ACCOMMODATION  
It is still best to arrive in Bulgaria with pre-booked accommodation, as it is often cheaper than booking the same accommodation locally. There have been major developments in the availability of modern,clean and well-run private hotels throughout the country - in particular popular tourist destinations. Hotels in the major resorts catering to tour operators have also nearly all completed renovation. In some of Bulgaria’s more rural beauty spots, private accommodation with families is available, which is more basic and usually does not include private bath facilities. Sofia itself has an excellent range of accommodation on offer: from the well known five/four star brand hotels to smaller, privately owned hotels, and fully serviced rental apartment buildings. Hotels are no longer allowed to operate a two tier pricing system, charging foreigners considerably higher prices. The price should be the same for locals and foreigners. You can report discrepanciest. 0700 11122 or http://www.ktzp.bg

AIRPORTS  
Sofia is the country's main international airport operating all year round. Varna and Bourgas, used for domestic flights or international charter flights, now also have some international scheduled flights and renovation of the airports is expected soon. Plovdiv is predominantly a military airport and only operates international charter flights during the winter season. It is expected that as the demand for budget flights to Bulgaria increases, so we may also see some of the country’s other smaller airports opening up.
Sofia Airport now has two terminals, 1 & 2. Most scheduled flights now operate out ofTerminal 2 (the new one), Terminal 1 being used for charter flights. Check carefully with your airline from which terminal they operate. The road to the new terminal is clearly marked, turning right off Brussels Blvd. before reaching theolder airport buildings. The new terminal is modern, bright and clean although rather bland. You could be anywhere in the world! The cafe in the departure lounge charges outrageous prices for drinks,knowing that passengers are not allowed to bring liquids through the security check. There is a multi-storey car park with over 800 spaces at the new terminal and it is even quite reasonable to leave your car parked there for several days compared to dealing with the ruthless taxi touts that are still allowed to operate out of the new terminal. After much bad publicity it is hoped that the airport authorites will address some ofthe negative aspects most urgently. If you can, get someone to meet you at the airport. Several hotels operate a pickup service on request. For those on a budget; public transport bus no. 84 operates between the old terminal 1 and Sofia University and bus no. 284 operates from the new terminal 2 tothe University and vice versa. http://www.sofia-airport.bg

BACKPACKING
Bulgaria has so far not really been thoughtof as a backpacker destination, althoughit is by all means possible to travel thecountry on a budget. Locals do it all thetime!There are private bus companies operatingregular services between all the majorcities. In towns like Bansko or along theBlack Sea Coast, rooms can be negotiatedwith local families for a reasonable rate. Although hitch-hiking is not forbidden andmany young Bulgarians do resort to thisform of transport, it is not recommendedfor obvious safety reasons. Even foreignerstravelling on a budget can look rich tosome locals.

BUS STATION
Sofia now has a new international bus station,adjacent to the main railway station. Most buses for the country and abroadleave from here and the new clean facilities,which include a food court, certainlymake the idea of a bus journey more attractive. http://www.centralnaavtogara.bg

BUYING PROPERTY
If you are buying property please be sure that you have done all your research properly. The last few years has seen a crazy boom, fueled by interest from British & Irish buyers in particular. We all know that ‘not all that glitters is gold’ so it may be wellworth hiring independent legal advisers(i. e. don’t rely on the property developeror real estate company to provide you with legal services) to be sure that your purchase is indeed a good investment. Reliable info for serious property investors can befound at http://www.propertywisebulgaria.com.

