Participants from countries for which visa is normally required for entry to Bulgaria are reminded that they will need to obtain one from the appropriate Bulgarian embassy/consulate. Please check at the nearest Bulgarian embassy all the documents required for your country or visit http://www.mfa.bg/setlang/en/.

Climate

Moderate climate: mild spring and autumn, hot summer, cold snowy winters. The weather at the end of June is sunny and hot. Daily temperatures range from 25 to 31°C.

Transportation from/to the Airport

Public bus line No 84 connects Sofia Airport with the city centre. It follows the route: Terminal 1- Terminal 2 - Tsarigradsko Shose Blvd. –Orlov Most Sq. (Eagle Bridge) - Gurko St. - Sofia University.
The Sofia University bus stop provides a convenient transport connection to the city underground and other bus and trolleybus lines of the public transport system. Here you can take Sofia Metro for hotels Vitosha and Hemus.
For reaching Vitosha Park Hotel you have to take Sofia Metro line No 1 to Mladost and get out at Musagenica station. From there the hotel is about 10 minutes walking distance. You can just ask for the university and the hotel is behind it. You can also get bus No 94 or No 280 from Sofia University bus stop (behind the university) to stop No 12, College for Telecommunications.
For reaching Hemus Hotel you can get bus No 94 from Sofia University bus stop (behind the university) to stop No 6, Hemus Hotel. There is also Metro connection from Sofia University to Hemus Hotel but you have to change lines.

Taxi Service

It is recommended to request a taxi at the desks of the taxi companies, which are located in the Arrival halls of both terminals at Sofia airport.

Transportation in the City

Main transportation vehicles in the city are public buses, trams, trolleybuses and Metro. Tickets for buses, trams and trolleybuses can be purchased from all ticket outlets and newspaper kiosks. After getting into the vehicle the ticket is to be validated by means of punching machine. Tickets for trams and trolleybuses can be purchased also from the vending machine inside. Tickets for metro can be purchased from the underground stations. All tickets cost 1 BGN per ticket for a single travel and should be kept until getting off the vehicle.
For further information you can visit the website of Sofia Urban Mobility Centre: http://www.sofiatraffic.bg/en/transport/121/marshrutna-mrezha.
From the city centre the University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy could be easily reached by the following routes:

Taxi cars are available all over the city. It is recommended to order a taxi at the reception of the hotel.

Monetary System

The national currency is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). Bank notes of the following denominations are in circulation: 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 Levs. The official exchange rate euro to lev is 1 EUR = 1.95583 BGN. There are numerous foreign exchange offices and ATMs around the city centre.
It is always prudent to carry a little foreign cash, however, in case you cannot find an ATM or bank office nearby. You can always change cash at the hotel, though the commission will be high. Make sure you have enough of the national currency when you plan to visit local markets and shops.

Tipping

When a gratuity is not included in your bill, which is usually the case, 10% is customary. If service is outstanding, you could go as high as 15%. With taxi drivers, you usually just round up the sum if you have been happy with the ride or for the sake of convenience.

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