Public Transport Sofia

In the main cities: trams (Sofia only), trolley-buses and buses transit the most frequented routes. Sofia has an underground transport system which runs for 8 km from the city centre to the western suburbs. A series of new stops are being built and the new system will be completed by the end of 2006.

Car Hire

Based in Sofia and in the country's larger cities and resorts; AVIS, Hertz, Intertel, Europcar, Tourist Service JSC, Budget and International Car Rental.

Taxis

Taxis - Taxis are very affordable in Bulgaria. Recommended - "OK Supertrans" Taxis.

Centre: Sofia 1574, compl. Slatina 1 Boyan Maguesnik Str.
Telephone: (+359 2) 973 37 70
FAX: (+359 2) 973 33 49
E-mail: oktaxi@oktaxi.net
Web Site: www.oktaxi.net
For recommendations and opinions: (+359 2) 973 37 70 / 24

Ordering Taxi by phone in Bulgaria:

Call 973 21 21 to order a taxi 24 hours a day

Mobiltel subscribers should dial 1212

Globul subscribers should dial 08911121

Bus Stations

Sofia has an international Bus Station, adjacent to the main Sofia Railway Station. The station is modern, clean and well organized, it offers many of the typical facilities such as a food court and coffee bars. All buses for the country and abroad leave from the Sofia bus station. Sofia Central Bus Station website- http://tis.centralnaavtogara.bg

Money exchange

Money can be safely exchanged at the banks. Not all of the exchange bureaus are reputable and individuals need to be careful. Hotels and airports tend to give slightly lower rates. Although exchange rates vary, for orientation purposes you can assume the following rates:

• 1 EUR = 1.95 BGN
• 1 USD = 1.63 BGN
• 1 Pound Sterling = 2.80 BGN

Credit Cards

Visa, MasterCard, JCB, Diners Club, American Express, Access, Airplus are accepted in most outlets.

Internet

There are a large number of internet cafes around the towns and cities. Most large and small private hotels offer Internet connections. There are modern internet centers located at the Central post offices around the country.

Electricity

Bulgaria operates on 220 volt/50 Hertz, using the continental standard two-pin plug.

Petrol Service Stations

Well equipped modern and clean petrol stations can be found on the major routes offering clean toilets and refreshment facilities. Fuel in Bulgaria is relatively expensive and is available in 92, 95 and 98 octane levels. Currently fuel prices average €0.82 eurocent per litre of lower octane fuel - to €1.00 euro per litre of higher octane fuel. Less expensive diesel fuel and propane gas are also widely available throughout the country.

Road signs

Road signs follow the International standards. Major destinations and routes are signposted in both Cyrillic and English . Often, however, in the countryside signs are written only in Cyrillic.

Bulgarian Road Traffic Laws

Seat Belts are mandatory and must be worn by all passengers in the car.

• Mobile phones may only be used in conjuction with "hands free" sets.
• Legal alcohol limit - 0.5 pro mil.
• Speed limits
• Inside the city boundary - 50 km/h (30 mph)
• Outside the city boundary - 90 km/h (55 mph)
• On the highway - 120 km/h (75 mph).

Bulgarian Checkpoints

• with Serbia: Kalotina (E80), Vrashka Chuka, Otomantsi
• with Republic of Macedonia: Gyueshevo (E871), Zlatarevo
• with Turkey: Kapitan Andreevo (E80), Malko Turnovo (E87)
• with Greece: Kulata (E79)
• with Romania: Vidin (E79), Oryahovo, Rousse (E70, E85), Silistra
• Black Sea Ports - Varna, Burgas
• Airports - Sofia, Varna, Bourgas