CAR PARKING
Parking has become a real headache in larger towns and cities, especially in Sofia. Finding somewhere to park during the working week can be a real hit and missaffair. Often Sofia's central backstreets are congested with badly and inconsiderately parked vehicles. Pavements are blocked with parked cars, however those not leaving adequate space for pedestriansto pass (1. 5 metres from buildings), will now be fined, or even towed away. In the city centre there are many guarded car parks, both private and municipal, charging between 1 and 2 BGN per hour: in front of the Hotel Sheraton, in front of TZUM shopping centre, next to the Halite, behind NDK (The National Palace of Culture). Much of the city centre is now designated a blue parking zone, where vouchers must be validated and displayed in the car window. Vouchers (1 BGN per hour) are available from attendants at parking areas such as Battenberg Square, Narodno Sabranie Square, Moskovska St. /Rakovski Street and Alexander Nevski Square. Vouchers (talon za parking in Bulgarian) are also available from nearby shops. You may need to ask someone to help you fill out the talon as instructions are only in Bulgarian. Check carefully if you are in a blue zone as you will be clamped if you fail to display parking vouchers. Should you get clamped you will find a note in Bulgarian on your wind screengiving you a telephone number to call. There is also a reference number for which you will be asked and the operator mayalso want to know what street you are on and the make of car. In many areas ‘spider’ trucks will remove your car to a compound either near Yuzhen Park or Oborishte Park. To retrieve your car you will have to go to the compound. If you suspect your car may have been towed away, call t. 983 6747 for information.

CAUTION
Always advised when travelling to foreign countries and Bulgaria is no exception. Unfortunately like in so many other countries,there are opportunists who prey on tourists, knowing that they may be carrying desirable valuables and be slightly disorientated. This can range from simple cheating on restaurant bills to armed robbery. Although the number of incidents of serious crime against foreigners is small, a high proportion of these are racially motivated attacks. see 'Safety'

COMMUNICATIONS
Postal - Post offices can be found throughout the country, in most villages, towns and tourist resorts. Their opening hours can be a little unpredictable but as a general rule most close over lunch. You can use the smaller post offices for buying stamps ands ending mail, although international parcels need to be sent from the central post office. Parcels needs to be sealed at the postoffice after a customs inspection. Get a local to help you if you can - it’s not easy to work out by yourself which counter you have to go to and in which order.
Central Post Office 6 Gen. Gurko St. Customs Post Office 84 Veslets St. (near the main railway station). Parcels from abroad are collected from here. Public Telephone - Telephone calls can be made from most post offices, or from public pay phones. They are either orange Bulfon or blue Mobikom phones, cards for these can be purchased from kiosks around town. Mobile phone - Bulgaria now has three GSM operators, M-tel, Vivatel and Globul,offering coverage across much of the country. All offer prepaid card packages. Internet - There is no shortage of Internet cafes around town. All big hotels and many of the newer private ones also offer Internet facilities. There is also an Internet centre at the main post office and next to the NDK ticket centre (access from Fritjof Nansen St. ). Many cafes and restaurants around town offer wireless internet connection.

CONVERSIONS
Bulgaria uses the metric system for weightsand measures:
1 kilometre = 0. 62 miles
1 kilogramme = 2. 2 pounds
1 pint = 0. 568 litres

DISABLED ACCESS
Sofia is almost totally inaccessible for wheel-chair users. Since the European Year for the disabled, gradual improvements are being made. One visitor commented on the excellent service at the airport, but from that initial welcome things deteriorated. A particular problem is the state of the pavements, which are not only cracked and full of un-covered man-holes, but also frequently blocked by cars, forcing the pedestrian to walk on the street. Most office buildings do not have wheelchair access,though some new business centres do. A map of wheelchair accessible venues has been produced by the Centre for Independent Living. http://www.cil-bg.org

DRINKING WATER
Tap water is safe to drink but not alwayspleasant in taste or appearance. Bulgaria'svast supplies of mineral water are widely available in 0.5 litre and 1.5 litre bottles. They are very tasty and not expensive. Stick to well known brands such as Gorna Banya, Devin or Bankia and check that the bottles are properly sealed.

