🇧🇬Bulgaria

Europe· Updated 06/03/2026

Where can Bulgaria citizens travel visa-free? →

Information

Capital

Sofia

Population

6,700,000

Currency

Bulgarian lev (BGN лв)

Languages

bulgare, turc

Continent

Europe

Calling code

+359

Timezone

Europe/Sofia

Area

110,994 km²

Government

Unitary parliamentary republic

National day

3 March - National Liberation Day

Internet domain

.bg

Populaire

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About

Bulgaria is a Southeastern European country in the Balkans, an EU member since 2007. It features mountains, Black Sea beaches, and rich Thracian and Byzantine heritage. Its capital is Sofia.

Safety

Risk level :Overall risk level low to moderate for tourists, with urban vigilance recommended.

Risk areas

Sofia city center - Minor crimeBorder with Turkey - Illicit trafficking

Crime(Low)

Avoid wearing visible valuables
Stay vigilant in tourist areas

Terrorism(Low)

Follow alerts from local authorities and the EU

Transport

Use official taxis or recognized apps

Natural risks(Moderate seismic risks and seasonal floods)

Check weather alerts in mountainous areas

Health(Adequate healthcare system but variable outside major cities)

Standard vaccines recommended, travel insurance mandatory

Practical tips

Register your trip with the MFA
Have insurance covering medical care
Respect Orthodox customs

French Embassy in Sofia Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Cost of living

Accommodation

Studio city center200-300

1-bedroom apartment in city center250-400

1-bedroom apartment in suburb150-250

3-bedroom apartment in city center400-600

3-bedroom apartment in suburb250-400

Food

Inexpensive restaurant meal3-5

Meal for 2 at mid-range restaurant15-25

McDonald's menu5-7

Local beer (0.5L)1-2

Cappuccino1-2

Water (1.5L)0.50-1

Bread (500g)0.50-1

Milk (1L)0.50-1

Eggs (12)1-2

Chicken (1kg)3-5

Apples (1kg)1-2

Bananas (1kg)0.50-1

Transport

Public transport ticket0.50-1

Monthly transport subscription20-30

Taxi ride (start)1-2

Taxi (per km)0.50-1

Gasoline (1L)0.60-0.80

Leisure

Fitness membership (monthly)20-30

Tennis court (1h weekend)5-10

Cinema5-10

Theater10-20

Health

General practitioner consultation10-20

Dentist consultation20-30

Antibiotic medications5-10

Cold medications (6 days)5-10

Others

High-speed internet (60 Mbps+)15-25/mois

Mobile plan (calls + 10GB)10-20/mois

Public services for 85m² apartment50-100/mois

Jeans (Levis 501 or similar)30-50

Nike sports shoes50-80

International primary school (monthly)200-500

Practical information

Electricity

Voltage230V

Frequency50Hz

Plug typesType C, Type F

Emergency numbers

Police112

Ambulance112

Fire department112

Practical information

Driving side

Right

Tap water

unsafe

Tipping

10-15% in restaurants