Bulgaria

At a glance

• Currency — NEW: since 1 January 2026 Bulgaria has adopted the euro (at the fixed rate of 1.9558 lev), so you now pay in euros - no more exchange for those from the Eurozone
• Language — The language is Bulgarian, written in the CYRILLIC alphabet (which was invented here): signs and shop names, off the main streets, are often only in Cyrillic, so a translation app with a camera helps a lot
• Visa — Bulgaria is in the European Union and, since 1 January 2025, a full member of the Schengen area: EU citizens only need a valid ID card or passport, no visa
• e-SIM — Mobile 4G/5G coverage (A1, Vivacom, Yettel) is good across most of the territory

When to go to Bulgaria

The climate is continental, similar to northern Italy: cold winters (below zero, with snow in the mountains) and hot summers (over 30 degrees). The shoulder seasons are long and rainy. The Black Sea coast is milder. The best times are spring (the Valley of the Roses blooms in late May) and early autumn; summer for the sea, winter for skiing in Bansko.