DRIVING
Depending on your previous driving experience,driving in Bulgaria may seem a little harrowing at first. There is, however, no need to feel daunted as long as one drives defensively and sticks to the rules. It is important to realise that most Bulgarian drivers do exactly the opposite. Particular hazards to watch out for include: jumping the lights, overtaking on the inside, failing to obey 'STOP' or 'Give Way' signs,not sticking to speed limits and generally cutting you up whenever they can. Thisbehaviour is typical of city drivers with flashcars and road rage is not uncommon here. Try to avoid confrontations, be glad if youdon’t speak enough Bulgarian to engage ina slagging match! It’s just not worth getting upset. Visitors to Bulgaria may drive using their national license, as long as it complies with international standards. It is advisable, however,to carry an international license. Bulgaria is sadly lacking in fully developedmotorways although progress is graduallybeing made on the main roads to Varnaand Bourgas. Overall the quality of Bulgaria's major roads has much improved inrecent years, although pot holes continue to plague drivers especially after the winter months. Petrol service stations have sprung up likemushrooms along most major routes andoffer clean toilet and refreshment facilitiesalong the way. Fuel in Bulgaria is lead freeand available in the following octane levels: 92, 95 and 98. Diesel fuel is also widely available throughout the country. Many Bulgarians have converted their cars to run on propane gas, as this is far more economical than standard fuel. Road signs follow international standards. Major destinations and routes are signposted in Cyrillic and Latin letters, often however whole signboards have been stolen(for scrap metal) and it is possible to miss a turn off. According to Bulgarian law seat belts must be worn by all passengers, mobile phones can only be used with 'handsfree' sets, and the legal alcohol limit is 0.5 pro mil. Recent new rules also restrict the wearing of dark sunglasses, high heels or flip flops, as well as forbidding eating and smoking at the wheel, although just how this will be enforced remains to be seen!! All cars must carry a first aid kit, fire extinguisher and reflective jacket. Speed limits for cars are 50km/h (30 mph) inside the city limits, 90km/h (55mph) outside cities and 120 km/h (75mph) on motorways unless indicated otherwise. Police may stop you to check your documents (you must carry them on you at alltimes!) or for committing an offence such asspeeding, not wearing a seat belt etc. Theyare instructed to identify themselves byname. Old habits die hard and while therehas been considerable progress in eradicating corruption within the police force,there are many notorious radar speed traps around the country. On coming motorists will warn you by flashing their headlights. Within the larger cities speed trap cameras have now been installed, notably on the Sofia -Plovdiv motorway as you come into Sofia. If local drivers all conspicuously slow down you can be sure there is a speed trap up ahead. Should you be unlucky enough to be caught, you can pay an on the spot fine but ask for a ‘fiche’ (receipt). That way the takings do not end up in the policeman's pocket. Generally the traffic police are friendly and polite and it is recommended that you remain likewise. Getting into an argument will only make matters worse for you.
In the event of an accident the traffic police (KAT) must be called (t. 165, 982 2723) and an accident report will be filed. This is essential for any insurance claims. Occasionally if the damage is minor, like a broken light, the matter is settled between parties without the long wait for the traffic police.
Road assistance - 24 hour service
t. 91 146 Check with your car hire company for arrangements in the event of a breakdown.
Vignettes/ road tax
As of January 2005 the government has introduced a new form of road tax for most major roads, outside the main town areas. It applies to all roads marked vignette. For local cars up to 8 seats, the annual tax is 67 BGN (Euros 34 for foreign registered cars). One can also buy vignettes valid for shorter periods of time; 25 BGN per month or 10 BGN per week (13 and 5 euro respectively). Available on sale from petrol stations across the country as well as at border crossings, post offices, branches of DZI Bank, the fine for non-compliance ranges between 100 - 200 BGN.

ELECTRICITY
Bulgaria operates on 220 volt using the continental standard two-pin plug. In many regions the electricity is highly unstable and power surges do occur, which can seriously damage electrical equipment suchas televisions and computers. Surge arrest plugs are recommended for expensive equipment.

