About Walter Wornick Expertise I can answer questions about travel to and within Bulgaria. I can advise on sites to see and historic significance of many towns, cities and areas in Bulgaria. I am especially interested in the many monasteries and Eastern Orthodox churches in the country, places of horticultural interest, railroads, museum villages, folk festivals and places of scenic beauty, agricultural products, wines and birdlore.
Experience I have visited Bulgaria, as a tourist, six times in the last six years. I have traveled widely in the country and have many contacts there. I have some knowledge of the history of the country and collect books about Bulgaria for reference purposes.I do not speak Bulgarian, but have associates who do.
Publications I have written about trips to Bulgaria for the International Travel News and the Ascutney Travel Newsletter.
Education/Credentials I have an MS in Education and some advanced work.
Expert: Walter Wornick Date: 3/20/2004 Subject: Driving a rental auto into Bulgaria
Question Since it is noted that you contribute to ITN, I feel comfortable asking you this question for which an answer seems not to be readily available. One book (Lonely Planet) indicates that on driving into Bulgaria, you must register you kilometers, and then at departure you must pay a "fee" of 20 cents U.S. per km driven in the country. Do you have any information about this? None of the rental car sites mentions this and the Bulgaria National Tourist Service answers many questions, but I cannot get an answer to this particular question. I hope you have some knowledge as to whether this is true or not. Thank you. And thanks for your general comments about driving in and touring Bulgaria.
Answer Sorry for the delay in getting back to you but this site no longer features it's e-mails and you just have to come upon them in the In Box among all the SPAM. I am sorry that I do not know the answer to your question. The matter has never come to my attention before, but it may be a new requirement, if it is in a new issue of Lonely Planet. I have also heard of different crossing points on the border having different requirements due to quirks as to who is on duty at the time of passage. I don't know when you will be going to Bulgaria, but I will e-mail my contacts there and try to get back to you in a week or so, as to the response so watch this site for an addendum to this answer. Have a safe trip.
March 29th addendum: For some reason I can't get this addendum as a separate entry, so hope you will find it. I have spoken to friends in Bulgaria who questioned the Customs Office in Sofia. They knew nothing of a policy of taxing incoming rental cars 20 cents a km., for travel done in Bulgaria. Some kind of a green insurance card is necessary upon arrival, but that seems to be the extent of it. I do know that Police will attempt to shake down drivers for what they think they can get from them. A businessman once told me that he had rented a car in Varna and was driving to Sofia. He was stopped by Police who told him that his insurance was no good in the area he was traveling through and fined him on the spot. Also be careful of speeding, which is difficult with the poor condtion of the roads. Drivers coming towards you will turn their lights on if there is a speed trap ahead, so if you see this, SLOW DOWN. They are very faithful about this. Have a safe trip. Look at the Rough Guide on Bulgaria which I think is more useful than Lonely Planet.
