN per month. Driving without such a sticker is fraught with fines. Pay attention to parking signs in cities. Often on weekdays, an hour of parking will cost 1-2 BGN, and on weekends you can leave your car here for free. Bribes to police officers are strictly prohibited.

Car rental in Bulgaria

Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Varna: st. Macedonia, 53; tel.: 602-718; Web site .

Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Ruse: st. Nish, 1; tel.: 822-252

Ambulance: 150, Fire Department: 160, Police: 166, Roadside Assistance: 146

Information desk: 144, weather service: 175, accurate time service: 180.

Bulgarian language

Many Bulgarian words, even though they sound completely “Russian”, can actually mean something completely unexpected. For example, in a hotel restaurant, a hungry tourist may well be offered “eggs for eyes” (that is, fried eggs) early in the morning, and at lunch they can recommend an appetizing “chushka burek” (nothing more than stuffed peppers). At the same time, they can react unexpectedly to an innocent request to serve a bun for tea: “bun” in Bulgarian is a bride. Well, if one of the Bulgarians notices a lady that today she looks just “scary”, it’s time for the insolent person to answer ... with a compliment in return. After all, "terrible" means "great"!

Many Bulgarian words, even though they sound completely “Russian”, can actually mean something completely unexpected, and what we call an affirmative nod means “no”, and vice versa.

Typical Bulgaria

Beaches in Bulgaria

In the main Bulgarian resorts, the beaches are sandy, public and free. This often explains their increased "dense population", especially on weekends near major cities. Umbrellas and sunbeds - for money: the cost of a sunbed is from 6 BGN, an umbrella from 4 BGN. Majority Bulgarian beaches can boast of the Blue Flag of the European Union - a sign of environmental cleanliness. On the beaches you can play volleyball or tennis, rent a velomobile, ride horses.

Youth, thirsty for parties, adventures and nightlife, you should pay attention to the beaches of Sunny Beach and Golden Sands - there are all conditions for the most active holiday. At the same time, 10 km of wide beaches in Sunny Beach are suitable for parents with children, the entrance to the water in the bay is gentle, the infrastructure of the resort is built almost on the same level with the sea, there is a lot of entertainment for children. But in Golden Sands with a child it can be difficult because of the peculiarities of the local mountainous landscape, and the entrance to the sea is not so soft.

For those to whom comfort and peace on vacation is more important than noisy entertainment, there is a direct road to the beaches of such resorts as Ahtopol, Kiten, Obzor, Tsarevo and Sozopol. Tsarevo and Ahtopol have not yet been captured by mass development, the towns themselves are small, prices are low, the beaches are clean and beautiful, and most importantly, they are empty. Sozopol will allow you to combine beach holiday and getting to know the local architecture - the old part of the city is a solid monument of history under the protection of UNESCO. Kiten and Obzor are good for holidays with children and budget travel. And Obzor also has the warmest sea.

Skiing

Treatment in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is not only fun, bright, tasty, but also healthy! The country is rightly proud of its health resorts, built next to hundreds of life-giving springs of thermal and mineral waters, sources of therapeutic mud that can put even a seriously ill person on his feet. An important advantage of Bulgarian sanatoriums over similar establishments in other EU countries is more affordable prices and a mild climate. In addition, most of the clinics are located nearby in the forested mountains or near the sea, which provides additional therapy with fresh and clean air.

In the mountainous suburb of Sofia, on the banks of the mountain river Kakach, a whole resort town of Bankya is built, famous for the prestigious sanatorium of the UN Health Organization.

Mineral waters in different areas countries help to get rid of various ailments. For example, waters rich in iodine and bromine are mined along the entire coast. Siliceous springs in Kyustendil and Hisar are recommended for diseases of the skin, digestive tract and hypertension. The same springs come to the surface in the balneological capital of the country, Velingrad and the birthplace of Spartak Sandanski, in these towns fluorine waters are also extracted, which are useful for the stomach and endocrine system.

