PASSPORTS & VISAS

Only valid passports are required for non-EU nationals. Participants from countries where 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/en/

CLIMATE

Moderate climate: mild spring and autumn, hot summer, cold snowy winters. The weather at the end of September can be sunny during daytime and chill in the evening. Rain can occasionally occur. Daily temperatures range from 15 to 18°C.

TRANSPORTATION FROM THE AIRPORT

By public transportation from Sofia Airport. There is a connection by underground, Line 2 from Sofia Airport, Terminal 2, to city centre, Serdica Station. Trip will take up to 25 minutes. There are also two bus lines available from Sofia Airport to Sofia City centre (Sofia University Rectorate): Bus No 84 and Bus No 184. Further information and detailed schedule is online at www.sofiatraffic.bg/en

Taxis are also available but the participants are advised to be careful by ordering a car because of the high rates.

TRANSPORTATION IN THE CITY

Main transportation vehicles in the city are public buses, trams, trolleybuses, and underground.

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 also be purchased from a vending machine in the vehicle. Tickets for metro can be purchased from the underground stations.

A ticket for one-way travel is 1.60 BGN, approx. 0.8 EUR. A daily ticket is available for 4 BGN per day, approx. 2 EUR.

For further information, you can check the web site of Sofia Urban Mobility centre http://www.sofiatraffic.bg/en/transport/121/marshrutna-mrezha/ or you can use MOOVIT application to get around in Sofia.

Conference venue address: Federation of the Scientific Engineering Unions, House of Science and Technology, 108 G. Rakovski St., 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria.

MONETARY SYSTEM

The national currency is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). Bank notes of the following denominations are in circulation: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 Levs (1 EUR = 1.95583 BGN). There are numerous foreign exchange offices and ATMs around the city centre.

It's always prudent to carry a little foreign cash, however, in case you can't 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 may 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.

TIME

Summer time: GMT + 3 h. (April through October)

ELECTRICITY

220 Volts, 50 Hz, two pin plug-in system