Customs Information

Foreign citizens are allowed to import 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, 1 litre of spirits or 2 litres of wine, gifts up to a reasonable amount, and unlimited foreign currency if declared.

Foreign citizens are allowed to export valuable goods, imported or declared, foreign currency amounting to USD1000 without a document and up to 10000 if declared. Special bank permission is necessary for larger sums. Cigarettes and alcohol can be exported as above.

Border Information

You should be handed a yellow "statistical card" which you have to fill with your name, address, reasons for visit, etc. If you are staying in a hotel get them to stamp it for you, but if you are visiting friends or staying in private accomodation you have to go to the local police station for a stamp. In case you do not do this you may sometimes, though not always, have to pay a fine of up to USD100 when leaving the country.

You can buy the compolsory visa on the border but it will cost you about twice as much as from the Bulgarian Embassy in your own country. In case of arriving by plane new Border tax USD20 has recently been introduced and is usually added to the price of your ticket.

Insurance

Travel insurance isn't a luxury, but as vital a part of your trip as a suitcase. No-one wants anything to go wrong on holiday, but if it does, insurance can take away at least some of the pain and hassle. If you have your passport stolen on the beach, drop your camera in a club or have to be airlifted off the slopes, insurance is often the only way you can avoid being out of pocket. Here are some of our handiest pointers for travel insurance that we?ve learnt during our 160 years of travelling.

• Always buy insurance before you travel. It can be very difficult or impossible to arrange once your trip has started. Buying insurance that covers cancellation when you buy your holiday will give you peace of mind should you have to cancel unexpectedly.
• Always provide your insurer with the correct information regarding ages, places and pre-existing medical conditions. Not disclosing these could lead to your policy being void.
• Check the small print of your insurance policy. The cheapest insurance may not offer you enough cover for your needs. It may also exclude certain activities and items. Check also for the amount of the policy excess - the amount you have to contribute to the cost of replacing the stolen item.
• Remember to take your travel insurance documents with you on your trip. It is worth noting down the emergency contact numbers and your policy reference numbers and carrying them with you at all times.
• Don?t keep your travel insurance documents with your wallet, camera or anything else that is likely to get stolen!
• Remember, travel insurance will not only cover you for lost or stolen items, but also look after hospital bills, repatriation costs or cancellation.
• Always ensure your insurance covers you for any activities you may be undertaking on holiday. Most general policies exclude sports such as scuba diving or ski-ing, so make sure you buy the correct policy for your needs.