No less popular is mud therapy, which helps to improve the condition of people with problems of the musculoskeletal system, skin, cardiovascular, nervous systems and many other diseases. In total, there are half a dozen estuary lakes and lagoons in Bulgaria, giving healing mud. Most famous resort and the source of mud for pelotherapy is located on the Black Sea coast - the health-restoring possibilities of Pomorie have been known since ancient rome. Now mud is mined here for many sanatoriums and for the production of cosmetics, which are worth buying and taking home with you as a truly useful souvenir from your vacation.

Pilgrimage

Orthodox Bulgaria is an important point on the map for pilgrimage and acquaintance with the Christian world of the Slavs. Many shrines and temples of this small country have come down to our times in excellent condition, and getting to know them will bring a lot of pleasure to a caring person.

You should start with a trip to the capital. Be sure to visit not the most pompous, but the most important for Christianity, St. Sophia Cathedral - one of the oldest Orthodox churches in the world. Literally a stone's throw away is the grandiose memorial church of St. Alexander Nevsky, a little further - the beautiful Russian Embassy Church, which stores the relics of St. Seraphim. After another 500 m, you will find the ancient Rotunda of St. George, built in the 6th century, and the Cathedral of St. Nedelya. In general, there are so many iconic Christian places in Sofia that the whole trip can be devoted only to this city.

But not one capital is famous for its monasteries and temples. In Varna, spend time with the majestic Assumption Cathedral, the symbol of Bulgarian independence. Then head north, where, in the neighborhood of Golden Sands, the Aladzha Monastery, the habitat of medieval hermit monks, is carved into the rocks. In Burgas, visit the Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius with its iconostasis, decorated with the finest wood carvings. A 30-minute drive from Plovdiv, surrounded by mountains and forests, the Bachkovo Monastery took refuge, which absorbed Byzantine, Bulgarian and Georgian culture.

The main shrine of Bulgaria is completely away from busy roads and big cities, in the protected Rila mountains. The Rila Monastery attracts believers with magnificent frescoes, an impressive medieval architecture, unique museum, and, of course, the relics of John of Rylsky and one of the most important Bulgarian icons - the miraculous icon of the Virgin "Hodegetria".

What to bring

delicious

All peoples, to one degree or another, are proud of their "most-very" alcohol. In Bulgaria, it is a fruity vodka rakia. They make it from plums, peaches, pears, apples, apricots, cherries, grapes, they insist on herbs - no health and vacation will be enough to taste all varieties. Less hyped, but also worth attention are anise mastic, mint and rose liqueurs. When buying alcohol, do not forget about customs limits. Bring Turkish Delight as a gift for the whole family. It is not as sweet as Turkish, but very fragrant, tasty and inexpensive. Here we will add nougat with nuts, rose petal confiture and sweets from the Plovdiv confectionery factory.

Shops are open from Monday to Friday, Saturday is a "short day". Many shopping establishments are open seven days a week (in resorts often until 22:00). Grocery stores are often open around the clock (which will be indicated by a "Non-stop" sign). Try to find a large supermarket in the very first days where locals shop, this will seriously save on food and gifts.

Be sure to try "lukanka" - a local raw smoked sausage. This product is unpretentious for transportation, so you can safely take it home. And do not forget about herbal teas for cold winter evenings and spices - fragrant and exciting appetite.

Traditional household

Bulgarian craftsmen are famous for ceramics, a real hostess will appreciate baking pots, a solid teapot or chic painted plates. As a set for ceramics, take a bright traditional tablecloth and a set of kitchen towels with potholders in folk ornaments. Coffee lovers should look for a copper cezve.

Useful

Trite and unequivocal - rose oil, as well as perfumes and cosmetics based on it. For a change - creams, tonics, soaps and other attributes of beauty based on lavender, olive and grapes.

