About Bulgaria

GENERAL INFORMATION

Bulgaria is an Eastern European country with population of 7.9 million; 30% live in major cities. Bulgaria is located in the Balkan Peninsula and has 385 kilometers (240 miles) coastline on the Black Sea. The area is 111 000 sq. km (42,855 sq. miles), the climate is temperate, with a nice summer and snowy winter. Amplitude in summer to winter temperature averages is -5° C to 30° C (41° F to 86° F).

Bulgaria boarders the Black Sea on East, Macedonia and Yugoslavia on West, Danube/Romania on North, Turkey and Greece on South sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, right in the belly of the Balkans. Any journey of length showcases the country's amazing variety of land forms. From the banks of the Danube, a windswept plain slopes up to the rounded summits of the Stara Planina. This east-west range runs right across the northern half of the country from the Black Sea to Serbia. Southern Bulgaria is even more mountainous. The Rodopi Mountains stretches east along the Greek border from Rila and Pirin Mountains, midway between the Aegean Sea and the Tracian Plain of central Bulgaria. This plain opens onto the Black's Sea coast with great bays and coastal lakes at Burgas and Varna.

Existing since the year of 681, Bulgaria is one of the first countries in the world converted to Christianity (in the 9th century). After the communist block disintegrated in 1989 Bulgaria is a democratic country with a free market economy. Major industries are chemicals, steel, textiles and forklift trucks (both electric and fuel-powered). Summer and winter tourism are traditional. Trade and services are now 90% private owned. Industries are still 70% state-owned, most of them to be privatized.

In general Bulgaria is a beautiful country and deserves to be recognized. It is a hidden gem amongst the countries of Europe. People who visit Bulgaria always want to go back, attracted, as they are by the country, the people, the cost of living and the way of live.

Having achieved social and political stability and located at a crossroads of trade routes to Western Europe, Russia and the Middle East, Bulgaria is a suitable stepping stone for distributing operations. Bulgaria is a politically stable country, and the introduction of a currency board in 1997 stabilized the country's economy. A foreign investor can invest in properties in Bulgaria either directly or through a local entity. According to the current Bulgarian legislation, foreigners can purchase only the leasehold, but not the freehold (the land) of a property. Therefore, all non-Bulgarians have to set up a limited company in order to purchase a property (the freehold). Even though, it might sound complicated, this is simply a vehicle to purchase the property and there are no requirements for the company to be operational. We do organize all necessary paperwork for our clients and you can expect a straightforward procedure without any problems. Setting up a limited company is not required when purchasing an apartment since technically you own the leasehold only and not the freehold (the land).  Foreign investors are guaranteed full repatriation of profits resulting from an investment in Bulgaria. The transfer abroad can be made only after the bank effecting the transfer is presented a certificate proving payment of all Bulgarian taxes due.

CLIMAT
Bulgaria has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. A Mediterranean influence is felt in the country's southern regions. Dry and hot summer. Average temperature (April - September): 23 °C. Moderate cold winter with snowfalls, average temperature: 0 °C. The average yearly temperature is 10.5 °C.

HOUSING IN BULGARIA
Accommodation is mostly in apartment buildings. Detached and semi-detached houses are also available, mainly in the suburbs.
Commuting means 3-6 miles from suburbia to downtown. Rents are moderate. The highest are in the capital city of Sofia and the Black sea towns Burgas and Varna. Furnished and unfurnished flats are rented for one year or longer.
Bear in mind that legal proceedings and liabilities may differ from those at your home country. You should take independent legal advice when signing contracts or buying real estate. Information about property for rent is obtained from newspaper advertising and estate agents throughout Bulgaria.

TRAVELLING IN BULGARIA
The main international gateway to Bulgaria is the Sofia airport. It also services the two and only domestic lines to the seashore cities of Varna and Burgas. Both cities are international sea ports.
The most common way of traveling in Bulgaria is the railway system. There are trains to almost every town in the country. Private bus line link the major cities.
Most Bulgarians prefer car travel. Speed limits are 50 km per hour in cities and 120 km per hour on the two and only highways.
Foreigners are expected to carry the driving license they have obtained in their home country. Unleaded petrol is available in major gas-stations alone.

Driving
Bulgarians drive on the right. European countries driving licenses are valid on Bulgarian territory. The speed limit in the country is as follows: 50 km/h in populated areas, 90 km/h outside populated areas, 120 km/h on motor ways. Petrol stations are located at every 30 to 50 km. or less. Most road signs are in English as well as Bulgarian in and around tourist areas.

Trains
rains in Bulgaria are fairly inexpensive. Bulgarian trains are run by Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ). There is a sleeper service from Sofia to Varna and Burgas (approx. 7 hours). Tickets can be bought in the station or on the train. Buying a return fare is significantly cheaper than two singles.

Buses
Buses are a good way to get around in Bulgaria. You may save up to 80% of even a relatively short taxi fair by taking the bus. They are also an inexpensive alternative to escorted excursion tours and allow you to spend your time however you like. Bus fares in Bulgaria are inexpensive and the service are usually fairly frequent. On mini bus services you normally will pay the driver. On full size buses there is normally a bus conductor to buy tickets from. Buses will stop at the major stops at the other stops you need to wave to the driver. If a bus is full it will not stop.

EMPLOYMENT
Foreigners must obtain a work permit. Exempt are aliens owning a Bulgaria-registered company. Aliens must obtain work permits from the National Employment Office before applying for a job in Bulgaria.
For more details contact:
National Employment Office + 359 2 8601

TAXATION
The Bulgarian tax system is complicated. Taxation depends on individual case and independent advice should be sought. The general rule is that residents are taxable for their incomes and a small deduction for expenses favors only professionals as lawyers, freelance journalists, entertainers, artists, etc. Residents are expected to have social insurance. A 20 VAT is added to the price of goods and service. Companies, registered in Bulgaria may collect the VAT within 6 months.

