Preparation file

Preparing for Sofia

Bulgaria is in the Schengen area and has used the euro since 1 January 2026; cards are common and cash is still needed with small traders. The alphabet is Cyrillic, so signs do not read at a glance. What follows applies across the whole country.

Last updated: 2026-08-12

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Everyday etiquette

All of Bulgaria

Head gestures are the reverse of what you may expect: nodding up and down can mean "no" and shaking side to side can mean "yes". Confirming in words is the safe option.

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The alphabet and finding your way

All of Bulgaria

Writing is in Cyrillic and street and stop names do not read at a glance. Tourist centers also show Latin script, but not everywhere.

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Money and cards

All of Bulgaria

The currency is the euro; Bulgaria switched over on 1 January 2026. Cards are common in city centers; cash is needed with small traders and on public transport.

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Practical notes

All of Bulgaria

Sockets are type C/F at 230 V. Tap water is drinkable in the cities. Pharmacies are marked "АПТЕКА".

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In an emergency

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Emergency call: 112One number for police, ambulance and fire. It is the same across Europe, so there is nothing to look up on arrival.
Reporting a theft: A report at a police stationAn insurance claim does not move without this formal document. On a group tour, do it with your tour leader.
Pharmacy: The "АПТЕКА" signLarger cities have a pharmacy open at night; the rota is posted on the door.
Lost passport: Your country's missionReport the loss to the police first, then apply to your mission. On a group tour, tell your tour leader immediately.

Checklists

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Phrases worth knowing

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