Cuisine and restaurants

Bulgarian cuisine stands out for its special piquant taste, spicy spices, an abundance of vegetables and a passion for open hearths and earthenware. It is worth trying the famous stuffed peppers, "lutenitsa" (spicy pasta, which is smeared on bread), "kebab" (meat on a spit), "kebabche" (fried meat sausages), "guvech" (stew with potatoes and vegetables), " kavarmu" (meat dish with mushrooms, onions and potatoes), Bulgarian soup "tarator" and "banitsu" - puff pastry pies with cottage cheese, pumpkin or cheese. Bulgarians are generally distinguished by their passion for cheese - the traditional Shopsky salad is another confirmation of this.

However, not a single cheese: dairy products are generally highly respected in the country: “sour milk” (a drink like yogurt), “airan” - a salty mixture of yogurt and water, and even cold soup “tarator” (a terrible union of yogurt, cucumbers for the uninitiated , garlic and nuts). We also recommend trying local cheeses - hard yellow "kashkaval" and soft "siren" made from sheep's milk.

Local wines are the perfect complement to a delicious lunch or dinner. Among the red wines, Pamid, Gymza and Melnik can be distinguished, among the whites - Khan Krum Traminer, Galatea and Kadarka.

Of course, there are familiar cafes and restaurants in Bulgaria, but for a proper acquaintance with the country's cuisine, it will not be superfluous to find out the local names of catering outlets and their essence. "Mehana" is a small family restaurant of traditional cuisine, often decorated as a rural house - wood, brick, ceramics, old dishes, rural household items, tablecloths and plates in ornaments. "Mehana" is an entourage, a sense of antiquity and a pleasant gastronomic attraction. The guest will be offered a menu with such an abundance of dishes that the choice makes your head spin. Often the explanations in the menu are duplicated in English, and Russian is not uncommon. But even without this, you can guess from familiar words and mouth-watering pictures. Average check in resort area without drinks will be about 12-15 BGN. A glass of wine - 2–5 BGN, a mug of beer - 1.50–2 BGN. In places less hyped prices are lower.

Those with a sweet tooth are welcome in "sweet shops" - this is the name of local confectioneries. Do not miss the opportunity to discover the world of Bulgarian desserts and soft drinks. A piece of cake or a cake costs an average of 1–3 BGN, ice cream from 0.80 BGN, coffee 0.80–1.30 BGN, fresh juices and cocktails from 1.50 BGN.

Guides in Bulgaria

Entertainment and attractions in Bulgaria

Multifaceted Bulgaria is ready to surprise even the most inveterate traveler with its sights - natural resources will reveal to you the incredible beauty of mountains, lakes, vineyards and pink valleys, National parks and forests, architectural monuments will tell about different eras - from the Byzantines and Romans to the struggle for independence from Ottoman Empire, and impressive temples and churches will not leave indifferent even a non-religious person.

Active entertainment

Fans of water entertainment, in addition to the warm Black Sea, should appreciate the country's main water parks. Aqualand is located in the center of Bulgaria, on the outskirts of the Lauta Park in Plovdiv, a good option for those who devote their holidays to urban tourism. The rest are scattered along the coast: a relatively small Aqua planet in Primorsko, very impressive Aqua Paradise in Nessebar and Action on Sunny Beach, surrounded by the greenery of Aquapolis in Golden Sands and Aquamania in resort town Albena. Water parks are open from late May to mid-September.

Sofia has an interesting extreme park Kokolandia adventures and the oldest zoo in Bulgaria, and in the vicinity of Varna there is the country's largest family theme park, Happy Land.

