Accommodation
Bulgarian accommodation is categorised in accordance with the 5-star international system. Subsequent to Privatisation the quality levels of accommodation have risen and the country is making progress towards reaching this international standard.
It is still advisable to pre-book your accommodation prior to arrival in Bulgaria as it is often cheaper than booking the same accommodation locally. Reservations can be made through, internet booking sites, tourist agencies or local accommodation offices.
Bulgaria has a wide and varying accommodation network ranging from luxury five-star to basic two-star hotels suiting all modern requirements. Good quality accommodation can be found throughout the whole country, in all of the major Bulgarian resorts and popular tourist destinations.
The capital, Sofia, has an excellent range of accommodation to offer ranging internationally renowned five star brand hotels such as Hilton, Kempinski, Sheraton, Grand Hotel Sofia and Radisson SAS, to the smaller locally operated privately hotels and fully serviced rental apartment buildings.
The following website contains links and information in relation to accommodation in Bulgaria: http://www.inn26.bg/?x=en
Hotels in Bulgaria
http://www.hotelsbulgaria.com/ - Online booking system
Hotels in Sofia
http://www.hotelsinsofia.com/ Check hotels availability on-line
Hotels in Sofia
http://www.sofiahotels.net/ - Sofia's hotel reservation system.
Medical Insurance
Upon entering the country it is mandatory for visitors to have travel/medical insurance which covers emergency medical expenses. The travel/medical insurance coverage should be for at least $5000. If the visitor has an insurance of this type, valid for Bulgaria, a copy of the policy (with legible policy number, company name, duration of validity and sum of coverage) or a letter from the insurance company containing these data, should be submitted upon visa applications. If the applicant has no such insurance, he/she can apply for a visa without it, but the insurance should be obtained after the Consular Officer informs the applicant that the visa request is approved. The visa will then be issued as soon as the applicant submits a copy of the insurance policy (with legible policy number, company name, duration of validity and sum of coverage) or a letter from the insurance company containing these data, by fax, by mail or in person.
Although citizens of the following countries - Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malta, Republic of Korea, Poland, Romania, San Marino, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Yugoslavia - do not require visas for stays of up to a certain period, they should be able, on request, to show evidence of medical insurance valid for Bulgaria.
Medical care
Depending on the nature of the medical emergency and your insurance cover, there are several options regarding the kind of assistance available. For minor ailments and problems, you may visit one of the small private medical centers. In case of an emergency, the main hospital for Sofia is the Pirogov Hospital at: 21 General Totleben Blvd., Sofia, Bulgaria.
When a tourist is in need of medical assistance, the receptionist of the hotel or the landlord of a private room can call a doctor from one of the local polyclinics or private medical centers. For an ambulance or emergency first aid dial 150.