Bulgarian business culture guide - Learn about Bulgaria

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businessculture.org

Business Culture
in Bulgaria

http://businessculture.org/easterneurope/business-culture-in-bulgaria/
Last updated: 25.10.2013

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This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This
Content
cannot be
publication reflects the view only of the author, and the Commission Germany
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responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

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TABLE
OF
CONTENT

Business
Culture
in
Bulgaria

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4

Xenophobia: being a foreigner in Bulgaria .......................................................................................... 5

General Education ............................................................................................................................... 5

Educational standards .......................................................................................................................... 6

Other Issues such as transportation infrastructure ............................................................................... 6

Cultural taboos ..................................................................................................................................... 7

Business
Communication
..........................................................................................................
8

Face-to-face communication ................................................................................................................ 8

Language Matters................................................................................................................................. 8

Business Relationships .......................................................................................................................... 8

Making contact ..................................................................................................................................... 9

Personal Titles ...................................................................................................................................... 9

Business
Etiquette
..................................................................................................................
10

Corporate Social Responsibility ......................................................................................................... 10

Punctuality .......................................................................................................................................... 10

Gift giving ........................................................................................................................................... 10

Business Dress Code ........................................................................................................................... 11

Bribery and corruption ....................................................................................................................... 11

Business
Meeting
Etiquette
....................................................................................................
12

Importance of Business Meeting ........................................................................................................ 12

Business Meeting planning ................................................................................................................. 12

Negotiation process ............................................................................................................................ 12

Meeting protocol ................................................................................................................................ 13

How to Run a Business Meeting ........................................................................................................ 13

Follow up letter after meeting with client ........................................................................................... 13

Business meals .................................................................................................................................... 13

Business Meeting tips.......................................................................................................................... 14

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Internship
and
placement
.......................................................................................................
15

Work experience................................................................................................................................. 15

Internship and Placement advice ....................................................................................................... 15

Social security and European health insurance ................................................................................. 15

Safety .................................................................................................................................................. 16

Do I need a visa? ................................................................................................................................ 16

Internship and placement salary ........................................................................................................ 17

Internship and placement accommodation ........................................................................................ 17

Cost
of
Living
...........................................................................................................................
18

Money and Banking ........................................................................................................................... 18

Traveling costs .................................................................................................................................... 18

Work-‐life
Balance

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19

National holidays ................................................................................................................................ 19

Working hours .................................................................................................................................... 20

Working culture .................................................................................................................................. 21

Health insurance ................................................................................................................................ 21

Social
Media
Guide
.................................................................................................................
22

Search and Social Media Marketing for International Business ........................................................ 22

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Business
Culture
in
Bulgaria

The following is a very short introduction to Bulgaria. External links at the end of this page
provide you with more in depth information concerning different topics.
The following video gives you an overview of the general facts:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGXP7YraUJQ)
Bulgaria is situated in south-eastern Europe, within the north-east part of the Balkans. It
borders Greece, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and the Black Sea. Bulgaria is at the crossroads
of Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
The territory that is now Bulgaria was a battlefield for some of the earliest civilizations all
over Europe. The First Bulgarian state was established in 681AD, after the unification of the
Bulgarian tribes coming from Central Asia and the local Slav tribes. The introduction of a
common religion, language and alphabet united ethnically and culturally diverse peoples and
developed the Bulgarian national consciousness. The history of the country is rich in the
struggle for political hegemony in south-eastern Europe and independence from the Byzantine
and the Ottoman Empires. In 1908, Bulgaria reached complete independence from the
Ottoman Empire. In 1946, the state was declared a republic, under the political and economic
dominance of the USSR.
The democratic changes began at the end of 1989, once multiparty elections were instituted
and a new constitution was put into effect. Bulgaria then started the transition to a market
economy governed by a parliamentary democracy. Bulgaria has been a member of the
Council of Europe since 1991; it joined NATO in 2004 and the European Union in 2007.
The Bulgarian population is currently 7.3 million people or 1.5% of the EU population. The
Bulgarian ethnic group amounts to almost 85% of the population, followed by the Turkish
ethnic group at 8.8% and the Roma at 4.9%. The main religion is Christianity with 76% of the
population members of the Eastern Orthodox Church; a further 10% of the population follow
the Islamic faith.

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The capital of Bulgaria is Sofia and the country is divided into 28 territorial provinces. More
than 72% of the Bulgarian population lives in the urban areas. Bulgaria is a small open
economy. The GDP composition by sector is more than 63% for services, 31% for industry
and more than 5% for agriculture. The country has a stable currency, maintained by a
currency board, which has pegged the Bulgarian Lev to the Euro at the rate of 1.96.
Bulgaria is also a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and its main trading
partners are member states of the European Union. Exports to Germany, Italy, Greece,
Romania, Belgium and France account for two-thirds of overall exports to the EU. Bulgaria’s
main trading partners from outside of the EU are Turkey, Russia, Serbia, and the Republic of
Macedonia. Key exports include apparel, iron and steel, footwear, machinery and equipment;
while imports are primarily machinery and equipment, fuels, minerals, raw materials, metals
and ores, chemicals and plastics.
Bulgaria has a temperate continental climate, where winters are cold with high humidity and
summers are hot and dry with a Mediterranean influence in the south.
Bulgaria is located in the Eastern European Time Zone and adheres to CET (UTC+2) during
the winter and EST (UTC+3) during the summer.

