The system is extensive but antiquated, generally due to a low rate of capital infusion and less support to the infrastructure. More than two-thirds of the lines are residential; telephone service is available in most villages; a fairly modern digital cable trunk line now connects switching centres in most of the regions, the others are connected by digital microwave radio relay international: direct dialling is available to 58 countries. Telephone numbers, which may be useful, include:
150 - Emergency Medical Aid
160 - Fire Department
166 - Police
140 - Sending of telegrams
144 - Telephone information service
146 - Emergency Road Service
165 - Traffic Police
175 - Weather forecast
180 - Time service
0123 - Operator for international calls (if no direct-dial phone call is possible)
121 - Operator for long-distance calls within Bulgaria
120 - Wake up call
Regarding your passport:
Hotels in Bulgaria, as well as in parts of the European Union, are entitled to take your passport in order to give your details to police (they like to know who is coming into their country). They hand it back next morning, or when you leave the hotel for shopping, sightseeing, etc.
No one, except at a hotel, bank or a bona fide policeman will normally ask to see it. You should consider keeping a photocopy of the two key pages in some safe place. Such a copy helps your consul issue a new one fast, if a pickpocket steals your passport.
It is not required, but strongly suggested that you register with your country’s Consular Office in Sofia during your stay in Bulgaria (all Embassies and Consular Sections are situated in the capital city Sofia; there are only two consular offices in Plovdiv – of Greece and Turkey). They can also record the essential information from your passport and, in case of loss or theft, can replace the document in a matter of hours.
Regarding pickpockets:
You will always find your journeys more pleasant if you sit back and relax. Remember - pickpockets apart, nobody is out to get you. To protect yourself against pickpockets who will attack you most often in public transportation: try to always carry your money, Ids or other belongings in a string wallet hanging on your neck. It is also advisable to put some Velcro lines on your pockets (both front and rear ones) - If someone attempts to remove your wallet from any pocket, you can feel it and, of course, hear it.
Crime:
Crime against persons is rare by the standard of cities in the United States. It is possible to walk around late at night and never feel threatened. The only "crime hotspot" to beware of is near the Hotel Pliska in Sofia. Regardless, don't be stupid - don't flash money or jewellery around, etc., keep a low profile - and you should be OK. Property crime is much more common, and auto thefts seems to be a Bulgarian specialty. In downtown, people are pretty much jaded towards visiting foreigners. Many are quite friendly; very few are rude or hostile. The majority of people are merely indifferent. But if you go anywhere smaller, especially the places that Bulgarians think tourists should see, you'll find a lot of people who are still fascinated that a foreigner is kicking around in their country. And most important ... they will do all they can to help you.
