Before you go · Sofia, Bulgaria
Sofia essentials
The practical things worth knowing before you arrive, so you can spend your time enjoying the city.
Updated October 2026
Money and cards
Bulgaria adopted the euro on 1 January 2026, replacing the lev. Cards and phone payments are accepted almost everywhere, including on public transport.
If a card machine asks whether to pay in euros or in your home currency, choose euros. Use bank ATMs rather than independent cash machines in tourist areas.
Tipping
In restaurants, a tip of around 10% for good service is normal. In cafés and bars, rounding up is enough.
Getting around
Sofia’s metro is modern and easy to use, and trams, buses and trolleybuses cover the rest of the city. You can pay with a contactless card or phone on the metro and on board.
Uber does not operate in Bulgaria. Use a licensed taxi from an official rank or a taxi app, and check that the meter is on.
From the airport
Sofia Airport is about 10 kilometres east of the centre. Metro line M4 runs from Terminal 2 to Serdika in about 20 minutes. If you land at Terminal 1, take the free shuttle bus to Terminal 2, or use the official taxi rank.
Language and the alphabet
Bulgarian is written in the Cyrillic alphabet, which Bulgaria gave to the Slavic world. Many signs in the centre are also in Latin letters, and English is widely spoken by younger people. Remember that Bulgarians traditionally nod for “no” and shake their head for “yes”. A few words help: blagodarya (thank you) and zdraveyte (hello).
Plugs, water and emergencies
Bulgaria uses European two-pin plugs (types C and F) at 230 volts. Tap water in Sofia is safe to drink, and the mineral water from the public fountains is a local tradition. The emergency number is 112.
Entry and the Schengen area
Bulgaria is in the European Union and has been a full member of the Schengen area since 1 January 2025. Check the entry rules for your nationality before you travel; visitors from outside the EU are registered when they enter the Schengen area.
Safety
Sofia is a safe city. As in any capital, watch your bags and phones in crowded places and markets, use licensed taxis, and check prices before you order.
When to go
Spring and autumn are lovely for walking in the city and on Vitosha. Summers are warm, with life moving outdoors to terraces, parks and pools; winters are cold and snowy, with skiing on Vitosha half an hour from the centre.
Onward to Belgrade, Athens and Bucharest
Sofia sits at the crossroads of the region. Belgrade is about four and a half to five hours north-west by road, Athens about nine to ten hours south by road or a short flight, and Bucharest five to six hours north-east across the Danube. Our sister guides cover all three.
Onward travel ULTIMATE Belgrade ULTIMATE Athens ULTIMATE Bucharest
Questions and answers
How do I get from Sofia Airport to the city centre?
Take metro line M4 from Terminal 2 to Serdika, about 20 minutes. From Terminal 1, take the free shuttle bus to Terminal 2 first, or use the official taxi rank.
What currency does Bulgaria use?
The euro, since 1 January 2026.
Does Uber work in Sofia?
No. Uber does not operate in Bulgaria; use licensed taxis or a taxi app.
Is Bulgaria in the Schengen area?
Yes. Bulgaria has been a full member of the Schengen area since 1 January 2025.
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Rules, prices and entry requirements change. Check official sources before you travel.