Bulgaria Car Hire

Useful Details

Entry requirements
UK citizens do not need a visa to visit Bulgaria for a period of up to 90 days in a six-month period. Other passport holders should check with the London Bulgarian Embassy whether a visa is required or not. For all travellers from Britain, a valid passport is required.
Time difference
Bulgaria is in the Eastern European Time Zone. Eastern European Standard Time (EET) is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2). Summer (Daylight-Saving) Time is observed in Bulgaria, where the time is shifted forward by one hour - three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+3). After the summer months the time in Bulgaria is shifted back by one hour to Eastern European Time (EET) or (GMT+2).
Language
The first language is Bulgarian. However the majority of people speak English as their second language and they are very happy to converse in English with tourists from the UK.
Electricity
In Bulgaria the voltage is 220 volts AC (50 cycles). Plugs are of the round two-pin continental type.

Back To Top

Customs, Money & Business

Customs
Travellers are not required to pay duty on an appropriate amount of items for their personal use during their visit. In addition, the following duty-free allowances apply: no more than one litre of alcohol and two litres of wine. Tobacco is prohibited.
Banking & currency
Banks are typically open from 9am to 3pm Monday-Friday and may have limited hours on Saturdays. Most banks will not exchange traveller's checks: Those that will generally charge a 5% commission. ATM machines are common in Sofia and in resort towns. But your best bet is to find one of the many exchange bureaus where your cash will be converted for little or no charge. Some are open around the clock but most close at 6pm. For the latest exchange rates, visit http://uk.reuters.com/investing/currencies
Tipping
Tipping, which is new to the Bulgarian culture, is now customary to the tune of 10-12% for meals and 10% for taxi drivers (more for shorter rides). Porters are also appreciative of a small tip.
Business hours
Many museums are open from 9am to 5pm seven days a week. In restaurants, meals can be ordered up to 11pm. Shops are generally open from 9-10am until 7pm Monday-Friday. On Saturdays, shops open from 9am until 12-1pm, although a few stay open as late as 7pm.
Local tax
VAT is 20%

Back To Top

Driver's Essentials

Set the scene
Bulgaria is one of Europe's most naturally beautiful and diverse destinations, offering both majestic mountainous landscapes and beautiful beaches. It isn't a massive place - it takes just six hours to drive across the country. But there's plenty of ground to cover by car with over 8,000 miles of road linking the major city centres. And, once you're off the major roads, you will find a network of smaller routes also weaves its way between Bulgaria's cities.
Car rental requirements
You must be at least 21 years old (age may vary by car category) to rent a car in Bulgaria and you must have held your license for one year. Drivers under the age of 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge. Drinking and driving is completely banned - so if you plan to drive you must be confident that your blood alcohol content is zero. Child seats are mandatory for children under the age of two.
Speed limits
Speed limits in Bulgaria are as follows:

• City 31mph/50kph
• Open Roads 50mph/80kph
• Highways 75mph/120kph

Rules of the road
Traffic travels on the right in Bulgaria. Don't even think about speeding - police strictly enforce the posted speeds. Trams always have priority and pedestrians have the right of way in zebra crossings.
Fuel
Petrol stations can be found along the main roads in Bulgaria every 10-15 miles. Most are open from 6am until 10pm with some stations in Sofia open 24-hours.
Tolls
There are no toll roads in Bulgaria.
Parking
On one-way streets, drivers must park on the right. Blue Zone parking is in effect in many built-up areas and tickets must be displayed. When travelling in more rural areas, it is acceptable to park off the road.

Back To Top

Car Rental Insurance

Car rental insurance varies widely, so it's important to be clear on what cover you will receive when you are reserving a rental car. And remember that the regulations of the country where you rent the car will be in effect for the duration of your rental. All Auto Europe's car rental rates include fire and third party liability insurance. Inclusive rates also provide collision and theft coverage at an advance purchase discount. You may elect to decline collision and theft coverage. If you plan to take advantage of coverage offered by your credit card, please contact your card issuer directly for details. Specific insurance information for your reservation will be printed on your confirmation voucher. The following guidelines apply to rentals taken out in Bulgaria:
Required coverage
Fire and third party liability insurance is mandatory and is included in all rentals. Third party liability insurance offers unlimited coverage in case of damage or injury to people or property outside of the rental car.
Optional coverage
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and theft protection are included in Auto Europe inclusive rates at a discount. Super CDW may be offered locally to reduce the deductible to as low as zero. Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) is also available at the rental counter. Optional insurance coverage is available with select suppliers and rates are subject to change.

Back To Top

Car Rental Restrictions

Restricted countries
Cars rented in Bulgaria must not be taken outside of the country, except without permission that can be granted for an additional fee. Additional insurance may be required when travelling outside of Bulgaria.
One-way rentals
Domestic one-way rentals are free of charge with some restrictions. International one-way rentals may be available for an additional fee.

Back To Top

Seasons

Spring
Average spring temperatures: 40-55 F and 4-12 C. The spring months have plenty of rain and temperatures can be cool. Make sure to bring clothes to wrap up on chilly evenings.
Summer
Average summer temperatures: 55-80 F and 12-26 C. During the summer the Black Sea coast has long hot spells and the occasional thunderstorm. In the mountains, the summer's pleasant and fresh.
Autumn
Average Autumn temperatures: 50-65 F and 12-18 C. In October and early November there may still be warm periods. Into November, temperatures cool and there may be fog and rain.
Winter
Average winter temperatures: 0-40 F and -17 to 4 C. Winter months can be very cold and there can be plenty of snowfall in December and January.

Back To Top