Practical Information
Accommodation
- Accommodation at the conference venue
For the ease and convenience of staying on site at the conference venue, the EFGS 2013 Organising Committee has pre-booked a block of rooms for conference attendees at a special rate. Rates start at €90 and vary according to room amenities. Please note that a limited number of rooms have been put on hold so book early to secure your accommodation.
Booking should be made by this special PDF booking form.
- Other hotels close to the conference venue
If you wish to choose a different style of accommodation, there are also a variety of accomodation options within walking distance to the conference venue (see the table below).
Bookings should be made directly with the hotels.
| Hotel | Distance | Visit the hotel website |
|---|---|---|
| Crystal Palace**** | 5 min | http://www.crystalpalace-sofia.com/ |
| Best Western City **** | 5 min | http://www.sofiacityhotel.com/ |
| Arena di Serdica***** | 8 min | http://www.arenadiserdica.com/ |
| ARTE*** | 9 min | http://www.artehotelbg.com/ |
Transport in Sofia
Public transportation system in Sofia includes trams, trolley buses, buses and subway. Public transport runs daily from 5:30 till 23:00 for buses and trams.
Tickets: single use, for any distance on any tram, subway, bus or trolley-bus line. Price: 1lv. Single trip tickets are sold at kiosks and newspaper stands, at the major stops or by the driver of the vehicle. You have to punch the tickets inside the vehicle (look for the metal punch on the wall).
If your luggage exceeds the size 60x40x40, you have to punch a second ticket. The fine for a passenger travelling without a ticket is 20 lv.
Transport from/to the Airport
Bus No84. To reach or leave the city center use the second bus stop of busline No84 which is situated on bul. Tsar Osvoboditel on the exit of metro station of Sofia University. Note that before the last/first stop sometimes drivers made little break of 5-6min before continue. You could be asked to leave the bus or stay to wait during the break.
More information about transport in Sofia available at: http://www.sofiatraffic.bg/en/
Taxi – There are several reputable companies for taxi service in Sofia - http://www.sofia-guide.com/biz/transportation/taxi-companies-in-sofia/
The driver's ID card and his car number are clearly visible on the dashboard and you are invited to complain if there are any irregularities. Check carefully that you have flagged down a genuine cab, or you will be ripped off.
Passport and Visa Requirements
Since 1 January 2007, the Republic of Bulgaria has been a member of the EU and so enforces the General Visa Policy of the European Union, in keeping with the conditions of the Accession Treaty.
At present, Bulgaria issues only national visas, which do not give visitors the right to enter the Schengen area.
Visas are issued by the diplomatic and consular representatives of the Republic of Bulgaria, or by representatives of another member state of the European Union with which Bulgaria has an agreement for the presentation and acceptance of applications for visas and the issuance of visas.
Available visa types are as follows:
- Airport transit (visa type “A”);
- Short-term stay (visa type “C”);
- Long-term stay (visa type “D”).
- A fee is charged for the issuance of visas, according to the Fee Tariff No 3.
Visitors can find further information on the application procedures and required documents for the issuance of visas, as well as the address of consular offices, on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs - www.mfa.bg.
Currency / Banking
Currency: The national currency is known as leva (plural). One lev is made up of 100 stotinki. The following coins are available: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 stotinki and 1 lev. The following notes are available 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 leva (BGN)
Money can be safely exchanged at most banks and also at exchange bureaus. Please note that Bulgarian lev is fixed to the Euro at exchange rate 1 Euro = 1.95583 BGN.
Currency converter: http://www.novinite.com/currency_conv.php
Insurance
The organisers do not take responsibility for individual medical, travel or personal insurance and all delegates are strongly advised to have their own personal insurance before travelling to the conference. The organisers will not accept any liability for damages and/or losses of any kind, which may be incurred by conference participants, both during official activities and excursions.
Disclaimer
The guests participate in all tours and events at his/her own risk. Participants are advised to insure themselves against loss, accidents or damage that could be incurred during the Conference. Verbal agreements will not be binding unless they are confirmed in writing. Bulgarian law is applicable.