Useful information on Sofia
There is nothing more exciting than going travelling, exploring another country, experiencing a different culture, travelling around in new ways, tasting the local cuisine and so on.
However there are certain things that you should be aware of and prepared for to make sure that the trip is so easy and enjoyable as possible.To avoid any unnecessary hassles read the travel tips in this section to make the most of your travel experience and come home in the same happy, healthy state that you have left.
Useful numbers to be aware of whilst being in Bulgaria
In Sofia and Bulgaria the unified european emergency number 112 is functioning. It is recommended to use that number as it is most likely to find english speaking operator.
Otherwise a number of emergency and service lines operate in Bulgaria. You are advised to use these numbers in cases of emergency or need of immediate service. Please, pay attention that in case you need an ambulance, it might take some time to reach you, so you have to call immediately once a need has arisen.
Other emergency numbers
Ambulance - 150
Fire Brigade - 160
Police - 166
Emergency road service - 146
Life-Saving Service - 9632000
Sofia Airport - brief info and useful phone numbers
Address: Sofia Airport, 1, Hristofor Columb blvd., Sofia, Bulgaria
Website: Sofia Airport, airport timetable, arrivals for the day, departures for the day
International arrivals -+359 2 937 22 12; +359 2 937 2211; +359 2 937 2213
International departures- +359 2 937 22 12
Lost Luggage-+359 2/937 22 12
Domestic Flights-+359 2 937 24 91
Please, note that the International dialing code for Bulgaria is +359. However, if you wish to dial a number and you are in Bulgaria, you simply need to dial, for instance, 02/area code/ 123 4567 /the number/.
Air companies, operating in Bulgaria
Phone lines 130
Phone numbers information 144
Operator international calls 0123
Operator long-distance calls 121
Raiway Station
Official website of the Railway Station
Railway agencies and stations in Sofia
- Central Station Sofia - Information about train timetables, tel. +359 2 931 11 11, +359 2 932 33 33 - Railway agency, advance sales – domestic services - working hours: 07:30 - 19:00 pm - ticket-office, tel. +359 2 932 22 70 - sleeping – car tickets, tel. +359 2 932 20 90
- Railway ticket agency Rila CCTS at the National Palace of Culture working hours: from Monday to Friday 01.06. – 30.09. - 07:00 – 19:30 pm 01.10. – 31.05. – 07:00 – 18:30 pm Saturday – 07.00 – 18:30 pm Sunday – a day off - domestic service information, tel.: +359 2 865 84 02 and +359 2 932 42 80 - international service information and ticket sales – tel.: +359 2 865 71 86 - domestic services, ticket sales, tel.: +359 2 865 91 08 and +359 2 932 42 96 and tickets for sleeping berths, tel: +359 2 865 91 08 and +359 2 932 42 94
Central Bus Station
Address: 100 Kniaginia Maria Luiza Blvd.
Telephones: +359 900 21000 (24 hour information)
Fax: +359 2 8133144
Central Bus Station-regular bus lines, timetables, information
I am going to drive in Sofia city, what I am supposed to know with regards to the driving regulations?
First of all, it is important to know that international road regulations are valid in Bulgaria. Driving conditions in the major cities, as well as on the highways, are fair to good. Notwithstanding, you might experience problems if you are trying to reach more remote areas because of the poor road conditions and the lack of proper signs.
Your home-country driving licence may be used for up to a year in Bulgaria, but after that it has to be either replaced with a Bulgarian one or you have to sit for a driving exam to obtain a Bulgarian licence while keeping your foreign one. Please, take into account that US driving licences are acceptable only if accompanied by an International Driver's Licence.
It might be useful to know that some of the most common violations for which police in Bulgaria hand out fines include speed limit violations, driving without a seatbelt and driving intoxicated. You should be aware of the fact that it is strictly forbidden to drive in high heels, open sandals and flip flops. You have to pay attention to the signs, warning you of the maximum allowed speed since you are strongly advised to adhere to the rules.