Xenophobia:
being
a
foreigner
in
Bulgaria

In general, Bulgarians are very hospitable, friendly and helpful, although they may seem more
serious than most Europeans at first. Many of them speak foreign languages and appreciate
foreign visitors, so they can be really good company. Bulgarians also accept foreigners well
as business partners, as they consider them to be experienced and trustworthy.
More than 50% of Bulgarians perceive that numbers of immigrants in Bulgaria are quite low
and do not represent a threat to their jobs. However, there are also major concerns that
immigrants will compete for jobs and may contribute to crime escalation, as well as
overwhelm the social security system. The impact of immigrants on national culture is not
considered to be a threat to Bulgarian society and Bulgarians foster the preservation of their
customs and traditions. Bulgarians have high levels of intolerance towards the Roma people,
homosexuals, and immigrants to a lesser extent. However, most Bulgarians consider that
immigration has both positive and negative impacts on the country.

General
Education

The Bulgarian population is well educated, with approximately 80% of the working-age
population having secondary or higher education. The education system in Bulgaria has two
main stages, from grade 1 to 4 and from grade 5 to 8. Children usually enter the education
system at the age of 7 and, after finishing 8th grade, choose a high school from one of three
types: comprehensive, profile-oriented (language and maths) and vocational (technical)
schools. Typically, the length of a high school program is 4 or 5 years, according to the type
of school.
More than 200,000 students study at universities and specialised state and private higher
schools.. In line with the general EU trend, the biggest numbers of students are studying
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subjects related to business administration and public relations, followed by industry and
construction, and then the humanities, arts and medicine.

Educational
standards

Education is the fundamental right of every citizen in Bulgaria. Every child is mandatory to
go to school from pre-school till the age of 16. The standard of education in Bulgaria is quite
high.
The education system in Bulgaria is opening up to the world and the needs of a knowledge
based economy. The teaching of foreign languages is introduced from an early age in
kindergartens and schools. Most educational institutions have good computer facilities and
broadband Internet connection. The academic staff is being enriched by young specialists who
are educated abroad. Bulgarian universities are opening up to foreign students. Courses that
are taught in English are being introduced in many universities.
People wishing to study in Bulgaria or to enrol their children should contact the relevant
embassies or consulate offices in their home country, or the Bulgarian Ministry of education,
science and youth.

Other
Issues
such
as
transportation
infrastructure

The public transportation network is well developed in Bulgaria and you can reach most
Bulgarian cities and villages by bus. There are bus lines that are operated by both private
companies and the state, whose schedules can be found at bus stations in the major cities. The
schedule for buses travelling from the capital Sofia to all other destinations in the country can
be found at: http://www.centralnaavtogara.bg/
International bus routes connect Bulgaria to the majority of European cities. You can buy a
ticket from company offices, the carriers themselves, bus stations, tourist agencies, as well as
on the internet.
Bulgarian State Railways provides both passenger and freight services, connecting cities and
towns across the country. Train tickets are available to buy at the railway stations and it is
preferable to be at the station at least 40 minutes before the departure of the train. Information
regarding the railway network is available at the following internet address:
http://bdz.bg/index-en.php
Local transportation outside the capital city is usually by bus or trolley-bus. The price varies
in the different cities; however, the bus or trolley ticket is rarely above 1 Lev (0.50 euro).
Taxis are expensive, with a base rate of 1 Lev per journey and a distance charge of 0.79 Leva
per kilometre in the capital city. In the rest of the country, where the distances travelled by
taxi are shorter, prices are higher.
Bulgaria has four international airports, in Sofia, Varna, Plovdiv and Burgas. Sofia airport has
two terminals and can be reached from the centre by bus, taxi or car.
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Cultural
taboos

There are no specific taboos in Bulgaria. However, Bulgarians have a fairly conservative
attitude towards homosexuality. There is no legal recognition of same-sex couples in
Bulgaria. Discrimination based on sexual orientation is forbidden in the areas of employment,
housing, education and the provision of goods and services. Bulgarians compare favourably to
other European countries in terms of racial attitudes. There are people of Cuban and African
descent in the country and they may provoke more interest in regions outside the capital,
Sofia.

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Business
Communication

Face-‐to-‐face
communication

Bulgarians like to do business face-to-face and it is important to visit local partners and
customers in person to get to know each other and build a lasting relationship. If
communication is limited to only emails or faxes, it will not be well-received and will not
have the desired effect.
Many Bulgarians are direct but it is important to pay attention to non-verbal signs of
communication and sometimes to ask the same question a number of times, to see if the
response changes.
Bulgarians make a lot of gestures while communicating and clearly show their emotions in
facial expressions. It is important to note that Bulgarians have different head gestures to
indicate ‘no’ and ‘yes’ to other cultures, such that shaking your head from side to side
signifies ‘yes’ and an up and down movement means ‘no’. Most Bulgarians maintain eye
contact while talking, which indicates sincerity, friendliness and respect. Bulgarians usually
stand close together at arm’s length when they are talking to one another.

Language
Matters

85% of the population speak Bulgarian as their first language, followed by 9% who speak
Turkish and 4% whose mother tongue is Romani. A large percentage of the young population
speak foreign languages and English is widely used, having been taught at all schools and
some universities. About 60% of the working age population (25 to 64 years) speak at least
one foreign language and around two thirds of the students learn English or German. Despite
that fact, outside of Sofia, interpreters are often required for business meetings. Other
languages such as Spanish and French are commonly used and most of the older generations
understand and freely speak Russian. Bulgarians also understand other Slavic languages when
they are spoken slowly, such as Serbian and Macedonian.