EXTREME SPORTS
Mountain biking, bungee jumping, river rafting(spring only) and canyoning are all available in Bulgaria and there are some agencies specialising in this type of tourism. http://www.adventurenetbg.com t. 944 6765

HOMOSEXUALITY
Despite several high-profile gay TV and music stars, Bulgarians are not very open about the subject and homosexuals tend to keep a low profile. There are only a few gay bars and discos in Sofia. For more information you can contact: Bulgarian Gay Organisation t. 987 6872 or http://www.bgogemini.org

HOSPITALITY
Bulgarians can overwhelm with hospitality. If you are invited to someone's home, here are a few things to remember that may be different to your own country's customs. Do not go empty handed - if you are invited it is customary to take some flowers or wine or other small gesture. With flowers remember they should be an odd number of stems (even numbers are only for funerals). Many Bulgarian families remove their shoes at the door. Of course they will not allow you as their visitor to do this, but if weather conditions are particularly bad you can always pre-empt any embarrassing situation by bringing along a pair of clean shoes to slip on. Most importantly remember that shaking your head means ‘yes’ and nodding means ‘no’. It can cause great confusion and it is best always to say the word. When complimenting the looks of a child,people may make a couple of spitting sounds which according to superstition should prevent a jinx. It has come to our attention lately that some Bulgarians are a little casual when accepting invitations i. e. they think nothing of showing up an hour or so late and in some cases do not show up at all even though they have confirmed their attendance previously. Don’t expect them to phone or apologise, because they won’t!

MEDIA
Obviously most of the media are Bulgarian language and focus on Bulgarian issues. However the non-Bulgarian speaker is gradually feeling less isolated working, living or holidaying here as the media become more multilingual.
The Sofia Echo: English-language newspaper,which comes out on a Friday. It containsin-depth analysis of news and business developments and has a large leisure and entertainment section aimed at visitors and expats. Available in hotels, petrol stations and on news stands in the city centre. Price: 2.40 BGN
Bulgarisches Wirtschaftsblatt: A monthly German language newspaper giving a summary of news and profiles of local companies.
Foreign newspapers and magazines are available through Bulgarpress from newsstands within the main hotels and also at various newsstands in the centre of Sofia, in TZUM, at the corner of Vitosha and Stamboliiski Blvd.
Electronic Media
Sofia Echo Daily News
Subscribe for free at http://www.sofiaecho.com A daily press review of the Bulgarian-language press and in-depth treatment of political and business news from the publishers of The Sofia Echo.
Novinite (http://www.novinite.com): a subscription daily newsletter and a free weekly bulletin with general and business news from Bulgaria and abroad.

TV
Bulgarian National Television (BNT) and BTV (part of the Murdoch empire) are the two main nationally licensed channels. The third terrestrial channel, Nova Televisiya is now also nationwide. There is also a multitude of Bulgarian cable stations, such as Evrokom and MSat. Occasionally you can catch a film in the original language, with Bulgarian subtitles. Most tend to be dubbed into Bulgarian with the original soundtrack running underneath!Cable TV offers access to CNN, BBC World, German Television, Rai Uno, TV 5, Euronews and Eurosport, depending on your actual provider. Hallmark and HBO movie channels, Discovery, Animal Planet,MTV and Cartoon Network are also widely available on cable. Bulgarian TV 7 presents a brief local news bulletin in English everyevening 20.00 hrs.

RADIO
Bulgarian National Radio has two programmes:
Horizont 103.0 MHz FM and Hristo Botev 92.8 MHz, which broadcast solely in Bulgarian. (Frequencies vary across the country).
There is a vast choice of commercial radiostations, offering a range for all musical tastes. Among the most popular are:
Classic FM 89.1 MHz FM
Jazz FM 104 MHz FM
Retro Radio 98. 3 MHz FM - golden oldies
Radio FM+ 94. 9 MHz FM - contemporaryhit radio
The following international radio stations areavailable in Sofia on these frequencies;
BBC World Service 91. 0 MHz FM
There was some talk lately that the BBC willsoon lose this frequency, but it hasn’t happenedyet!
Deutsche Welle 95. 7 MHz FM
Radio France Internationale 103. 6 MHz FM

