Practical info

Currency and money

Bulgaria joined the eurozone on 1 January 2026, so every price is in euros. The lev no longer counts for new payments, though you may still spot it on an old menu or price list, kept there for reference. Cards work almost everywhere, but it pays to carry a little cash for the beach and the smaller shops. You will find ATMs in the centre.

Language

The local language is Bulgarian. In hotels, restaurants and tourist spots you will get by easily in English. Russian is understood almost everywhere, especially by anyone over forty, and where German guests come you will hear German too.

When to come

The season opens in late May and winds down by mid-September. May and September are the calmer months: the sea runs a touch cooler (around 17-19°C in late May, 22-23°C in mid-September), but most days are pleasant. June is proper summer without the crowds. July and August are the peak, with the sea at 24-25°C, daytime temperatures between 28 and 32°C, everything open and the town full. In April and October most hotels and restaurants are shut or open only at weekends.

Power and internet

Sockets follow the European standard (Type C and F, 230V, 50Hz). Free Wi-Fi is almost everywhere: hotels, cafés, restaurants. SIM cards from Vivacom, Yettel or A1 are easy to pick up in Varna or Burgas, and a few smaller shops in Obzor sell them too. EU travellers roam for free.

Taxis and getting around

Local taxis are yellow and run on the meter. Do not settle on a fixed price in advance; if a driver will not switch the meter on, wave him off and take the next one. Unmarked cars sometimes hang around the bus station and the airports hoping to overcharge, so stick to the official ranks. The Bolt app works in Obzor and the resorts nearby.

Tipping

In a restaurant, around 10% is normal unless service is already on the bill. In a taxi, round up. Tips for hotel staff are not expected, but they are always welcome.

Health and safety

The tap water is safe to drink, and bottled is everywhere if you prefer it. In July and August the sun is fierce (UV index 8-10 at midday), so do not skimp on a hat and sunscreen, and keep to the shade between 11 and 3. The centre has several pharmacies, one of which stays open overnight on a rota. The emergency number is 112.