Business
Relationships

Bulgarian culture is very vocal; people are generally quite talkative and enjoy conversations.
They feel uneasy about sudden breaks in conversation and although interruptions are not well
accepted, they can demonstrate that someone is interested and paying attention to the subject
matter. In most cases, it is considered very rude to interrupt. At first, it may be difficult to
start a conversation but with a little perseverance, Bulgarians will normally open up and may
start talking a lot, at times with several people speaking at once.
Contracting is a very important part of doing business, because it serves to document the
arrangement and states what the individual participants have agreed to. It also ensures the
agreement is respected and what corrective actions may apply, in case it is not. If part of a
contract includes penalty clauses for missed deadlines or milestones, Bulgarians will pay
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close attention and consider them very seriously. Mutual trust and personal relationships in
business may take a number of years of cooperation to develop and, even then, it is advisable
to have a written contract. Sometimes, Bulgarians accept verbal agreements as contractual
obligations, but this is not a widespread practice and not seen in serious business
relationships.
Being able to allocate responsibility is something that Bulgarian managers are not very good
at. Typically, all important decisions are made by the head office or senior management.
Bulgarian society is highly centralised and only in recent years have there been attempts at
decentralisation. Management is not democratic and there is a very clear division between
employer and employee.
Bulgarians usually consider the demonstration of intense emotions in the workplace as
unprofessional. They have a high appreciation for humour and can often have a selfdeprecating attitude. They use a number of understatements when they do not like something
or they are unhappy with a situation.

Making
contact

Normally Bulgarians shake hands when meeting and maintain direct eye contact. Light hugs
are something typical between close friends and family. A kiss on each cheek is a usual
greeting between women who know each other. With members of the opposite sex and
business colleagues, it is appropriate to keep a moderate amount of space when conversing.
Between friends and family, the need for personal space is less.

Personal
Titles

Mr. and Mrs. are the titles used during formal occasions and when meeting someone for the
first time, but it is not uncommon to be called by your first name and formality lessens as time
goes on. It is normal to exchange business cards at the beginning of a business meeting. The
use of formal titles is mainly limited to the workplace and even in situations where the person
is highly-regarded, they might prefer to be addressed by their given name. Terms of address
between spouses are also very informal and women are no longer solely identified as ‘the
wife of’ and addressed by their husband’s name.
It is important to include your job title and professional accreditation on your business card,
although mentioning an academic degree will hold little weight without supporting evidence.
It is important for Bulgarians to be well acquainted with the person they are doing business
with.

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Business
Etiquette

Attitudes and values reflect the ways people think and behave. Knowledge of attitudes and
values can therefore be of significant importance if you wish to communicate with your
counterparts effectively.

Corporate
Social
Responsibility

There has been rising interest in corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Bulgaria over the last
decade. Companies have become more conscious about their influence on the environment
and contribution to society as a whole. They have started to implement CSR principles and
policies in order to become more competitive in the realisation that CSR has a considerable
impact on social unity, transparency and trust among the different stakeholders.
Through sponsorship and charity involvement, Bulgarian companies seek to demonstrate their
commitment towards their employees, everyday problems and concerns of the environment.
Over 40% of companies now participate in charity and social activities. CSR projects and
initiatives are highly promoted and most of them are organized on a partnership basis, as a
way of attracting broad interest from companies, the media and the non-governmental sector.

Punctuality

In Bulgaria, punctuality is valued and expected in business circumstances. If you are going to
be late, it is advisable to call ahead and explain the reasons. If you are going to be late to a
social event, it is still a good idea to call ahead; even though there is more flexibility in what
time you might be expected to arrive. When Bulgarians go out with friends, they try to take
their time and enjoy each other’s’ company, so dinners usually last a couple of hours.
The travel time required depends on the location and although transportation is becoming
more reliable, there could be delays. In big cities, buses are usually every 2 to 3 minutes, but
can be as much as 15 to 20 minutes apart during weekends.
The extension of metro lines 1 and 2 in Sofia has improved public transportation and journey
times in the capital city have become quicker and more reliable. Since the two metro lines
connect several remote neighbourhoods to the city centre, the use of taxis or cars is
decreasing. The metro lines connect major residential areas with universities and major
business locations and travel time to the centre is about 10 to 12 minutes. An extension of the
metro to Sofia Airport and the city’s main business park is expected to be completed in 2014.

Gift
giving

In Bulgaria, statistics show growth in the corporate gift market at 20% annually. Firms give
gifts mainly on big national and Christian holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and St.
George’s Day.
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As corruption is widespread, giving gifts when doing business is a delicate matter. It is better
to give an ‘original’ gift instead of an expensive one, which could be perceived in a number of
different ways. Among the most conventional gifts are branded office materials, such as
promotional notepads, pens, corporate calendars, organizers, post-it notes, clocks and
ashtrays. Another traditional gift is a bottle of fine wine, sometimes combined with wineglasses, a bottle rack or box of luxury accessories (a thermometer, corkscrew, stopper), as
well as luxury chocolates or some sort of dessert. Gifts should be relative to the social status
and highly respected clients should receive more attention and a more personal gift. For
company employees’ personal occasions, gifts such as vouchers, tours or flowers are given.
Gifts are usually opened right away.

Business
Dress
Code

The business dress code is similar to that of other countries and depends primarily on the
industry and working environment. In some businesses less formal attire is permissible, but
wearing revealing or provocative clothing is highly unacceptable. Men are expected to wear
suits and women similarly formal business attire; conservative yet stylish conservative
clothing is preferred.

Bribery
and
corruption

The Bulgarian economy offers a number of advantages and disadvantages to people who
consider establishing a business there. One of the weaknesses is the still unresolved problem
with bribery and corruption, as highlighted by the Perceived Corruption Index in the public
sector. In 2012, Bulgaria scored 41, a slightly better score compared to neighbouring Greece
(36) and Albania (33). Major recommendations of the European Commission for Bulgaria
included the achievement of visible results in the fight against corruption, increased efficiency
through the adoption of more active measures by public institutions, increased effectiveness
of the legislative framework and transparency with regard to nominations for key positions.
Business corruption is becoming less and less common, since entrepreneurs and companies
have stopped paying ‘taxes’ to government officials for various undisclosed services. Bulgaria
is in fourth place in the EU with respect to corruption at personal level and many Bulgarians
who deal with doctors, police officers or other institutions offer money, a gift or a favour, in
order to receive a faster and better service.