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
Depending on the nature of the medical emergency and one's insurance cover there are several options regarding the type of help you may wish to seek. For minor ailments and problems, one of the many private polyclinics may be able to help you. The main emergency hospital for Sofia is the Pirogov Hospital at 21 Gen. Totleben Blvd, most serious accidents are referred directly there. Bulgarian medical staff are highly qualified and generally competent,although they are let down by archaic equipment, poor funding, terrible salaries and a very outdated approach towards the patient. Foreigners are usually most shocked about the way in which they are treated,and a stay in any of the country's hospitals is a fairly traumatic experience all round. Some hospitals do offer revampedand modernised rooms for foreigners or private patients. Should a hospital stay be necessary try and contact someone at your embassy to see what advice and assistance they can offer. You could also try the brand new Tokuda Hospital, 51 B Vaptsarov Blvd. Emergency t. 403 4150

MONEY EXCHANGE
Money can be safely exchanged at most banks and also at exchange bureaus, although not all are reputable. Hotels and airports tend to give slightly lower rates. Although exchange rates fluctuate on a day to day basis, for orientation purposes you can assume the following rates:
1 Euro = 1.95 BGN
1 US Dollar = 1.50 BGN (fluctuating)
1 Pound Sterling = 2.90 BGN (fluctuating)

ORGANISED CRIME
Organised crime in Bulgaria is not much different from anywhere else in the world and does not generally affect law abiding citizens. There have however in recent years and months been some high profile assassinations of “gangster bosses” and top business men, which have taken place in broad daylight in crowded cafes or on main streets in Sofia or in tourist resorts. Although to date no innocent bystanders have been caught up in these shoot-outs it may just be a question of time. The generally accepted advice is that if you are in a restaurant or cafe and somebody enters surrounded by four body guards - it’s not a safe place to be!!! Generally it is best to avoid establishments frequented by “thicknecks” and obviously you don’t want to get into any dispute with them over petty things like right of way when driving or waiting their turn in a queue, etc. Be consoled that their days may be numbered!


MONEY
The national currency is known as leva (plural). One lev is made up of 100 stotinkiThe following coins are available: 1, 2, 5,10, 20, 50 stotinki and 1 lev. The following notes are available: 1, 2, 5,10, 20, 50, 100 leva (BGN). Beware: Only exchange money in reputable places and spend a little time familiarising yourself with the local currency. The 20 BGN, 50 Euro and 100 US Dollar bill are the most frequent counterfeited notes in the country.

PROSTITUTES
What at first glance may appear to be a desperate young woman flagging you downfor help on the roadside, usually turns outto be a prostitute. Prostitution itself is not illegal, though pimping is, and the authorities tend to turn a blind eye. This, together with the poor wages in the country, might explain why prostitutes so blatantly flaunt their trade, be it on main roads, resort promenades or in hotel lobbies.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2007
1st, 2nd January - New Years Day
3rd March - National Holiday
9th April - Easter Monday(2007)
1st May - Labour day
24th May - Day of the Slavonic Literacy & Culture
6th, 7th September - Day of Reunification - 1885 (long weekend)
22nd September - Bulgarian Independence Day
24th, 25th, 26th December - Christmas
31st December - New Year's Eve
Depending on which weekday the public holidays fall, the government may declare an additional working day as a holiday,expecting people to work a Saturday inreturn! Additional working days: Saturday
15th September Saturday
15th December

PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Trams, trolley buses and buses cover the whole of the city, including the outskirts. They are, however, mostly old, dirty and overcrowded. Taxis are cheap and may be a better option although many foreigners tire of the constant battle to avoid cheats. Sofia now has an underground, which runs for 8 km from the centre to the West of the city. It is clean, efficient and modern but unfortunately goes to the very areas where foreigners rarely travel. The next stretch from the centre to Interpred in the South-East of the city, should still be ready end of 2008, from where it will go overground and continue to the Mladost district. Tickets must be bought from kiosks prior to boarding and validated on the bus or tram. Look for the punching devices on the wall. Insert ticket and punch. The ticket is only valid for the journey on that particular tram/bus, if you change - you will need to punch a new ticket. Daily, weekly and monthly travelpasses are available.

RABIES
There is rabies in Bulgaria, although reported incidents tend to be in rural areas. The number of cases reported in Sofia is minimal, but it is still advisable to seek medical assistance should you be bitten by a dog. You will have to undergo a 15-day course of anti-rabies injections if you cannot prove that the dog has been immunised.

