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Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a country caught in transition, slowly switching its gaze from west to east; hidden behind the Iron Curtain until the late 1980s, it is now one of the newest members of the EU. It is rapidly becoming one of Europe’s premier ski resorts, though Bulgaria’s most attractive feature is probably the Black Sea […]

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Bulgaria is a country caught in transition, slowly switching its gaze from west to east; hidden behind the Iron Curtain until the late 1980s, it is now one of the newest members of the EU. It is rapidly becoming one of Europe’s premier ski resorts, though Bulgaria’s most attractive feature is probably the Black Sea coastline, a fast-developing stretch of golden seas and luxurious resorts.

The country’s rich heritage includes Thracian, Roman and Turkish legacies, among others, and the monastery at Rila or the amphitheatre at Plovdiv are just two of its many national treasures. The capital Sophia is compact and sophisticated with a fast-developing arts scene and much fine dining. Ottoman mosques and onion domes are an ancient backdrop to a decidedly modern nouveau riche buzz that accompanies a growing prosperity.

Indeed, Bulgaria has a booming service sector and its relatively new market represents a great deal of opportunity. There’s a great deal of foreign investment and Bulgarians are keen to do business. Don’t mistake eagerness for haste, as Bulgarians are very thorough and deadlines mean far less than ensuring that something is done properly.

Despite its economic success concerns remain over the country’s technical and scientific infrastructure. Much of the countries business relies on cheap labour or natural resources. Some commentators believe this ‘low-tech trap’ could be contributing to a slower recovery from the 2008 global financial crisis.

Getting there

Sofia is the main international airport, though Varna and Burgas have limited services. Buses from Sofia run as far as Berlin, Paris and Rome and there are international train connections as well.

Getting around

Buses are quicker, more frequent and more comfortable than trains on most routes. Public transport in general is inexpensive and wide-reaching, though driving provides the opportunity to explore the more remote sections of the country more fully.

Local information

Language: Bulgarian

Time: UTC+2

Climate: Continental, temperature. Hot summers, cold winters, rainfall throughout the year. Temperature: Max 26°C (July), Min -2°C (January). Rainfall: Max 80mm (June), Min 30mm (February).

Currency: Bulgarian Lev (BGN)

Business etiquette: Wear suits and make advance appointments. Greet with a firm handshake and make eye contact. Free interpreters can be arranged in advance through some foreign trading organisations. Initial meetings should be used as introduction only. Building relationships can take time and patience.

Tipping: Tip 10-15 percent in high class restaurants; tips are not expected in establishments not catering to tourists.

Duty free: 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 1l spirits; 2l wine; 50ml of perfume; 250ml of eau de toilette.

Safety: Serious crime is rare. Organised crime groups are active in casinos and nightclubs; be wary of scams. Theft and muggings are on the rise at tourist hotspots.

Laws: Drug and sex offences are dealt with strongly and usually involve prison sentences. Drunk and disorderly behaviour can also result in harsh punishments.

Healthcare: Vaccinations required for hepatitis A and tetanus. Hepatitis B is endemic and hepatitis C may also occur. Free or reduced cost medical care is available to EU citizens with an EHIC card. Other travellers are advised to take out health insurance.

Socket type: Type C

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