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Business
Meeting
Etiquette

Importance
of
Business
Meeting

Bulgarians treat business meetings formally and show respect in adhering to formal protocols
and conservative standards of dress. It is important not to underestimate the directness of
Bulgarians. Even though people are more reserved in business situations, they are very direct,
clear and explicit. Humour can be used in a meeting as a good way to break the ice. Be
prepared for a long business meeting; it is common for meetings to last longer than the
allocated time, so plenty of additional time should be scheduled between meetings. Patience
and amicable relationships are crucial to success when doing business in Bulgaria.

Business
Meeting
planning

It is important to make appointments in advance and try to avoid the main holiday periods.
Usually appointments take some time to be organized, depending on the seniority of the
person that you want to meet. Business appointments are normally planned two to three
weeks in advance and should be arranged by making contact by telephone. . If you arrive at
the place of business without an appointment, it is almost certain that you will not be able to
meet with the person you are looking for.
Working hours are typically 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The first meeting with a
Bulgarian associate is usually for introductory purposes and no decisions will be taken.
Typically, Bulgarians choose not to hurry when it comes to making important decisions. Also,
business partners should keep in mind that Bulgarians are less-deadline oriented, particularly
in comparison to most Western cultures.

Negotiation
process

When you talk with Bulgarians you need to remember that negotiations are typically held
with the manager. The manager may take suggestions or be advised by employees, teams or
advisory groups, but will make the final decision.
Bulgarians have very flexible negotiation skills and will volunteer personal comments and
information to a greater or lesser extent.. They dislike being asked highly personal questions
about their own education or friendships but will talk readily about political, cultural or
societal subjects. In a business situation, individuals will be far more serious and cautious
about what they are willing to divulge. Moreover, there are considerable differences in the
approachability of people in the smaller villages than in the larger towns and cities. When you
begin negotiations, Bulgarians are likely to get straight to the point and discuss the key
problems up front. When all the business is covered, Bulgarians will stay at the negotiating
table to drink coffee or tea with you and begin joking or ask you about how you feel about the
country. They will give you suggestions about where to go to and what to try from the
Bulgarian cuisines and may even invite you to dinner.
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Bulgarians still enjoy combining business with pleasure, so negotiations will be accompanied
by long nights in traditional local pubs with plenty of eating and drinking. Negotiations are
not merely intended to reach an agreement, but also to make sure the visitor feel welcome.

Meeting
protocol

Bulgaria is a moderately formal society, which means that initial greetings are always formal.
When meeting people shake their hands firmly, maintain eye contact and use a suitable
greeting for the time of day. It is better to refer to people by their titles (if you are familiar
with them) or using Mr ‘Gospodin’ / Mrs ‘Gospozha’ with the surname. Only friends and
family members will address each other by their first names and give each other a hug or kiss
in public. A foreigner should always let the Bulgarian counterparts take the lead when
communications become more informal. Business cards are always exchanged on initial
meetings and having enough cards with you will make a positive impression.

How
to
Run
a
Business
Meeting

Bulgarians organise meetings in a western style following strict protocols and procedures. It is
important to allow enough time for business meetings, because they normally take more time
than expected. Visitors are expected to be punctual or arrive several minutes early for an
appointment. In case unexpected circumstances cause a delay longer than 10 or 15 minutes, it
is better to call ahead, apologising for the delay with an expected time of arrival. Bulgarian
business culture is hierarchical but the opinion of everyone involved is important and taken
into account in the decision. More senior members have the most authority and demand a
certain level of respect.

Follow
up
letter
after
meeting
with
client

Following up after a meeting is necessary to show that you care and have a desire for the relationship
to succeed. Virtual meetings are considered poor substitute to in-person meetings and should only be
used when necessary or to supplement the regular personal visits that are needed to maintain the level
of trust and understanding. Business moves slowly in Bulgaria and detailed paperwork is essential for
business transactions and clear communication. This is especially true when dealing with the Bulgarian
government, as business transactions can be stalled by bureaucracy.

Business
meals

It is common for business contacts to have lunch or dinner together following their meeting,
and whoever makes the invitation is normally expected to pay. Excessive drinking is
commonly expected at a business meal and smoking is even common throughout a meal.
However, legislation has recently been introduced that forbids smoking within a building.
Table manners tend to be casual, although there are some rules that ought to be respected.
When invited to sit down at the table, wait for host to show you to your seat and allow the
most senior person to begin proceedings, even if you are the guest of honour. The customary
is ‘Nazdrave’, which means ‘good health’ and it’s very important to not only say it to the
whole table, but also to every person while making eye contact.
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If you are invited to dinner at the home of your business associate, it’s important to bring
something for the host and hostess, such as a good bottle of wine or something sweet.
Additionally, you will be more respected if you bring something ‘for the house’, such as a
small souvenir from your home country. Avoid expensive gifts as the gesture could be
misunderstood, but if the hosts have children, it is essential to bring some treat for them too in
the form of chocolate or other sweets.
Lunch usually starts between 12.30pm and 1pm, whereas dinner starts between 7pm and 8pm.
English is spoken in the majority of the big restaurants, particularly in the capital, Sofia.
Traditional dishes that are common for the Balkan region include: Shopska Salad, which is
the most well-known salad and is a mixture of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions
and Bulgarian white cheese; kavarma, a spicy stew prepared in an earthenware bowl, banitsa,
a layered filo pastry with a mixture of whisked eggs and pieces of white cheese, tarator, a cold
soup made of cucumbers, yoghurt, garlic, walnuts, dill and vegetable oil. Other popular dishes
are mousaka, shkembe chorba, and stewed beans. The combination of stewed meat,
vegetables and spices is very typical in Bulgarian cuisine.

