City Introduction

Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria and capital of Plovdiv State, about 120 kilometers southeast of the Bulgarian capital, Sofia． Plovdiv had a population of 728,500 inhabitants as of 2000. The city is one of the birthplaces of Bulgarian national rejuvenation with many historic sites.

 

 

 

 

History and Culture

Roman Empire was the most glorious moment in the history of Plovdiv, in which period a large number of public buildings, churches, public bathrooms and theatres were built. Even today, a lot of architectures in Roman times can still be found here. On the narrow streets of Plovdiv Old Town boasting Roman style amphitheater, you can overlook the whole Plovdiv. In the middle 6th century, Slavs immigrated to this region. In A.D. 815, Plovdiv became a part of Bulgaria for the first time. In the following centuries, the owner of Plovdiv had been changed between Bulgarians and Byzantines for many times until captured by the Ottoman Empire in 1364. In the 15th century, "Plovdiv", derived from its ancient name "Pulpudeva", appeared for the first time. Under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, Plovdiv became the center of Bulgarian national movement in the Eastern Rumelia. Plovdiv was liberated from the Ottoman rule in the Plovdiv battle in 1878, and became a part of the newly-founded Bulgarian Duchy. In 1885, Eastern Rumelia eventually joined in Bulgaria under the national unity trend.

 

 

 

 

Natural Environment

Plovdiv is located on the two banks of Maritsa River in the lowlands of Upper Thrace. Most regions of Bulgaria are flat, but Plovdiv has been well known for seven syenite hills, one of which was destroyed in the early 19th century.

 

 

 

 

Climate Change

The best time to visit Bulgaria is from July to October. Bulgaria has a continental climate, and there are four distinct seasons. Affected by the Black Sea, the north part of the country belongs to continental climate, and the south part is under the influence of the Mediterranean Sea. Bulgaria enjoys an average temperature of -2 to 2℃ in January, and 23 to 25℃ in July. Bulgaria has seen less severe natural disasters. The best time to visit Bulgaria is from July to October when it is hot in the daytime and cool at night.

 

 

 

 

Visa Information

Chinese citizens holding diplomatic and official passports, Hong Kong and Macao SAR passports enjoy visa-free entry, exit or transit in Bulgaria, but the visa-free duration of stay within every 6 months should not be more than 90 days from the date of entry.　　

Chinese citizens holding other types of passports must apply for the Bulgarian visa in the embassy or consulates of the Republic of Bulgaria in China. Bulgarian visa falls into transit visa, short-term visa and long-term visa. For entry with a short-term visa, the duration of stay should not be extended or endorsed to a long-term one. Reapplication of visa is required after exit.　　

The Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in China announced that from January 31, 2012, to implement visa-free policy for persons holding valid Schengen visa, and valid long-term residence visa and residency permit issued by Schengen countries. The policy will expire after Bulgaria’s joining in Schengen Area. Relevant personnel should pay attention to the validity of certificates and limit on the number of entries, and ensure the duration of stay within every 6 months is no more than 3 months. Bulgarian implements the "return visa" system regarding visa approval, and application of visa to Bulgaria generally requires about one month. Materials for applying for visa to Bulgaria:

1. Personal information data in Chinese

2. Passport and original passport (with a validity of at least 6 months)

3. Two 2-inch color photos with white background (3.5 * 4.5 cm, no less than 3 cm for the head part)

4. Front-and-back photocopy of Identification Card

5. Photocopy of all pages of household register

6. Two business cards

7. Original certificate of bank deposit (bank deposit at least RMB 50,000, which shall be frozen for 90 days and 15 days after return to China)

8. Original of employment certificate issued by the Chinese company (leader's signature and company stamp)

9. Notarized copy of the business license of the China company with official seal

10. Copy of labor contract

11. Copy of contract or order form between two companies

12. Original of letter of invitation (with official certification and green seal)

13. Reservation form of Bulgaria round-trip air ticket

14. Original of overseas accidental medical insurance policy (with coverage no less than RMB 300,000)

Note: A power of attorney is required if these materials are sent by the embassy in Beijing, which shall be notarized (both in English and Chinese).

Bulgaria joined in the European Union in 2007, therefore, the EU customs policy shall be followed. Tourists carrying cash less than 8,000 Lev (including 8,000 Lev, or about 4,000 euros) or equivalent amount of foreign exchange can enter Bulgaria freely; tourists carrying cash over 8,000 Lev or equivalent amount of foreign exchange shall declare at the customs. Tourists carrying cash less than 8,000 Lev (including 8,000 Lev) or equivalent amount of foreign exchange can leave Bulgaria freely; tourists carrying cash between 8,001 to 25,000 Lev or equivalent amount of foreign exchange shall declare at the customs in writing; tourists carrying cash over 25,000 Lev or equivalent amount of foreign exchange shall show permit issued by Bulgaria's tax authority, but if the amount is less than that declared when he/she enters Bulgaria most recently, declaration at the customs is required instead of permit of tax authority.　　

Tourists carrying gold and gold coins weighing below 37 grams (including 37 grams) can enter or leave Bulgaria freely, and those weighing over 37 grams shall be declared (except for gold coins of cultural relics and artistic value); tourists carrying gold, platinum jewelry and accessories weighing below 60 grams (including 60 grams) can enter or leave Bulgaria freely, and those weighing over 60 grams shall be declared; and tourists carrying silver and silver jewelry weighing below 300 grams (including 300 grams) can enter or leave Bulgaria freely, and those weighing over 300 grams shall be declared.　　

Tourists carrying goods valuing over 100 euros for sale; over 200 cigarettes or tobacco products weighing over 250 grams; over 2 bottles of wine or alcoholic beverage over one liter; over 500 grams of coffee; over 100 grams of tea; perfume over 50 grams shall declare at the customs; drugs are limited to conventional medicine of personal dosage.　　

All imports of animal- and plant-source products shall conform to the EU plant quarantine and veterinary management standards, attached with corresponding inspection certificates. Bulgaria accepts and recognizes the certificates issued by the United States Department of Agriculture.

 

 

 

 

Currency Exchange

Bulgarian legal currency is Lev, and the fixed exchange rate of Lev with euro: 1 euro = 1.95583 leva, Lev is a freely convertible currency. However, RMB is not directly convertible with the local currency. So it’s advised to exchange euro at home before departure.

 

 

 

 

Religion

Bulgarian residents believing in the Orthodox Eastern Church account for about 26% of the total population. The majority of Turks keep faith in Muslim but there are still the small number of them believing in Catholicism and Protestantism. Their taboos include the figure 13 and Friday, which are considered unlucky.

 

 

 

 

Notes

Travelers are advised to purchase travel insurance. Bulgaria issues a medical certificate to any employee working in this country and all employees with the medical certificate can enjoy free diagnosis and treatment services because the State burdens most of the medicine and treatment expenses. The medical funds of retirees, soldiers, the unemployed and minors are borne by the State. All emergency centers provide free services.