Bulgaria is a beautiful country located in Eastern Europe. In fact, Bulgaria is one of the most adventurous destinations in Europe. It has something for everyone – backpackers, couples, solo travelers, luxury travelers, digital nomads, outdoor lovers, etc.
Bulgaria offers several experiences – from mountain hiking to beach bumming, from skiing to hot springs, from city life to relaxing holidays – you should find something that suits your needs and interests.
If you’re planning your first trip to Bulgaria, this guide should answer any questions you may have. We’ll talk about travel facts, the best destinations, travel costs, travel essentials and how to prepare for your trip.
| Information | Bulgaria |
|---|---|
| Language | Bulgarian |
| English-friendly | Okay |
| Currency | BGN (Lev) |
| Internet reliability | Great |
In this section, you’ll find general information on costs and how to prepare for your trip. Finally, you will find a table that will provide an overview of cost and options depending on your travel budget.
In Bulgaria, you’ll find several options when it comes to accommodation. Whether you’re a budget traveler or not, you will be able to find options. You can find dorms starting at $6 per night.
When it comes to food, there are several dishes to try. If you’re on a budget, make sure to book accommodation with a kitchen, so you can cook your own food. Otherwise, you should be able to find a meal for around EUR 4-10 in a restaurant.
Some activities such as hiking or beach bumming are free. You can visit the Hot Springs for just a few euros. If you’re planning on spending time in nature, then, you can enjoy most of it for free.
In general, it’s really easy to get around Bulgaria. You can either take a bus, a train or rent a car to reach your destinations.
| Travel Cost | Budget travel | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $6-20 per night | $20-70 per night | $70+ |
| Meal | $3-10 per meal | $10-25 per meal | $25+ |
| Activities | Focus on free activities | Mixing free activities & mid-range | $40+ per day |
| Transport | By bus, by train | By bus, by train | By car |
Overall, traveling around Bulgaria is safe. Of course, you should always lock your valuables especially if you’re staying in a hostel.
Use common sense and keep your valuables off-sight especially in crowded touristy areas.
Apart from the travel essentials, here are the things you should absolutely bring along with you in Europe. Click on the images to shop on Amazon.
Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a visa. Otherwise, you should know that Bulgaria is not in the Schengen zone, but you can still have a free entry up to 90 days every 180 days.
You can verify your visa requirements here.
Browse flights on Skyscanner to find deals.
Book your travel insurance for as little as $42/month.
Find accommodation anywhere in the world.
Check the visa requirements and apply for a visa if needed.
Volunteer abroad in exchange for free accommodation.
Book transfers, tours, and activities in advance.
It’s hard to find a good data plan when you’re traveling. You have to research the best deals, go to a store, and hope they have a prepaid SIM card for travelers and tourists.
And if they don’t? You could be without service for the rest of your trip. Not only is that frustrating, but it can also be time-consuming.
eSIMs are the solution to your travel woes. With an eSIM plan, you can stay connected no matter where you go. Plus, there are no contracts or cancellation fees, so you can change your plan whenever you want.
If you’re looking for an eSIM plan while in Bulgaria, then be sure to check out the providers below. They all offer great plans that will keep you connected while you’re there.
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