Business
Meeting
tips

Business decisions are very often influenced by personal attitudes, so it is useful to create and
maintain good relationships with partners.
It is common to celebrate a person’s name day as well as their birthday. Actually, a lot of
Bulgarians recognise their ‘Name Day’ more than their birthday as a day when they bring
drinks and treats into the office to share. All the people who are named after individual Saints
celebrate their name day on the same day; for example, everyone named Maria celebrates
Assumption Day, the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
•

DON’T underestimate the directness of Bulgarians. Despite their reserved reputation
when it comes to business situations, communication is more direct and succinct.

•

DON’T say “Chiao” as “Hello”

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Internship
and
placement

Work
experience

A student placement or internship is a compulsory part of undergraduate education in
Bulgaria and although there is no central placement database, most students are able to find
placements by themselves. Universities and specialised technical schools cooperate with local
enterprises in order to help students acquire specific skills relevant to their future profession.
Some student placement opportunities are facilitated by career centres at the universities,
while others are offered by the Bulgarian ministries and local governments.
Student placements in Bulgaria can also be uploaded by companies to the Europe Internship
[http://www.europe-internship.com] portal. Most Bulgarian universities offer student
placements for foreign students under the LLP Erasmus programme, which supports student
placements of be¬tween 3 and 12 months in commercial establishments and research centres
within Europe.

Internship
and
Placement
advice

Information on job opportunities can be obtained from the National Employment Agency,
which offers temporary or seasonal vacancies that might be of interest to students.
Opportunities for internships are also offered by AISEC Bulgaria.

Social
security
and
European
health
insurance

Citizens of EU member states, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway and Switzerland can obtain the
European Health Insurance Card, which provides access to the Bulgarian public health care
system and ensures compensation of medical costs after the foreigner returns back home.
More detailed information is available at http://www.en.nhif.bg/web/gues/home. In
exceptional cases, a temporary E111 proof of entitlement and proof of identity may be
accepted in place of an EHIC. On presentation of the necessary documents, visitors pay the
same contribution fee as insured Bulgarian citizens for access to medical services, treatments
and prescriptions.
Any visitors from outside of the EU would need to check their eligibility for free or
subsidised medical services and obtain private insurance where necessary. The public health
care system in Bulgaria does not include all types of medical services and private health
insurance may be needed, even with an EHIC.
Bulgaria has compulsory public health insurance and contributions are obligatory for
Bulgarian citizens, as well as for foreigners who permanently reside in the country. The
obligatory contribution rate is 8% of the monthly salary with the employer paying 60% and
the employee 40%.

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Health care services are accessed through a family doctor (GP), who is able to refer people to
a specialist registered with the National Health Insurance Fund, if required.
There are many specialised private clinics and hospitals in the country. When visiting such
clinics patients pay the whole cost of the services they receive immediately, whether or not
they have health insurance.
In Bulgaria, the state offers social assistance. If you become ill, according to the law, the
employer only pays the first day of sick-leave at the average daily rate. The employee is
obliged to present their employer with a doctor’s note for any short-term inability to work.
Sickness benefits for short-term inability to work, work-related accidents and illnesses are
covered by the National Social Security Institute. The support for monthly child benefit is
determined on the basis of family income and is given until the end of the child’s secondary
education. Foreign women are also entitled to receive child benefit.

Safety

Overall, Bulgaria is a safe place. However, greater attention must be paid when travelling
with the public transport due to the presence of pickpockets. Taxi drivers may overcharge
unwary visitors and taxis that don’t have a visible meter should be avoided.
ATMs are available almost everywhere in major cities. However, all cards should be used
carefully to minimise the risk theft or fraud. It is safer to use ATMs that are situated in major
institutions like banks or large malls and it is advisable to use credit cards for hotel bills or at
major retailers.
Aggressive driving behaviours and the absence of proper infrastructure mean that driving can
be hazardous, so it is safer to drive defensively and ensure that seat belts are worn. It is highly
recommended to avoid confrontations with other drivers and an English version of the
Bulgarian traffic laws is published on the Ministry of Interior website.
You should act cautiously when you are outside of the major regions, avoiding dark streets
and not giving any indications that you have money or valuables.
•
•
•
•

The emergency telephone number is 112.
The electricity voltage in the country is 220 V; 50 Hz
Tap water is safe to drink in most of the cities.
The speed limits are 50 km/h in populated areas; 90 km/h outside populated areas and
140 km/h on highways.

Do
I
need
a
visa?

Holders of valid Schengen visas are allowed to enter Bulgaria and stay for up to 90 days in
any 6 month period. For residents of EU member states or the USA, no visa is necessary for a
visit of up to 90 days. Detailed information can be obtained from the website of the Bulgarian
Ministry of Foreign Affairs: www.mfa.bg/en/pages/view/85
Depending on nationality, students may need a residence permit and information on a
individual country basis. Information can be obtained from: http://www.mvr.bg/en
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A visa will only be given to owners of legitimate passports or travel documents that remain
valid for a minimum of 3 months after their planned stay and have a blank page for affixing
the visa.
When foreigners enter Bulgaria, they are supposed to state in writing the reason for their stay
and the address where they will live, unless they are citizens of the European Union or
countries in the Economic European Area.
The Bulgarian Foreign Nationals Act gives access to three key visa categories: the transit
visa, short-stay visa and long-stay visa.
Foreign citizens are only allowed to work in the country after obtaining a work permit, unless
otherwise stated by law. Work permits are issued for a maximum renewable term of one year
on the basis of an existing employment contract or arrangement with a local business and
there are a number of legal terms and conditions that must be met. An obligatory requirement
for obtaining a work permit is that the citizen holds a long-stay visa. Foreign nationals on
short-stay visas cannot receive work permits in Bulgaria. Foreigners need to ask the local
employer for work permits, which are then issued by the Bulgarian Employment Agency.
Citizens of the EU do not require any visas or permits to travel to or work in Bulgaria.

