- Local Transportation
The price of the single one-way ticket for the local transportation in Sofia is 1.60 BGN and a daily card is 4 BGN.
As an exchange student you can purchase a transportation card with student discount, valid for all lines of the public transportation in Sofia. The monthly price of the card is 21.50 BGN for BA and MA students and 35.00 BGN for PhD students.
Required documents for a transportation card with student discount:
- a passport;
- a passport-size photo;
- an application form – will be given by your coordinator from International Relations Office
- a Students book signed and stamped by Sofia University.
For more information you can visit the website of the Urban Mobility Centre in Sofia (https://www.sofiatraffic.bg/en/) or in the offices of the Urban Mobility Centre located in various points throughout the whole city.
- Living Expenses
Currency
The monetary unit in the Republic of Bulgaria is the LEV (BGN), which is equal to 100 STOTINKI (st.).1 EUR = 1.95583 BGN.
You can find current currency information on the site of the Bulgarian National Bank.
Currency can be exchanged at banks or at any of the country’s many currency exchange offices. Some of these exchange offices also work on holidays. Euro-cheques can be exchanged in banks.
Credit cards: Most Bulgarian hotels and stores accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners Club credit cards.
Sport and Laisure
Fitness club, monthly fee for 1 adult 50.00 BGN
Tennis court rent (1 Hour on Weekend) 17.75 BGN
Cinema ticket 8-9 BGN
Theatre/opera ticket 12 BGN
Mobile Operators
Three big companies provide mobile services in Bulgaria: Vivacom, A1 and Telenor.
You have two options when it comes to paying for your mobile communications:
- Pre-Paid Services (pay-as-you-go) – For purchase and registration of a pre-paid SIM card, you must visit an office of a mobile operator. The pre-paid SIM card is the best choice for a short stay in Bulgaria. Required documents: national ID or a passport;
- Post-Paid Services (contract services) – For purchase and registration of a post-paid SIM card, you will be asked to sign a contract with the mobile operator, valid for 12 or 24 months. Required documents: proof of residence, national ID or a passport
NB: Since 15.06.2017 the EU has ended roaming surcharges for all EU citizens who travel periodically within the EU and people pay only domestic charges. Please check the roaming conditions of your home mobile operator.
- Useful Links
Road service – 146, +359 2/ 91146
Mountain rescue service – +359 2/ 963 20 00
Public transport in Sofia – https://www.sofiatraffic.bg/
Central Bus Station – 0900 21000, http://www.centralnaavtogara.bg/
Central Railway Station – +359 2/ 932 41 90 – http://www.bdz.bg/en/
Sofia Airport – +359 2/ 937 22 11 – http://www.sofia-airport.bg