RECYCLING
At last some effort has been made to introduce recycling to the Bulgarians. Large colourful containers collecting glass,plastic and paper have appeared in various districts around the city and also in popular tourist destinations although it is not yet clear how many people are embracing this new and much needed initiative. Old clothes and scrap metal can be left next to bins where they will usually be collected by the Roma.

SAFETY
Bulgarians constantly lament the level of crime in Sofia, and yet to many foreigners used to European capitals, Sofia appears to be a safe city. The most frequent crimes here are: pick-pocketing; mugging; cartheft. Sexually or racially motivated crime is rare.
Even so, muggings are becoming more frequent and you should use your common sense when it comes to walking around the city at dusk or night. Keep to well-lit areas, do not walk across parks in the dark, and avoid lonely areas even in daytime. It makes sense not to walk around displaying new or expensive items.
Pickpockets are most active in the city centre and unfortunately they lurk in the places most popular with foreigners, who offer the richest pickings. Recent reports include foreigners being pick-pocketed whilst shoppingin expensive boutiques and having their hand bags stolen in pubs and restaurants. On the streets a group of several well-dressed women (not necessarily Roma) may crowd you at the exact moment when you need to concentrate your attention on some other task, such as crossing the road, entering a shop or public transport, or dealing with a small child. Make sure your bag has a zipper and try to avoid using a rucksack. You can also try a money belt, but keep it under your clothes rather than on display. Best keep your valuables in the hotel safe.
You should be aware that crossing the road in Bulgaria can be something of a challenge. Pedestrians are expected to only use marked crossings, drivers are not however educated to give the pedestrian right of way! Most traffic lights allow the cars turning right through at the same time as pedestrians, and unfortunately many of the cars do not see fit to stop. There is safety in numbers, of course, so if you see a crowd, go with it. Pelican crossings give the pedestrian no rights at all, leaving you with the choice of stepping out in front of the cars and hoping they will stop, or waiting for a gap in the traffic.
Cases of highway robbery have also increased in frequency in recent years. Cars with foreign registration travelling from abroad are usually targeted. They are stopped either by highway robbers masquerading as police doing a spot check or else flagged down for other reasons, beaten and tied up and their car, along with all their possessions, driven off. Avoid travelling at night, stick to main roads where possible and (or) travel in groups.

SCAMS
The most common scam is money exchange. Although they have reduced in number in recent years, money changers still hang around the resorts in high season.
You should NEVER change money with anyone who stops you on the street and offers a better rate. You will always be cheated and it will be your own fault if it happens. ’Bureaux de change’ are no longer allowed to charge a commission for money exchange and all rates have to be clearly displayed on a board. The customer has to sign the money exchange voucher to confirm the transaction, so if you receive less money than expected you can refuse to sign and ask for your money back.

Generally we no longer recommend exchange bureaus as most banks nowadays give equally good exchange rates with better service and without the risk. There are branches of reputable banks all over the country.
Foreigners are often overcharged at restaurants and cafes, prices on the English menu being up to three times that on the Bulgarian. Also check your bill carefully, as extra items may have been added, especially if you are a bigger group.
Although there are plenty of reputable taxi companies, we have nearly all fallen foul of the crafty lingering cab which has extortionate rates displayed inside the cab thus making it perfectly legal for him to charge whatever he wants. Always check the interiorrate card before starting a journey.

SMOKING
Bulgaria is a nation of heavy smokers, and locally-produced cigarettes are a lot cheaper than those in the West. Till recently very little consideration has been shown towards the non-smoker.
As of January 2005 new rules are in force regarding smoking in public places. Smoking is completely banned on all public transport (try telling the drivers that!), in cinemas, theatres, concert halls, schools, lifts etc. and restaurants, cafes and bars now have to provide at least half of their seating for non-smokers. Implementation so far is patchy, in general those places that tend to be popular with foreigners have the better provisions.