Internship
and
placement
salary

Salaries in Bulgaria are lower when compared to salaries in other EU member states. In
Bulgaria, the median monthly disposable salary (after tax) is 700.00 Leva or approximately
€350. However, example monthly salaries range from €1,000 to €2,500 at the senior
executive level down to €200 to €550 for a secretary or a painter and decorator. The salary is
negotiated between the company and the employee and some companies provide unpaid
internships.

Internship
and
placement
accommodation

Most higher education institutions in Bulgaria have their own halls of residence that provide
housing to students for the duration of their studies. Foreign students studying in Bulgaria on
the basis of a bilateral agreement or an or¬der from a Bulgarian government body are
normally entitled to accommodation in halls of residence. However, foreign students who are
paying their own tuition fees receive accommodation at halls of residence only if there are
vacant rooms/beds. The costs vary from university to university, ranging between €30 and
€50 a month.
If the conditions in halls of residence do not live up to a student’s expecta¬tions, it is possible
to rent a private flat or room for between €150 and €350 a month.Detailed information on
students’ accommodation is provided in English on the websites of the Universities and
specialised higher schools.

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Cost
of
Living

Comparative analysis describes Bulgaria as relatively cheap and a much more affordable
place to live when compared to most other countries in the European Union. However, the
prices of some basic foodstuffs and electricity are constantly rising, which adds to the cost of
living. Prices tend to vary from town to town, and the larger cities are more expensive to live
in. The cost of living includes accommodation costs, as well as everyday costs such as food,
transport, spending time outside home, etc. The largest amount that students have to pay is
usually the rent for accommodation. Typically the price of renting an apartment ranges from
€250 to €600 per month in the capital, depending on size and location. In total, basic monthly
living costs range from €520 to €900.

Money
and
Banking

The official currency in Bulgaria is BGN Lev and it is the only currency used for daily
transactions. One Lev equals 100 Stotinki. Coins with the values of one, two, five, ten,
twenty, fifty Stotinki and one Lev are in circulation. Notes are denominated in 2, 5, 10, 20, 50
and 100 Leva.
Banks and the exchange offices are allowed to buy and sell foreign currency, although it is
better and more secure to exchange money in a bank. Typically banks are open from 9am to
4pm, Monday to Friday. However, in the big trading centres, banking hours are from 10am to
9pm.
Most everyday purchases are made with cash or a debit card. In the larger stores, hotels,
catering and entertainment places credit cards are accepted; while in smaller stores and hotels,
it is necessary to pay in cash. Personal cheques are not used in Bulgaria and traveller’s
cheques are not accepted for retail purchases.

Traveling
costs

There is a wide variety of public transportation modes in the capital, including buses, trolley
buses, trams and subway. A single ticket costs 1 Lev (0.50 Euro), but tickets can be purchased
in books of 5 or 10 tickets priced at 4.50 and 8 Lev, respectively.
Tickets for travel by bus, trolley bus or tram are all the same and can be bought from kiosks
situated near the bus stops or from the driver, where a kiosk is not available.
Don’t forget to validate your ticket when you get on the bus, trolley or tram, using the small
machines to perforate your ticket.Subway tickets are sold only at the metro stations and are
different from the ones for buses, trams and trolleys.
If you are full-time student you can get a discount rate for public transport.

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Work-‐life
Balance

The desire for a positive work-life balance is a major concern in modern society. However, it
has been put under pressure by the aging society, economic downturn and current trends in
family formation. It is very difficult in Bulgaria to balance the time between work, family and
social responsibilities. According to the Bulgarian National Working Conditions Survey
undertaken by Eurofound, 13% of Bulgarians have an ongoing struggle to balance work with
their personal lives. The number of men in this group is twice as high as the number of
women. The main difficulties are long working hours and incompatibility of partners’ work
schedules, as well as overall fatigue and the need for more rest. 43.5% of employed people
consider that the reconciliation of work and personal life requires additional effort on the part
of the individual and thus leads to greater stress. One in three employees works more than 45
hours and 50% work at least two Saturdays each month. The situation is especially
challenging for women and the number of women who are working over 48 hours a week is
very close to the number of men. In general, the dual income household model prevails.
In Bulgaria, women take more responsibility for the housework, childcare and care of elderly
relatives when compared to men. Flexible working arrangements are not common practice
and people in Bulgaria face a lot of difficulties maintaining a work-life balance, which
influences their satisfaction with their quality of life. Almost 60% of Bulgarians consider that
work is more important than free time.
A low tax rate and improving working conditions is beginning to improve the work-life
balance. In Bulgaria, income tax is based on a flat rate of 10%, which is automatically
deducted from each person’s pay every month. Working conditions have developed much in
recent years with progressive legislation and bilateral improvements in the health care and
social security services.

National
holidays

In Bulgaria there are public holidays and many other traditional ones. Saints’ name days are
deeply valued and people are very keen on celebrating their name days. Some of the most
famous days are St. John’s Day, St. George’s Day, and St. Dimitar’s Day because a lot of
people are named after these saints.
The holidays that Bulgarians celebrate most are Christmas and Easter, which are big family
celebrations where everyone gets together for eating and drinking. Other holidays that are
highly recognised are Mother’s Day, All Soul’s Day and Lent.
Public Holidays:
•
•

March 3rd – The day Bulgaria celebrates its liberation from 500 years of Ottoman
domination (1393-1878).
May 6th – St. George’s Day and the official holiday of the Bulgarian Аrmy.

