What to take for a trip to Bulgaria?

Guide

• Travel information
• The most useful items
• Packing list
• What should you eat when visiting Bulgaria?
• How much money should you take with you?
• Safety
• Useful information

For years Bulgaria has been at the forefront of travel destinations chosen by Poles for holidays. One thing is certain - regardless of whether you are planning a carefree holiday on the Black Sea coast, or maybe you want to venture into the interior of the country to visit picturesque reserves, mountains and places with stunning architecture - in Bulgaria you will find something just right for yourself! Check what to pack when planning a trip to this country and see what is worth paying attention to when traveling.

Travel information

The most useful items

• Masks and antibacterial gel - during the coronavirus pandemic, we must remember to pack not only practically, but also safely - for us and those around us. Therefore, it is necessary to get the right amount of masks (at least two for one day), so that you can put them on at airports, when visiting tourist attractions or in more crowded places. Let's not forget about the antibacterial gel, which will come in handy when we do not have the opportunity to wash our hands comfortably.

• Bulgarian Lev - it’s the currency in Bulgaria. Despite the fact that in most tourist destinations you will also pay in euro, the conversion rate may be unfavorable. Before withdrawing currency from ATMs, always check whether a high commission (even up to ten euros) will be charged. It may be a good idea to order your currency card before departure.

• Warm sweatshirt and windbreaker - Bulgaria experiences large temperature fluctuations between day and night. In August and September, the temperature during the day is around 30 degrees, and at night it drops to 14-18 degrees. Be prepared for the fact that while walking around the city or the coast in the evening you may get a bit cold.

• Spray against insects - forests cover about 35% of Bulgaria's territory. Be sure to pack a proven, strong spray against mosquitoes and other insects. Also, be careful with ticks.

Packing list

LUGGAGE TYPE: Suitcase

•      Travel insurance
•      Wallet
•      Health insurance
•      ID card
•      Credit card
•      House keys
•      Cash
•      Hotel booking confirmation
•      Plane tickets

•     Socks x7
•     Pants x7
•     Sleepwear / Pajamas
•     Bra x2

•     Flip-flops / slippers
•     Comfortable shoes
•     Sandals

•     T-Shirt x5
•     Leggings
•     Trouser belt
•     Summer jacket
•     Hoodie
•     Trousers

•     Shower gel
•     Hair conditioner
•     Shampoo
•     Toothbrush
•     Toothpaste
•     UV cream
•     Face cream
•     After sun cream
•     Perfume
•     Antiperspirant

•     Bronzer
•     Eyebrow gel
•     Eye pencil / Eyeliner
•     Lipstick / Lip gloss / Lipliner
•     Foundation / BB Cream
•     Powder
•     Make-up removal products
•     Cotton pads
•     Under-eye concealer
•     Highlighter

•     Earrings
•     Watch

•     Contraceptives
•     Prescription drugs 
•     An anti-diarrheal drug
•     Painkiller
•     Pills for sore throat
•     Patches 

•     Hairband
•     Power bank
•     Phone
•     Glasses box
•     Sunglasses
•     Telephone
•     Cotton mask
•     Headphones
•     Phone charger

What should you eat when visiting Bulgaria?

Many travelers are surprised by how cheap food prices are in Bulgaria. Indeed, it is a nice surprise. Bulgarian cuisine is rich, varied and full of fresh, local, seasonal products. Check out what you must try when visiting Bulgaria!

• Szopska salad - a Bulgarian approach to the famous Greek salad. It consists of tomatoes, peppers, onions, cucumbers and salty sheep cheese. Sometimes it is topped with olives, paprika or a lot of olive oil - as many houses and restaurants, as many versions.

• Kebapche - brings to mind the Turkish kebab. It is grilled beef or pork, served with fresh vegetables (especially lots of onion) and herbs.

• Parlenka - can be associated with both pizza and khachapuri. It is a thin, yeast cake baked with a solid portion of cheese. And if you like it - be sure to also try gyuzleme, a yeast dough stuffed with meat, cheese or other toppings.

• Lutenica - is a delicious, aromatic paste, made of baked pepper and eggplant. Ripe tomatoes are also added to it. It tastes great as an addition to Bulgarian bread, meats or salads.

• Rose jam - did you know that Bulgaria is the largest importer of rose oil in the world? Rose preserves and rose waters are really special there - be sure to try them and bring them to your loved ones as a souvenir.

• Kadarka - if you only associate it with the cheapest wine available at discounters ... You must try the real Bulgarian Kadarka - as well as other dry and sweet Bulgarian wines, both red and white.

• Banica - this is another typical dish known in Bulgaria. It is a pastry layered with cheese and baked in the form of a characteristic snail, somewhat similar to the Greek dish spanakopita. We can also find banice stuffed with spinach, pumpkin and even meat. This is a popular choice for breakfast.

How much money should you take with you?

• Among EU citizens, Bulgaria has the opinion of a country that will welcome us with attractive prices.

• Warning! Vignettes are obligatory on all national roads. If you are planning a longer stay, a monthly vignette is the most profitable - it costs about EUR 17.

• The prices of the food are very favorable - in a restaurant you will pay about EUR 4-5 for dinner. Szopska salad costs about EUR 2, and you can buy big dishes for about EUR 6. 

• Tickets to museums cost about EUR 5 for a normal ticket.

• Coffee in a cafe costs about EUR 1.5. For half a liter of beer, we will pay about EUR 0.5 in a store and EUR 1.5 in a pub.

Safety

• Bulgarians are considered an extremely friendly, family-run, but also conservative nation. Be careful not to be a victim to scammers who feed on the good reputation of the people of this country.

• Be careful and use common sense - do not ostentatiously count money at the ATM, do not carry your wallet in a visible place, do not hang an expensive camera around your neck and do not provide new people you meet with important information about how much money you have with you or in which hotel you are staying.

Useful information

• You may be surprised to learn that in Bulgaria, shaking your head means nodding and nodding your head forward means denial.

• If you are planning a holiday in a resort and you do not know which one to choose, check out Sunny Beach, the largest Bulgarian resort, or Golden Sands, more suitable for tourists looking for a peaceful vacation.

• Sozopol is liked by the Bulgarians themselves - in addition, you will find there a rich nightlife offer, beautiful sandy beaches and great restaurants. If you like diving, this place will be perfect for you.

• If you are interested in excavations, be sure to visit Sofia - one of the oldest European capitals. In addition to magnificent architecture and stunning temples, there are archaeological sites there.

• When visiting former monasteries and beautiful churches, remember to respect the people around you - cover your shoulders, head or knees, and make sure you can take photos.

• Whether you are in a taxi or in a restaurant it is nice to leave a tip so always have some change to spare

• Unfortunately, most Bulgarians do not speak very good English. You will communicate easily in Russian, because huge numbers of Russians visit this country every year.

If you are looking for a holiday destination that combines wonderful, sunny weather, affordable prices, interesting culture and excellent cuisine - Bulgaria will delight you! In order not to forget anything, download the MyLuggage app and we will prepare a personalized packing list for you, tailored to your trip.