Black Sea Coast Destination Guide
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Black Sea Coast Destination Guide Overview of Black Sea Coast The Bulgarian Black Sea Coast, stretching for 236 miles (380km), is a popular destination for thousands of Bulgarians as well as foreign visitors every summer (June to August), with warm sea temperatures, a sunny climate, picture-perfect white sand beaches, modern resorts and a favourable exchange rate. Although the Black Sea Coast has long been associated with large resort complexes catering mainly to European package tourists, there are also plenty of little hotels with private beaches. Seaside towns invite a more independent vacation with plenty of family-run guesthouses and a wealth of bars and restaurants that add local flavour and character. The coast is also one of the best spa regions in the country and resorts offer the added attraction of mineral baths, mud treatments and thermal springs. Clean beaches, safe swimming and wide sandy beaches characterise the northern Black Sea Coast with the lively city of Varna a good base from which to explore the region. To the south lie picturesque bays and unusual rock formations, and the trawler port of Bourgas flanked by the old fishing villages of Sozopol and Nessebur. Key Facts Language: Bulgarian is the official language, which uses the Cyrillic alphabet, but English, German and French are spoken in resorts, hotels, and restaurants. Passport/Visa: Visitors must have proof of sufficient funds or onward or return tickets in addition to other documents needed for the next destination. Immigration and entry regulations are very strictly enforced. Passports of all visitors should be valid for at least three months after leaving Bulgaria. We recommend that passports be valid for three months after intended period of travel. Visa requirements vary from country to country. Currency: The official currency is the Lev (BGN), which is divided into 100 stotinki. Bulgaria has strict currency regulations. If you enter Bulgaria with cash of any currency amounting to the equivalent of BGN 8,000 or more, you must declare it to customs officials. Foreign currency may be exchanged in banks, hotels, or at one of the numerous bureaux de change; however, due to a common practice of misleading rates of exchange it is better to go to banks to change money. A receipt called a bordereaux is issued when exchanging currency, indicating the amount that will be given, and it must be kept until departure. Major international credit cards are increasingly becoming accepted by tourist hotels, upmarket shops,and restaurants, travel agents and car rental agents, but Bulgaria is still largely a cash economy. There are ATMs in the main cities and at Black Sea resorts. Electricity: Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. European two-pin plugs and schuko plugs are in use. Travel guide by wordtravels.com © Globe Media Ltd. By its very nature much of the information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Travmarket cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. Event details can change. Please check with the organizers that an event is happening before making travel arrangements. We cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. Page 1/9 Black Sea Coast Destination Guide Travel to Black Sea Coast Climate for Black Sea Coast The marine climate along the coast is characterised by warm, sunny days from May to October, with mid-summer air temperatures averaging 83°F (28°C) and sea temperatures as warm as 77°F (25°C). The wettest months are June, October and December. Winter is cold, although milder than the interior of the country where the snow falls heavily. Many of the beach resorts shut down for the winter season but the picturesque villages in the coastal region are still charming and pleasantly empty of tourists in the winter months. Summer is definitely peak tourist season on the Bulgarian coast with its popular sea-side resorts booming. Spring and autumn are also good times to visit because the weather is fairly mild and there is still sun to be enjoyed. Health Notes when travelling to Bulgaria Bulgaria poses few health risks and there are no vaccinations required for entry. Vaccinations for hepatitis A and hepatitis B are, however, always recommended for travellers, and a typhoid vaccination is recommended for travellers who may be eating and drinking outside of hotels and restaurants and travelling off the beaten track. Similarly, a rabies vaccination is recommended for travellers who will be spending a lot of time outdoors or who will be exposed to animals. Travellers should note that medical treatment can be expensive and payment is expected immediately. Facilities in local hospitals are basic and specialised treatment or equipment may not be freely available. Medical insurance, with provision for emergency evacuation, is therefore vital. Travellers from the UK should also hold a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in case of emergency medical treatment. Safety Notes when travelling to Bulgaria Most visits to Bulgaria are trouble-free. Violent crime is rare, but criminal groups target casinos and nightclubs and groups of young pickpockets are active in city centres and the Black Sea holiday resorts. Car theft is also relatively common. Customs in Bulgaria Foreigners should be aware that traditionally a shake of the head means 'yes' and a nod means 'no', although allowances are often made for visitors; it is useful to clarify the answer verbally to avoid confusion. Family values are extremely important in Bulgaria, so treating seniors with deference is important. Duty Free in Bulgaria Travellers to Bulgaria, aged 17 and older, do not need to pay customs duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 1 litre of spirits and 2 litres of wine; 50g of perfume or 100g of eau de toilette; and gifts. Allowances are larger for goods purchased within the EU. Prohibited items include arms and ammunition, narcotics and pornography. Doing Business in Bulgaria Relationship building is important in Bulgaria, and initial meetings may be used as an introduction, after which more business-related meetings can be planned. Face-to-face meetings are therefore preferred over communication by email, fax or phone. The use of English in business is increasing, however the services of a translator might be required, and presentations should include the use of visuals where possible. Introductions include firm handshakes, and the exchange of business cards. Dress should be conservative business attire and punctuality is expected. Business hours are generally 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Communication in Bulgaria The country dialling code for Bulgaria is +359, followed by the relevant city code. The city code for Sofia is (0)2. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relavent country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Betcom or Bulgarian Telecommunication Company phone booths require a special card available from kiosks. Telephone offices are also available and are attached to post offices. Bulgaria is one of the few countries in Europe that has no peak or off-peak call times. The country has mobile operators, and several Internet Service Providers. Internet cafes can be found across big cities. Tipping in Bulgaria Tips of 10 percent of the bill are customary for most services, including restaurants, while hotel porters and taxi drivers expect visitors to round up the bill for good service. Page 2/9 Black Sea Coast Destination Guide Passport/Visa Note Visitors must have proof of sufficient funds or onward or return tickets in addition to other documents needed for the next destination. Immigration and entry regulations are very strictly enforced. Passports of all visitors should be valid for at least three months after leaving Bulgaria. We recommend that passports be valid for three months after intended period of travel. Visa requirements vary from country to country. Page 3/9 Black Sea Coast Destination Guide Airports in Black Sea Coast Varna International Airport (VAR) Varna International Airport www.varna-airport.bg Location: Black Sea Coast The airport is situated on the western outskirts, about six miles (10km) from Varna. Time: Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from April to September). Contacts: Tel: +359 52 573 323. Getting to the city: Public bus 409, which passes through central Varna and travels as far as Golden Sands resort, serves the airport; departures are from in front of the VIP hall. Taxis are available in front of International Arrivals, but the meters are often not working and it is advisable to agree on a fare with the driver before departure. Many resort hotels run their own shuttle services to and from the airport. Car rental: Car rental agents are on site at the airport including Avis, Hertz, Sixt and Europcar. Airport Taxis: Facilities: The airport has currency exchange facilities, a large restaurant and duty-free shops. Parking: Parking is available just opposite the terminal and is open 24 hours a day. The first ten minutes are free and charges start at BGN 2 per hour thereafter. However, a flat rate of BGN 15 applies for between seven and 12 hours of parking, while charges increase slightly thereafter. Departure Tax: US$20 (nationals of the USA only). Bourgas Airport (BOJ) Bourgas International Airport www.burgas-airport.bg Location: Black Sea Coast The airport is situated six miles (10km) from Bourgas. Time: Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from April to September). Contacts: Tel: +359 56 870 248 (Departures), +359 56 870 272 (Arrivals). Getting to the city: Most passenger flights into Bourgas Airport are part of package holiday deals and visitors are conveyed by their host tour operators.