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/Consul.Please check at the nearest Bulgarian Embassy all the documents required for your country or visit http://www.mfa.bg/setlang/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/to the Airport

There is a connection by Metro, Line 1 from Sofia Airport, Terminal 2, to city centre, Serdica Station, and a transfer to Line 2 to get to Hemus Hotel (European Union Station). Trip will take up to 40 minutes. There are also two bus lines available from Sofia Airport to Sofia City centre (Sofia University Rectorate): Bus No 84 and Bus No 384 and then take Bus No 94 to reach Hemus Hotel or conference venue.
Further information and detailed schedule is online at http://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.
For reaching conference venue from Hemus Hotel, you can get bus No 94 from the bus stop in front of the hotel for one stop.

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 visit the website 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: Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, St. Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia, 1, James Bourchier Blvd., 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria.

Monetary System

The national currency is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). Bank notes of the following denominations are in circulation: 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 Levs. The official exchange rate euro to lev is 1 EUR = 1.95583 BGN. There are numerous foreign exchange offices and ATMs around the city centre.
It is always prudent to carry a little foreign cash, however, in case you cannot 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 could 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

Electricity