STREET DOGS
Stray dogs have plagued the country for the past ten years and it seems as though the country is no closer to finding a long-term solution. On the one hand, animal welfare organisations support a long-term humane solution, on the other packs of stray dogs make life in the city unbearable with their noise, dirt and diseases. Many Sofianites are against any programme of mass extermination; they befriend and feedt he dogs but will not accept responsibility for them. They consider sterilisation cruel, not to speak of euthanasia - and at the same time opt for throwing unwanted puppies or pets out on the street. Want to help? - http://www.freewebs.com/bsapp

TAXIS
Once the biggest rip-off merchants in town, taxi companies have improved vastly of late. There are several reputable companies with almost identical tariffs and modern cars. (OK Supertrans, Yellow 333, 91280). The driver’s ID card and his car number are clearly visible on the dashboard and you are invited to complain if there are any irregularities. You can call to book a taxi, take potluck with those at the taxi ranks, or flag down any passing taxi with a green light. Always check the table of fares, since some have ridiculously high rates (they usually sit outside the hotels or embassies waiting for foreigners). Another trick, which you can’t really avoid, is pumping up the bill (literally they have a pump near the pedals which makes the metre work faster). You will only notice this if you take the same route many times and the bill is wildly different. Avoid getting into any arguments with the taxi driver even if you know he is cheating you, or at least be sure to get yourself and your belongings out of the car first before things get nasty.

TICKS
Ticks present a real danger to all who love to spend time outdoors. They are known to be carriers of various dangerous diseases and should you discover a tick it is best to seek medical attention immediately. Do not try to remove the tick yourself as the head may come off, making things worse. You can protect yourself by wearing long trousers, shoes and socks when hiking and also hats when moving around (or sitting) under trees. There are also ointments available that act as repellants but it is always advisable to check yourself for ticks even if you’ve only been to the park.

TIPPING
Tipping is generally expected by the waiting staff in restaurants, cafes and bars. Taxi drivers expect the fare to be rounded up and hairdressers also accept tips. At petrol stations the attendants who fill your tank and clean your windows will hope for some small gratuity. Chamber maids in hotels also expect a small token of recognition at the end of your stay. In the bigger hotels in the resorts there is usually a collection box at the reception desk, which presumably is divided fairly among the staff. Although tipping is expected it is also recognised as a means of expressing one's satisfaction and you are in no way obliged to tip if you feel the service did not merit it. Some restaurants automatically add a service charge, so check the bill first.

TOILETS
There are few public toilets in Sofia, and they are certainly not to be recommended. Recently chemical toilets have appeared in some of the parks and at public events such as funfairs in the centre. You may also find public toilets with an attendant in the parks, but be warned that these will usually be squat toilets. The price varies between 20-50 stotinki and entitles you to toilet paper and a serviette to wipe your hands on. You may also have to pay to use a restaurant toilet, though you shouldn't have to in the more reputable ones. Clean public toilets can be found in the TZUM shopping centre (free of charge), at the Halite shopping centre, and in the underpass area by the Presidency. If you are really desperate you could use the toilets in the many cafes, restaurants and hotels around town. You may even be tempted to stop for more than just a toilet break.

VISAS
Citizens of EU member states, the USA,Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Israeland several other countries with reciprocal agreement (check with the Bulgarian Embassy), can spend up to 90 days, within a six month period, in Bulgaria visa free on a valid international passport. Nationals of countries not included on this list, require written, notarised invitations from Bulgarian citizens or organisations before applying for their visas. Please note that children travelling to Bulgaria must have their own passport or if they are included in their parent’s passportit must be with photo. It is still early days and confusion abounds but in theory EU citizens should be able to come and go freely from Bulgaria, just on their ID. It sounds a bit idealistic and I certainly would not travel without my passport. We can however expect EU citizens to enjoy far greater freedoms in Bulgaria than till now especially regarding employment and buying property.
All foreign visitors (excluding EU) are required to register when entering the country - at the border point or airport. Sometimes you may already be given the registration form on the plane, otherwise you will find them just before the passport control. This does away with the need of registering at the local police station. The current requirements are constantly changing so watch this space and if you are moving around the country or leaving from a different border crossing it may be worth checking if it affects your registration.

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