Foreign embassies in Bulgaria
Click here for a full list of the embassies in Sofia
Telecommunications basics:
International dialling code for Bulgaria is 359, for Sofia – 02 /you need to drop the ‘0’if you dial +359 Sofia code /2/. Direct telephone communication from Bulgaria to countries in Europe, Asia, America and Africa is possible from phone booths with phone cards, or preferably from booths where you pay per minute as you may check in advance the price per minute for each country. Phone calls, telegram and telefax services in the country and abroad are offered by the Sofia Central Post Office and by Post Office in the capital and the country.
Where to exchange foreign currency:
Please visit the money, payments and currency exchange page for detailed instructions.
Which are the most important public holidays?
1st of January - New Year's Holiday
3rd March - National Holiday
Easter, and the first Monday after Easter
1st of May - Labour Day
6th of May - Gergyovden (Saint George's Day) and the Day of the Bulgarian Army Day
24th ofMay - Cyril and Methodius Day
6th ofSeptember - Unification Day
22nd September- Independence Day
1st November - National Day of the Bulgarian Revival Leaders
December 24th, 25th, and 26th - Christmas Days
Pharmacies / Hospitals
Most pharmacies are opened from 08:00 to 08:00 pm. and some are open 24 hours. You will find many fully equipped state clinics, private medical centres and services in Sofia city. Please, do not forget that the phone number for emergency medical service is 150.
Restaurants-opening hours, cuisine
Most of the restaurants open at 10:00 o’clock until the last customer leaves, whereas others have a stick schedule, for instance, from 11:00am to 11:00 pm. Sofia is the city of diversity, so the cuisine varies from traditional Bulgarian cuisine to Central, Western European, Chinese, Indian, Mediterranean and Thai cuisine. Most luxury restaurants accept major credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, Maestro and Dinners Club. Menus would be found in both Bulgarian and English. Whenever you are uncertain what to order or you wish to gather more information for the ingredients, do not even think about it, ask directly the waitress.
For comprehensive info on this topic, please, refer to the section ‘Bars and Nightlife’/
Do I need a VISA/Passport?
Please, note that the citizens of the European Union and EFTA members' states do not need any visa to enter the country.
To pass the Bulgarian border, however, you need a passport and an entry or transit visa which you can obtain from the Bulgarian Consular Office in your country or you can also buy it at the border.
Travellers who have a voucher for prepaid tourist services issued from a licenced tourist agent in Bulgaria basically do not need visa. Notwithstanding, this rule does not apply to all countries.
Hence, for more information, please, contact your local Bulgarian Consular Office before departure.
Boundaries
The city of Sofia lies about 55km from Kalotina on the Serbian border, 184 kmfrom Kulata on the Greek border and 113km from Guyesevo, on the frontier with the Republic of Macedonia.
Official language in Bulgaria. Other languages
The official language in Bulgaria is Bulgarian. Cyrillic alphabet is used. English, German, and Russian are widely spoken in Bulgaria’s capital city and most of the resorts. Signs on the International routes, airports and resorts are also written in Roman alphabet. In Sofia’center you will find out that information is available in English language.
Time:
Please, note that the time in Bulgaria is GMT + 2 hours, CET + 1 hour.
Money and payments |
Where can I find a reputable bank in Sofia? Which is the official currency in Bulgaria? Am I supposed to carry funds in cash-exchange offices, ATMs? Useful tips for payments in Sofia-banks, Atms, scam, rates, denomination and many more. Do not miss to read thi section carefully and you will avoid so much hassle!
Sofia FAQ - answers |
In this section you will find the most frequently asked question with regards to Sofia, your holiday in Bulgaria's capital city, your concerns, your accommodation and many more.
Sofia weather |
Sofia city is surrounded on all sides by mountains as it is situated in Western Bulgaria at the foot of ...
Foreign Embassies in Sofia |
All Foreign Embassies in Bulgaria AUSTRALIA Address:Sofia 1504 37 Trakia Str. phone: 02/ 9461334 fax: 02/ 9461704 AUSTRIA Address: Sofia 1000 4 Shipka Str. phone: 02/ 9803572 fax: 02/ 9803573 email: sofia-ob@bmaa.gv.at ARGENTINA Sofia ...
Sofia webcam |
Live streaming Sofia web cam, overlooking the Russian monument in Sofia. From the webcam you can see a beautiful part of the Sofia city centre including one of the symbols of Sofia - St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral.