Architectural monuments

Majestic monasteries and grandiose temples, Byzantine architecture, the ruins of ancient Roman fortresses, Ottoman mosques - fans of contemplative and historical tourism can only complain that the most interesting places are scattered throughout Bulgaria and they are not always located in cities. Of course, you can explore Sofia for a long time and with pleasure - visit the ancient Thracian fortress Serdika, the main cathedral of Bulgaria and the Banya-Bashi mosque - one of the oldest in Europe. And do not forget to look around - this city is literally filled with antiquity. In Golden Sands visit the rock monastery Aladzha, in Plovdiv - the ruins of the Roman theater, in the Rila Mountains - the Rila Monastery; also interesting cave churches near Ivanovo, Thracian tombs in Sveshtari or Kazanlak, Roman baths in Varna and do not forget about the museum city of Nessebar and the place of military glory - Shipka Pass.

Monuments of nature

A third of Bulgaria is covered with forests, the country has many beautiful mountains and lakes, united in natural and national parks. The largest of them are Pirin and Rila. Here travelers are waiting for eco-routes along reserved places, mineral and thermal springs, clean air, high-quality ski slopes. In the Burgas Bay there is one of the few islands of the Black Sea - the island of St. Anastasia Ethnographic Museum Holidays and events

Do Russians need a visa to Bulgaria in 2019? Citizens of Russia to visit Bulgaria require a visa, which must be applied for in the visa centers of Bulgaria or in the visa departments of the embassy.

A visa to Bulgaria is issued independently in the same way as when applying through a travel agency, the difference lies in the fact that in the first case, documents in Visa Center must be submitted on your own. In general, obtaining visas to Bulgaria is practically not associated with any difficulties, so Russian tourists travel to the country quite steadily.

Holders of valid Schengen visas types C and D can freely enter the territory of Bulgaria and stay there within the limits provided for by the Schengen visa. The maximum term is 90 days within six months.

Types of visas to Bulgaria

Visas to Bulgaria for Russians in 2019 are obtained in the same order. This needs to be specified separately, since there was a lot of information that the Bulgarian side plans to issue Russian tourists visas directly upon arrival in the country, however, such a practice would be contrary to the rules of the European Union, which Bulgaria is a member of.

Documents for a visa to Bulgaria

Standard and mandatory package of documents

• A completed application for a visa to Bulgaria (all columns of the application form must be filled in. The application form must be signed by the traveler with his own hand);
• Foreign passport of a valid sample with a validity period of at least 3 months after the end of the intended trip (+ a copy of its first page). The presence of the owner's signature in the passport is mandatory;
• Color photograph 3.5 × 4.5 on a light background (including the child entered in the passport);
• Medical insurance policy valid in European countries for the entire duration of the trip. The amount of coverage must be at least 30 thousand euros;

Medical travel insurance for a visa to Bulgaria. Specify the country and dates of the trip, then select suitable option and issue a policy.

• Air tickets (copy) or confirmation of booking tickets or car documents (copy of registration certificate, copy driving license, a copy of the Green Card, the itinerary in free form).

Tourist trip

• Hotel booking confirmation (facsimile copy/electronic booking). The confirmation must contain all the departing persons by name, length of stay, as well as details of the hotel. It is also necessary that the invitation confirms the fact of payment for the hotel by the applicant;
• Certificate of employment on a letterhead with a seal, indicating the address, work phone, position and salary of the applicant. Pensioners have the right to provide a pension certificate instead of an income statement;
• Evidence of sufficient funds for the trip (certificate of the purchase of foreign currency, traveler's checks or a current bank statement, etc.) at the rate of 50 euros per day of stay per person (but not less than 500 euros for the entire duration of the trip).

Important information! Participate in the joint action Tourist. Ru and Booking.com. You will receive a 4% refund of the cost of booking a hotel on Booking.com. Read more at.

Private visit

Transit

• A photocopy of the visa of the point (country) of destination;
• If the applicant has a visa-free regime, it is necessary to provide documents confirming the purpose of the trip (invitation, hotel reservation, real estate documents, etc.).