ELECTRICITY/GAS
Power is single phase, 220-240 volts AC, 50Hz. Some electrical appliances will need transformers adapters if not provided with built-in switches. There is no central gas supply system in most cities in Bulgaria. Gas is available only by home delivery service of 50 litter gas bottles.

COMMUNICATIONS
Direct dialing to any part of the country is available. You can also dial direct to Europe, Asia, Australia, North and South America and Africa. Bulgarian Ttelecommunication company offers special business-phone-net, which is more expensive and reliable. The cellular telephone network covers most populated areas. Operators are M-tel and Globul for GSM900 and Mobicom for NMT 450.
In Bulgaria there are multiple private INTERNET providers, who offer INTERNET full access at 14 400-38 400 BPS. Prices are between 30 and 50 $ monthly.

CURRENCY AND BANKS
Bulgaria has a decimal system of currency, the basic unit is the LEV. Notes are in denominations of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and coins in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 stotinki and 1 lev. Major credit cards and traveler checks are accepted in most banks and international hotels.
Banking hours are 09.00 to 16.00 on weekdays. Some work on Saturdays. At time of writing the exchange rate is around 1.95 to the Euro and 2.9 Leva to the pound.

Where to Change your Money
There are several different places you can change money in Bulgaria.
Hotel Reception
Changing Money in Your Hotel Reception. Changing money in your hotel reception is often the most convenient method. The rate should be on display. However, you will not get as good an exchange rate as with some of the other methods. You can be fairly confident that the notes you receive will be genuine. It pays to look around it can be surprising the variation in exchange rate between neighboring hotels.
Changing Money in Exchange Booths
There are countless Exchange Booths in Resorts/Cities. Beware - some unscrupulous people will advertise 'commission free' and once you change money and complain they show you the small print saying you have to change thousands of pounds before the transaction is commission free. Booths in cities usually offer a higher exchange rate than in the resorts, so exchange in the city when you can. A good tip is to change a small sum of money in a booth the first time, if you are happy with the amount of Leva, change more the next time, if not try another one.
Bank
Most of the larger resorts have branches of banks. This is the safest place to make your currency exchange transaction. Be aware that the bank will charge commission for the transaction and unless you are exchanging a reasonably large sum of money you will probably receive less Leva than if you exchanged by another means.
Street/Beach
Changing Money in the Street / on the Beach. You are sure to be approached at some point during your time during your stay in Bulgaria, by someone promising you an unbeatable rate and wishing to exchange foreign currency with you. Please, do not ever change money with these people as you will almost inevitably be cheated, either by them giving you counterfeit or out of date notes. This is a organized crime!

Withdrawing Money from TMs
This may be a convenient method to avoid taking too much bank notes with you on holiday, or the hassle of taking Travelers Cheques.
However, be aware that the maximum Leva withdraw in a single transaction is 200 Leva (Autumn 2004).
Most Banks will charge you for each withdrawal transaction so this exchange method can get quite expensive.

Taking Travelers Cheques
Travelers cheques can be exchanged in Hotel Receptions or in banks but you will find that a higher commission is charged for the exchange than exchanging cash.

Paying By Credit Cards
Be aware that Credit Cards are not as widely accepted as you might expect. Mostly it is just larger stores which will accept these.

EDUCATION
The high school education is mandatory. There are some private and state-owned foreign language schools in Bulgaria, that enlist foreign attendants. They teach in English, German, French and Spanish.
The Anglo - American school in Sofia and the American University in Blagoevgrad (100 km south from Sofia) are recommended.

SHOPPING
Opening hours are generally 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays to Fridays. On Saturdays some >shops are open till 14.00 p.m., but most operate as regular. Many work on Sundays. In major cities there are several non-stop retailers, shops, departments stores and drugstores. Most towns boast a shopping center or mall. Food and drink is generally purchased from supermarkets, but there is also a wide variety of smaller shops and delicatessen.

EMIGRATION
Aliens planning a longer than 6 months stay have to apply for a residence permit. They are expected to take their residence permit within a month after arrival. The permit is a small size document with a photo and serves as ID for the Bulgarian authorities. For a longer than 6 month stay, foreigners must inform the local police department for their address and get a registration note. Please, double check our Stay in Bulgaria section.
For more details contact Passport Department of National Police.
Bulgaria
Sofia 1000
47 Maria Luiza boulevard
International office

EMERGENCY CALLS
Police: 166, Fire: 160, Ambulance: 150

HEALTH SERVICES
Government-run hospitals offer good health care to locals and foreigners. There is no central health insurance system in Bulgaria.
Some private clinics are available in the major cities and new ones are emerging. In the capital city of Sofia there is a government-run Central hospital for foreigners. Dental clinics are mainly private.

IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS REQUIREMENTS
Entry visas to Bulgaria are granted by Bulgarian consulates throughout the world and also at every border checkpoint.
The import duty system in Bulgaria is complicated. For details contact Allied Pickfords branch in Bulgaria.

ANIMALS AND PETS
Most pets, including dogs, cats, birds, etc. can be brought if an original signed and stamped veterinary health certificate is presented, stating that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies not more than 1 year before arrival.

IMPORTANT!
The above information is not, nor it is intended to be a legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding this matter. Please, double check our Disclaimer section.