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•

•
•
•
•
•
•

May 24th – Bulgarian Education and Culture, and Slavonic Literature Day. The days
of St. Cyril (827-869), who created the Cyrillic alphabet, and St. Methodius (826884). A beautiful holiday with lots of flowers, music, and joy.
September 6th – Reunification Day. The day the two parts of Bulgaria, Principality of
Bulgaria and East Rumelia (autonomous in the Ottoman Empire) were reunited.
September 22nd – Independence Day -. Bulgaria’s independence was declared in 1908
in Veliko Tarnovo
Other national holidays are Labour Day on May 1, and Revival Leaders’ Day (on
November 1st) which is an off-day for students, but still a workday.
Also New Year (January 1) and New Year’s Eve (December 31)
and Christmas Eve (December 24)
Christmas (December 25) and Second Day of Christmas on the 26th of December
(Bulgarians do not celebrate Boxing Day or St Stephen’s Day per se). Gifts are
generally exchanged at Christmas.

Another important celebration happens on March 1st, when martenitsas are exchanged as
gifts.
This is perhaps the most interesting and anticipated holiday of the year, as it is unique to
Bulgaria and is the most positive day for the nation. Martenitsas are red-and-white threads in
different forms that are worn as decoration. The traditions associated with March 1st and the
martenitsas symbolise optimism and the promise of warmer weather, good health and more
smiles. There are a lot of legends about the origin of this celebrated day. Today’s martenitsa is
presented in a variety of styles and sizes and usually children compete to see who will get the
most. However, the martenitsa always carries the same meaning: a lucky charm to repel evil,
a token for good health and a symbol of gratitude. Do not be surprised if you have a business
meeting on March 1 and you are presented with martenitsas.

Working
hours

A typical working week is 8 hours a day, 5 days a week starting at between 8am and 9am. In
certain cases, employers may require employees to work extended hours on certain days, up
to a maximum of a 10 hour day. Employers may compensate overtime worked by allowing
employees to take additional time off on other days. In Bulgaria, employers and employees
are also free to negotiate terms of the working agreement to allow for part-time work, shift
work and other contractual arrangements, within the bounds of the law.
Where employees are working a night shift contract, the length of the normal working week is
restricted to 35 hours or 7 hours for each shift. A night shift is defined as work carried out
between the hours of 10pm and 6am for minors under the age of 18 and 8pm to 6am for
employees.
Within normal working hours employees are entitled to one or more rest periods, which are
not included in working hours and meal breaks may not be shorter than 30 minutes.Bulgarians
have the choice to work during a public holiday (e.g. Christmas or Easter), if they think it will
be beneficial for them.

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Banks and offices that work with clients generally open from 9am to 5pm, while there some
offices have extended hours and are open from 10am to 10pm. Most shops are open from 9am
to 8pm and a lot of them work around the clock.

Working
culture

The work culture in Bulgaria is similar to those of other EU countries. Working conditions
and safety are improving with the changes in the legislation and social-security system. The
Bulgarian workers today are becoming more punctual and dedicated to their responsibilities at
the work place. Many of them participate in long-life learning programmes and trainings.

Health
insurance

Although medical doctors in the country are highly qualified, most of the clinics and hospitals
in the smaller towns and especially in the rural areas are poorly equipped and maintained.
Therefore, medical care does not meet the standards of the countries in Western Europe. As
for medical supplies and prescription medications, these are widely available everywhere in
the country, but highly specialized treatment can only be obtained in the larger cities in most
cases.
All foreigners travelling to Bulgaria may be asked to present a valid proof of health insurance
to the Bulgarian border authorities upon entry into the country.
There are two types of health insurance – mandatory and private health insurance. Through
the mandatory health insurance system, everyone is guaranteed access to a basic package of
medical care services. All Bulgarian citizens are obliged to pay monthly contributions to the
national health insurance system. Voluntary health insurance is provided by private
companies and anyone who wants to can pay extra money in order to receive additional health
care services. This is regulated by the Health Insurance Act, which licenses the private
companies and regulates the spending of collected funds.
Health insurance is deducted automatically on a monthly basis from an employee’s gross
salary at a fixed rate of 8% up to a ceiling of 2,200 Lev. The 8% is split between the employer
and the workers, with the employer paying the greater proportion of 4.8%. In the case of selfemployed persons (foreigners included) health insurance is also paid at a rate of 8%, but the
individual is responsible for paying both the employer and employee contribution. The
unemployed also have to pay a contribution for mandatory health insurance at a rate of 16.80
Lev per month.
Contact information for local health care centres – Local Hospitals and Clinics
The emergency number is 112 in order to contact the ambulance service, fire service and
police. English-speaking operators will take your call but it can take 35 min or more for an
ambulance to respond, depending on the traffic conditions. If you find yourself with a medical
emergency in Sofia, the best option would be to call a taxi and request to be taken to Pirogov.
Pirogov hospital is the specialist hospital for treating accidents and emergencies and is the
best equipped with modern equipment and highly specialised and experienced medical staff.

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Social
Media
Guide

An estimated 2.5 million Bulgarians, or almost 74.5% of all internet users have Facebook
accounts, and their number is constantly growing across the Balkans.
More than 21% of Bulgarians use Youtube, 14.3% Google+, 7.9% Twitter and 5% LinkedIn.
There are also several copycat social networks and bookmarking sites, which allow you to
stay up-to-date with what is going on in the country including upcoming events, important
news, etc.
It is worth checking the following big social bookmarking sites:
Svejo.net (Svejo meaning ‘fresh’). Through Svejo.net you can share websites, video, content
and pictures. If the content you share is new and interesting, it immediately becomes FRESH
and is promoted on the home page on Svejo.net, which gets traffic to your blog or social
network profile.
Lubimi.com (‘favourites’ in English) is a social network which is good for publishing articles
from various corporate blogs. Lubimi allows shared links to be followed by search engines, so
it is good for search engine optimisation.
Ping.bg Ping.bg is the most recent bookmarking network in Bulgaria. Although it resembles
the two networks described above, some features and options are quite new and it is still too
new to have any measurable influence on people.
Qko.be, 2p2.us, Favi.info, Slamka.com are similar networks to Twitter, where users share
brief status updates with one another updates on what they are doing at the moment.
Some networks with more social orientation are Twist.bg which allows users to share links,
news, videos and event listings, and Idi.bg (idi meaning ‘go’ in English), which is the
Bulgarian social network for tourism.
A high number of people in Bulgaria use the professional social network LinkedIn, which
they see as a good opportunity to promote themselves and to search for better jobs.
Vbox7 is the Bulgarian version of YouTube, which offers many commercial opportunities
and is well used by both businesses and personal users.
Foursquare has attracted a high number of business customers in Bulgaria and has the
potential to become a very successful marketing tool for companies in the field of commerce
and entertainment. For instance, one of the leading Bulgarian banks, First Investment Bank,
offers excellent information on this network. Plesio, a leading retailer of computers, offers
discounts to customers who check-in regularly on Foursquare. Many restaurants and shops are
also well represented on Foursquare.