Business trip

• Invitation from a Bulgarian legal entity of the established form (original and photocopy);
• A letter of recommendation issued by the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry or the Bulgarian-Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Moscow, or a copy of the contract, certifying joint business activities and intentions related to upcoming trips;
• Certificate from the place of work on a letterhead with a seal, indicating the address, work phone, position and salary.

Traveling with children

For children, regardless of whether they are entered in the parents' passport or not, a separate questionnaire is filled out, to which

complete set of documents is attached. In addition to general list you must provide the following documents:

• a copy of the child's birth certificate (it is advisable to have the original with you);
• if the child is traveling accompanied by one of the parents or third parties, a notarized power of attorney for the removal of the child from the remaining parent and a copy of it, as well as a copy of the first page of the principal's passport, are required.

If one of the parents has died or is missing, it is necessary to provide the relevant documents (death certificate, original certificate from the police, a copy of the book of a single mother, etc.).

For children who have reached the age of 6 and are inscribed in the parents' passport, a photograph must be pasted. Children over 14 must have their own passport.

Photo Requirements

• The photograph must be in color, 3.5 × 4.5 in size, on a light background (including the photo of a child entered in the passport).
• The face in the photo should be clear, large, only in full face and occupy 70-80% of the photo. The eyes should not be red.
• Photographs with tinted glasses, artisanal photographs or photo cuts from amateur photographs will not be accepted.

Document Submission Requirements

To speed up the application process, the documents attached to it should be folded in the following order:

• A completed application for a visa to Bulgaria with a pasted photo;
• International passport;
• A photocopy of the main page of the passport;
• Documents confirming the purpose of the trip;
• Insurance policy;
• Booking of air tickets;
• Certificate from the place of work;
• Documents confirming the availability of sufficient funds;
• For minors traveling unaccompanied by parents or guardians: a copy of the birth certificate and a notarized copy of the permission to leave from the parents;
• Additional documents.

Visa validity periods

Validity of short-term (entry) visas

• A single entry visa gives the right to a single entry and stay in the country for up to 90 days within 6 months from the date of entry. The specific period of stay is indicated on the visa sticker;
• A double entry visa entitles you to two entries and stay in the country for up to 90 days within 6 months from the date of
  first entry. The specific period of stay is indicated on the visa sticker. At the same time, holders of a double-entry visa cannot enter the country twice through the same border crossing;
• A multiple three-month entry visa is valid for three months. The visa gives the right to multiple entries and a total stay in Bulgaria for up to 90 days. The specific period of stay is indicated on the visa sticker;
• A multiple six-month entry visa is valid for six months. The visa gives the right to multiple entries and a total stay in Bulgaria for up to 90 days. The specific period of stay is indicated on the visa sticker;
• The multiple annual entry visa is valid for twelve months. The visa gives the right to multiple entries and a total stay in Bulgaria for up to 90 days within six months from the date of the first entry. The specific period of stay is indicated on the visa sticker.

A transit visa (single, double or multiple entry) entitles you to travel through the territory of Bulgaria to third countries with the possibility of staying in the country for up to five days for each entry.

The cost of a visa to Bulgaria in 2019

The following categories of citizens are exempted from paying the consular fee:

In case of refusal of a visa, the consular fee and service fee are not refundable.

Bulgaria visa processing time

Short stay visas and transit visas are issued within 4-6 business days (depending on the place of application), while urgent single entry short stay visas and urgent single entry transit visas are processed within 48 hours. You can find out about the status of consideration of documents for a visa on the page.

Who does not need a visa

Citizens of a number of states do not need a visa to Bulgaria. These are the countries of the European Union, USA, Great Britain, Japan, Israel, Australia, New Zealand and some others.

A visa is not required for a short stay in the territory of the Republic and holders of valid double and multiple Schengen visas, long-term visas, as well as residence permits issued by the countries of the Schengen Agreement. The only condition for holders of such visas is that the number of entries and the visa corridor of a Schengen visa trip must not be exhausted.