Bulgarian properties for sale

Information about Bulgaria

Location and History

Bulgaria is situated in Southeast Europe and occupies the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula. To the north it borders on Romania, to the west on the Republic of Macedonia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, to the east on the Black Sea, to the south on Greece and to the southeast on Turkey's European part.
Situated in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula, Bulgaria boasts an old and rich history. Thracians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Slavs and Bulgarians inhabited this land in their time, leaving behind monuments and enriching the world's treasure-house of culture
 

Discover Bulgaria

In many ways, Bulgaria remains the unknown country of the Balkans. It is the site of extensive Black Sea package resorts and the source of several good wines. As with many little-known destinations, however, there's a great deal to discover here: much of Bulgaria is like an open-air museum of Balkan culture, with beautifully decorated churches, fine mosques, wonderfully preserved rustic villages and a great deal of enduring folklore. The mountainous interior makes it one of the top hiking destinations of Europe, while over on the Black Sea coast, the white-sand beaches are just magnificent. Although quite a small country, Bulgaria has a whole range of attractions within its borders and can offer an unique combination of sunny seaside, beautiful mountains, lovely countryside , numerous mineral springs, and organic farmlands. Once you are away from the noisy towns and the bustle of the large seaside resorts you will find yourself drifting back to the country's centuries old way of life.

Phone and Internet

Local and international telephone services are covered through automatic street telephones operating with tokens and calling cards. Tokens for local calls (0.20 leva) and calling cards are available for purchase from any post office. You can also make a phone call from almost every post office on the territory of the country. Currently there are 2 mobile operators and third one will start operating next year. Internet services are offered in Internet clubs and cafes in almost every town.

Passports and visas

Tourists to Bulgaria from many countries do not need visa - a valid passport is required only. All visitors, however, are themselves responsible to go through a visa application if a visa is required. UK citizens can get more info on www.bulgarianembassy.org.uk.

Credit Cards accepted

All major Credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, etc are accepted. For payment of all standard services in many hotels, restaurants, night clubs, shops, car rentals, travel agencies, etc. Although credit cards are accepted in some places it is advisable to have some cash on you as in smaller places such services are not available.

Accommodations

Bulgaria has an extensive accommodation network ranging from luxury five-star hotels to hostels and serviced apartments. Reservations can be made through various websites, travel agents ,local accommodation offices or through us. We can assist you in finding suitable accommodation and organize meeting at the airport.

Entertainment

One can enjoy a wide variety of fine dining almost everywhere - from the small country villages to the high-volume resorts. In addition, the numerous night clubs and theatres can delightfully compliment your visit to Bulgaria making the most of it.

Transport

There is well developed Public transport network in large towns :buses , taxis, trams, trolley bus and mini bus services. Underground is available only in Sofia. Taxi rates are more or less the same in all towns and cities and are 0.30-0.50 Leva per km.
Inter-city transport : plane, train, coach. Busses are preferred means of transport between towns in Bulgaria as it is well organized and reliable. A bus ticket from Sofia to the seaside costs 8 Euros and takes 5.5-6 hours. Alternative to the bus transport are trains. They are not as convenient as busses and are much slower. Prices are similar to bus transport. Local and long distance bus services cover 90% of Bulgaria's settlements.
There are domestic flights from Sofia to Varna airport and from Sofia to Burgas airport /only during summer season/. Travel time is 1 hour and return ticket costs 115Euros
Tickets can be purchased from bus stations or from travel and tourist agencies.
Car rental is available from international rent-a-car companies such as AVIS, Hertz, Budget , Eurocar, Sixth as well as many local rent-a-car companies. Prices vary from company to company and depends on the cars. Average rates are 20-30E per day.

Monetary units

Bulgaria always was a relatively cheap country for tourists and, despite the shift to a market economy, most of life's essentials cost considerably less here than they do in the West.The currency unit in Bulgaria is the Bulgarian Lev. Before July 5, 1999 it was denoted as BGL. Since the date mentioned, the Bulgarian Lev has been denominated in a ratio BGL 1,000 to BGN 1. At present the BGN is pegged to the Euro at the rate of BGN 1 per EUR 0.51129. Central exchange rates are quoted daily by the Bulgarian National Bank /BNB /for statistical and accounting purposes only. The banknote denominations are: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 LEVA; Coins are called stotinki and include 1, 2, 5,10, 20, 50. There is also a coin of 1 Lev.

Every local or foreign person may own an unlimited number of accounts in any currency, in any bank in Bulgaria. There are no restrictions on the repatriation of earnings, capital, royalties or interest with regard to the foreign investments and repatriation payments can be made freely.

Financial regulations in Bulgaria

The foreign exchange regime is based on the principle of freedom of concluding transactions, actions and payments. Transfers are governed by the Foreign Currency Act; the regulation on trans-border transfers and payments; the regulation on export and import of Bulgarian Leva and foreign currency in cash, precious metals and stones.
Bulgarian citizens as well as foreigners may take Bulgarian Leva and foreign currency out of the country without documentation of up to BGN 20,000 or its foreign exchange equivalent. However, the export of Leva and foreign currency between BGN 5,001 and BGN 20,000 or its foreign exchange equivalent should be declared at the customs. Transfers above BGN 20,000 must have a prior approval of the Bulgarian National Bank. Foreigners are permitted to export as much currency over the foreign currency equivalent of BGN 20,000 as they have imported into Bulgaria without prior approval.
Payments abroad made by businesses (or self-employed business people) can be executed only through bank transfers. Transfers over BGN 20,000 for current international payments (imports of goods and services, transportation, interest and principal payments, insurance, training, medical treatment and other purposes defined by the Bulgarian regulations) must be supported by documentation showing the need and purpose of such payments.
Important notice: Please note that foreign currency more of than 4000 euros must be declared at customs offices on arrival. Failing to do so may result in confiscation. There is no limitation on the amount of money that you may bring with you, but they must be declared if they are more than 4000 Euros.

Customs

Common custom declarations and restrictions are applied for import and export
of currency, food, alcohol and goods. There is a special custom regime for antiquarian objects, historic and cultural treasures, medicines, narcotics, weapons, ammunitions.

Population

8,428,006
 

Language

Primary language is Bulgarian. English, German, French and Russian is spoken in the country's resorts, hotels and restaurants.
 

Alphabet

Cyrillic. Signs along international motorways, in airports and resorts are also spelled in Roman letters.
 

State government

Bulgaria is a parliamentary republic.
 

Capital

Sofia (pop. 1,141,000)
 

Large Cities

Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas, Veliko Turnovo.
 

Nature

Bulgaria occupies a relatively small area - 111 000 sq. km, but is nevertheless distinguished by generous and varied nature - a sea with a 380 km. long coastal strip and golden beaches, 16 mountains with their own characteristic features, shelters valleys and high plateaus, over 550 curative mineral springs, dozen of unique natural phenomena and 2000 thrilling caves, a healthy climate and diverse flora and fauna.
 

Bulgarian Climate

Temperate continental with clearly marked four seasons. A Mediterranean influence is felt in the country's southern regions. The average annual temperature is 10.5°C. The average January temperature is around O°C. Average summer temperatures rarely exceed 30°C.

For more info about Bulgarian weather please visit weather.digsys.bg.

IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Police 166
Fire brigade 160
Emergency medical aid 150
Directory inquiries 144
Road assistance 146