Helpful information
What to pack for your trip to Bulgaria
What to pack for your trip to Bulgaria
Packing a suitcase for a trip to Bulgaria is basically like packing for a trip to many European destinations. However, there are a few specific things to keep in mind. And a few tips to help you be well-prepared, whether you're planning a weekend run around the city or a trip off the beaten track.
Cash
Most supermarkets, large stores and restaurants in city centers generally accept international credit and debit cards, but don't expect this everywhere. For example, very few museums accept anything other than cash, the same goes for small shops and almost all establishments in small towns, villages and neighborhoods far from the center. Taxis also only accept cash. According to Bulgarian law, only BGN payments are legal, and while Euros or US dollars may be accepted in some places, please be aware that the exchange rate may not necessarily be the best.
Good shoes for walking/hiking
Even if you don't plan to travel in Bulgaria (although the Balkan state has landscapes that are definitely worth a hike), the historical parts of cities and traditional villages are often covered with paving stones. You will also soon notice that pavements in the country are often in poor condition with crooked or missing tiles, so keeping an eye on your feet is important, which is why high heels are not the best option.
Winter boots with soft rubber soles
Speaking of sidewalks, you will see that in winter they are not all cleared of snow and ice, so if you are going to visit Bulgaria between November and February, when snow is expected, boots with good soles are a must
Phrasebook
Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna and most tourist resorts such as Bansko or Sunny Beach have many English and Russian speaking staff and you will always find someone to help you buy a train ticket or find your way. But in small towns and villages where you can get stuck, this is not the case and you risk being misunderstood. Depending on your itinerary, you may want to learn some useful phrases in Bulgarian or take a phrase book with you just in case.
Modest clothing with long sleeves - if you visit monasteries
Although in some places the dress code may be looser for tourists, most monasteries, including the best choice for visitors to Bulgaria - the Rila Monastery - will require you to cover your knees and elbows during your visit. In any other place, you can dress as you like.
Clothing for the season
Bulgaria has four seasons, but the weather is often unpredictable. Carrying a small folding umbrella with you is a good idea in any season (although you can buy a decent one on the spot for less than $10 if you need to). Winters in Sofia (Northern Bulgaria) and along the Black Sea coast are very cold, and milder in the south (Plovdiv and near the border with Greece). Spring and autumn are usually rainy with moderate temperatures, while summers can be hot, especially in the south.
Travel adapter
Bulgaria uses two-prong 220V plugs (standard for most European countries). If your electronic devices are charged using a different outlet, take an adapter.
Reusable bottle
Tap water is safe to drink throughout Bulgaria, unless there is a special sign, which is very rare. In most cases, this applies to roadside gas stations. Not only do you not have to buy bottled water, but in many Bulgarian cities, including Sofia, you can pour mineral water from street fountains for free.
Swimming (even in winter)
Bulgaria is rich in mineral springs and even in winter you will find many hotels offering warm indoor pools or spas with beauty and therapeutic services available.
Cash
Most supermarkets, large stores and restaurants in city centers generally accept international credit and debit cards, but don't expect this everywhere. For example, very few museums accept anything other than cash, the same goes for small shops and almost all establishments in small towns, villages and neighborhoods far from the center. Taxis also only accept cash. According to Bulgarian law, only BGN payments are legal, and while Euros or US dollars may be accepted in some places, please be aware that the exchange rate may not necessarily be the best.
Good shoes for walking/hiking
Even if you don't plan to travel in Bulgaria (although the Balkan state has landscapes that are definitely worth a hike), the historical parts of cities and traditional villages are often covered with paving stones. You will also soon notice that pavements in the country are often in poor condition with crooked or missing tiles, so keeping an eye on your feet is important, which is why high heels are not the best option.
Winter boots with soft rubber soles
Speaking of sidewalks, you will see that in winter they are not all cleared of snow and ice, so if you are going to visit Bulgaria between November and February, when snow is expected, boots with good soles are a must
Phrasebook
Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna and most tourist resorts such as Bansko or Sunny Beach have many English and Russian speaking staff and you will always find someone to help you buy a train ticket or find your way. But in small towns and villages where you can get stuck, this is not the case and you risk being misunderstood. Depending on your itinerary, you may want to learn some useful phrases in Bulgarian or take a phrase book with you just in case.
Modest clothing with long sleeves - if you visit monasteries
Although in some places the dress code may be looser for tourists, most monasteries, including the best choice for visitors to Bulgaria - the Rila Monastery - will require you to cover your knees and elbows during your visit. In any other place, you can dress as you like.
Clothing for the season
Bulgaria has four seasons, but the weather is often unpredictable. Carrying a small folding umbrella with you is a good idea in any season (although you can buy a decent one on the spot for less than $10 if you need to). Winters in Sofia (Northern Bulgaria) and along the Black Sea coast are very cold, and milder in the south (Plovdiv and near the border with Greece). Spring and autumn are usually rainy with moderate temperatures, while summers can be hot, especially in the south.
Travel adapter
Bulgaria uses two-prong 220V plugs (standard for most European countries). If your electronic devices are charged using a different outlet, take an adapter.
Reusable bottle
Tap water is safe to drink throughout Bulgaria, unless there is a special sign, which is very rare. In most cases, this applies to roadside gas stations. Not only do you not have to buy bottled water, but in many Bulgarian cities, including Sofia, you can pour mineral water from street fountains for free.
Swimming (even in winter)
Bulgaria is rich in mineral springs and even in winter you will find many hotels offering warm indoor pools or spas with beauty and therapeutic services available.
18-01-2023