Bulgaria: Payment methods & tips

All continents Europe Bulgaria

Travel money:

Prepaid Travel credit card

in Swiss francs (CHF)

For ATM cash withdrawals
For cashless payments in shops, restaurants, hotels, and online

ATM Search

Banknotes

in local currency

For minor expenses on arrival in country of destination

Local currency / ISO Code

Lewa BGN

Further Information

Import local currency
unlimited; the equivalent of EUR 10'000.00 or more must be declared

Import foreign currency
unlimited; EUR 10'000.00 (equivalent) or more must be declared

Export local currency
unlimited; the equivalent of EUR 10'000.00 or more must be declared

Export foreign currency
unlimited; USD 10'000.00 (equivalent) or more must be declared

Credit cards

Payment by credit card is relatively common. For more detailed information, please contact the credit card issuer.
Use credit card with caution.

ATM Search

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Useful tips from our experts:

Credit cards are recommended for car rentals. Prepaid cards are generally accepted for payment but not for reservations. Please check the possible payment methods with the car rental company in advance.

Keep exchange and transaction receipts for reconversion.

Changing currencies at currency exchange shops is not advised.

Heavy fines for violations of currency exchange laws especially on the black market!

Practical Information:

National language

Official language

Bulgarian

Language capabilities

Russian, English, German and French

Capital

Sofia

Country code for calling Switzerland

00 41 (disregard '0' preceding Swiss area codes)

Voltage

220 volt / adapter required for 3-pronged plug

Travel documents for Swiss citizens

Passport still valid 3 months or more, return or onward travel ticket and proof of sufficient funds (at least EUR 50.00 per day) for stays up to 3 months.
Travelers must register with police within 48 hours upon arrival (will be settled by the hotel).
Foreign travelers must be able to submit a health insurance valid for this country.

Opening hours

Banks

9.00 - 12.00 and 15.00 - 17.00 h (Mon - Fri)

Stores

10.00 - 20.00 h (Mon - Fri)
8.00 - 14.00 h (Sat)

Driving

Swiss driver's license accepted for car rentals if obtained at least 1 year previously, varies by rental company.
Minimum age for car rentals: 21 to 25 (varies by company).
International green insurance card mandatory.
Mandatory road tax (sticker).
Headlights must be on even during the day.
CH sticker, first-aid kit, bright signal jacket, fire extinguisher and breakdown triangle mandatory.
Blood alcohol limit: 0.5 ‰.

Health situation

Vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A, polio and measles recommended.

Other information

Security

Si consiglia di rispettare le abituali misure precauzionali contro la microcriminalità.
Beware of purse snatching, pick pocketing and auto break-ins.
Avoid nighttime driving.
Avoid demonstrations and large crowds.

Special legal regulations

Very strict laws to fight illegal drugs.

Swiss Embassy / Consulate

Sofia, ul. Chipka 33
Tel.: +359 2 942 01 00

Time difference with Switzerland

+ 1h

Travel advice for Bulgaria.