Search
and
Social
Media
Marketing
for
International
Business

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Learn how to use social media for business from one of Salford Business School’s latest
business management courses. The course was jointly researched by the Passport to Trade 2.0
project team and prepared in collaboration with some of the leading digital marketing
agencies in the UK.
This Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) can help businesses and individuals to make the
best use of search and social media platforms. The course is called Search and Social Media
Marketing for International Business and is applicable to students looking for placements
abroad as well as businesses thinking about new trade links; it comprises the following
twelve topics:
How to develop a personal brand online (1/12)

•

•

Whether you are a student beginning a job search
or a business person planning a new business
venture, personal branding can make a difference.
Learn about personal branding and why it is
important for you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=l9LYw0mgtn4&feature=player
_embedded

How to use Twitter (2/12)

•
•

Learn the basics of using Twitter to develop an
individual or business profile.
Remember to use hash tag #SSMMUoS to share
your learning journey on this course so far!

v=9CVY3pp91Dc&feature=playe
r_embedded
How to use Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) (3/12)
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•

•

Learn the principles of SEO to ensure that your
website and any social media profiles are found by
individuals searching for your name, products and
services.
These basic principles of SEO include keyword
research, on-page optimisation and off-page
optimisation.

v=zw27cRcwtM0&feature=player
_embedded
How to use social media for international business development (4/12)

•

•

Social media networks break down the traditional
country barriers, but do you know which networks
are relevant for the country you are interested in
trading with?
Find out in this video how to identify the relevant
networks and what social media strategies you might
be able to use on these networks.

v=Bx-B56AHS4c&feature=
player_embedded

How to use Facebook (5/12)

•

•

Facebook is currently the largest social media
network in the world and it can benefit you as a
business as well as an individual.
Learn how to develop a Facebook business page and
see how other businesses use it and what strategies
work for them.

v=UmRGn-vdcO8&feature=
player_embedded

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How to use YouTube (6/12)

•

•

YouTube was identified as the second largest
social network amongst younger internet users as
part of the Passport to Trade 2.0 project.
Learn how to optimise your video content in order
to reach wider audiences for your profile.

feature=player_embedded&v=G2
0OVpmTBss
How to use LinkedIn (7/12)

•

•

LinkedIn is one of the three main professional
social networks – the others being Xing and
Viadeo which are also popular in several
European countries.
Learn how to make the most of LinkedIn for your
profile.

v=N6e_EAUQqic&feature=playe
r_embedded

How to use Google+ (8/12)
•
•

•

Google+ is the second largest social network as of
January 2013.
It is one of the fastest growing social networks and
one that has the biggest impact when it comes to
search engine results integration for anyone who
uses Google as their main search engine.
Learn how to make the most of Google+ for you
and your digital profiles.

feature=player_embedded&v=8ti
3SPHkEWw
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How to use copywriting online (9/12)

•

•

Copywriting is a process of translating technical
specifications and product descriptions into
engaging and understandable customer focused
text.
Learn about the basic techniques in structuring
your online content here.

v=5f1hx_f2ONI&feature=player_
embedded
How to stay legal on social media (10/12)

•

•

Everything and anything you do and say online
can be potentially viewed by anyone who has
internet access.
Always respect the law and familiarise yourself
with new options offered to you through a creative
commons licence which is popular online.

v=eQxDpiHsdk&feature=player_embedde
d

How to use monitoring and reporting (11/12)

•

•

Whether you are an individual or a business
spending time on social media – there has to be a
return on your engagement online.
How do you justify your engagement on social
media to your boss? Listen to the industry experts
in this area and see what you might be able to
measure in respect of your on-line engagements.

v=LbEq7jsG0jg&feature=player_
embedded
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How to blog (12/12)

•

•

v=OqVjR7oI8Rs&feature=player
_embedded

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•

Blogging is a process of writing text and sharing
content with others. It can help your customers or
friends to keep in-touch regardless of social media
platforms.
Think about the voice you might want to adopt
and who your audience might be. Share your
thoughts with us by writing a blog post about this
MOOC.
Tweet us the link to your post on the
#SSMMUoS Twitter hash tag.

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Passport
to
Trade
2.0
Project
Partnership

Five Universities:
Lead partner: Salford Business School,
University of Salford, United Kingdom
Elena Vasilieva
Aleksej Heinze
Alex Fenton
URENIO research unit at Aristole University
of Thessaloniki, Greece
Christina Kakderi
Nitsa Papadopouloui
TSE Entre Research Centre
Turku School of Economics, University of Turku, Finland
Satu Aaltonen
Elisa Akola
Institute for Information System Research
University of Koblenz-Landau, Germany
Verena Hausmann
Susan P. Williams
Petra Schubert
Valahia University of Targoviste, Romania
Adriana Grigorescu
Leonardo Badea
Three Small & Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs)
Spin, Italy
Carmine Antonio Donato
Dorella De Tommaso
Technology Development & Innovation – TDI LTD
Bulgaria
Milanka Slavova
Ivan Stoychev
TIS Praha, Czech Republic
Anna Klosova
Richard Adekeye

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