Bulgaria
The practical basics before you go: plugs, emergency numbers, money, tipping and the time.
The country in brief
About 6.43 million people live in Bulgaria, on 110,994 km². The capital is Sofia.
- Capital
- Sofia
- Population
- 6,433,302
- Area
- 110,994 km²
- Official languages
- Bulgarian
Facts change, so check the important things before you travel.
Population: World Bank, 2025 (CC BY 4.0). Capital, area and languages: Wikidata. Facts fetched October 30, 2026.
Before you go
Which plugs are used in Bulgaria?
Sockets take plug type C/F, at 230 V and 50 Hz.
What is the emergency number in Bulgaria?
Call 112 for police, ambulance and fire.
Do you tip in Bulgaria?
About 10 %.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Bulgaria?
Traffic drives on the right.
What currency is used in Bulgaria?
Prices are in Bulgarian Lev (BGN).
What language do they speak in Bulgaria?
Official languages: Bulgarian.
How do I call a number in Bulgaria from abroad?
To call a number there from abroad, start with +359.
Entry rules and travel advice
Visa rules depend on your passport and can change at short notice. Your own government keeps them up to date, so check its advice before you book.
Links checked October 30, 2026.
