Bulgaria is a country in Southeast Europe, located on the eastern Balkan Peninsula. It is bordered by Romania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece, Türkiye and the Black Sea. With a rich history that spans thousands of years, Bulgaria is known for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and diverse landscapes, and possess roots from the Thracian, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires, with their influences visible in the nation's architecture, folklore, and traditions. Sofia is its capital, lies in the west of Bulgaria, at the foot of Vitosha Mountain, making it one of the highest capital cities in Europe (around 550 meters above sea level). It is home to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (a stunning Neo-Byzantine Orthodox cathedral and symbol of the city), the Boyana Church, the National Palace of Culture, and Roman ruins like the remnants of Serdica.
UTC+2 daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October.
Flooding, earthquakes and landslides, along with extreme heat, water scarcity and forest fires.
It is required to drive with a vignette (or e-vignette) on motorways and most major roads outside cities. Driving without one can result in fines of around лв300 (~£134). Also, speeding fines can range from лв20 (~£9) for minor excesses, up to at least лв600 (~£268), license suspension, or even more depending on how much you exceed the limit.
Fines can still be enforced after you leave the country. Even at border checkpoints, you'll be notified if there are any unpaid fines. Paying within 14 days of issuance often qualifies for a 30% discount on speeding fines.
UK and other visa-exempt visitors can only stay in Bulgaria for up to 90 days within any 180‑day period. Overstaying may result in fines around лв500 to лв5,000 (~£223 - £2232), or лв1,000 to лв10,000 (~£446 - £4464) for repeated offenses.
The official language of Bulgaria is Bulgarian, but Turkish and Romani are also spoken.
Vehicles drive on the right in Bulgaria, and overtake on the left. Minimum driving age is 18, but most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 with at least one year of driving experience. In addition; headlights must be on at all times, day and night (even outside winter months). Cities have observe zone parking areas (like blue/green zones in Sofia) where fees and rules are applied. Illegally parked vehicles may be towed. Use of the horn is prohibited, except to avoid an accident. Roads, especially in the countryside, can be poorly maintained, with potholes and/or missing lane markings, and aggressive drivers are common (e.g., sharp overtakers). So, stay alert and drive defensively.
Fuel stations, including reliable chains like Lukoil, Shell, OMV, are frequent. Paying with euros is common, but check exchange rates carefully.
The blood alcohol limit is 0.05% (0.5‰). Fines and even license suspension can result from exceeding this.
Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers, including in rear seats.
Children under 12 must not ride in the front. If under 3 years or below 150 cm, they need an appropriate child seat.