Bulgaria

Getting around Bulgaria is an adventure that blends modern efficiency with nostalgic charm. In the capital, the Sofia Metro is exceptionally clean and affordable, with a single trip costing just 1.60 BGN (about $0.90). For travel between cities like Plovdiv or the coastal gem of Varna, the BDZ (Bulgarian State Railways) offers scenic, albeit slower, journeys through the Balkan Mountains. If you prefer speed, the extensive network of private buses (like Union Ivkoni) is your best bet.

Because many bus schedules and street signs are written in the Cyrillic alphabet, having reliable data is a lifesaver. You can download a Hello eSIM and activate it before you even touch down at Sofia Airport, ensuring you can use live translation apps and GPS from the moment you land. When traveling with friends, use the Hello trip planning feature to keep track of train departures and bus station locations, ensuring no one gets left behind at the terminal while searching for a banitsa snack.

Bulgarian cuisine is a hearty celebration of fresh produce and grilled meats. No visit is complete without trying Banitsa, a flaky filo pastry filled with sirene cheese, usually enjoyed for breakfast with a yogurt drink called Ayran. For dinner, head to a traditional Mehana (tavern) and order a Shopska Salad—the colors of the tomatoes, cucumbers, and white cheese famously mimic the Bulgarian flag.

Dining out is remarkably affordable; a generous three-course meal in a mid-range restaurant typically costs between 25 and 40 BGN ($14–$22). When the bill arrives after a long night of sampling local Rakia (a potent fruit brandy), the Hello expense splitting feature makes it easy to divide the cost of shared appetizers like Kashkaval Pane (fried yellow cheese) or Kebapche (grilled meat rolls). You can also use the Hello budget tracking tool to log your meals in BGN, helping you see exactly how much you've spent on those irresistible honey-drenched Baklava desserts throughout your journey.

Bulgaria offers a stunning contrast between ancient history and rugged nature. Plovdiv, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, features a breathtaking Roman Amphitheatre that still hosts performances today. Entry fees for major museums and historical sites are generally modest, ranging from 10 to 20 BGN ($5.50–$11). If you're heading into the mountains, the Rila Monastery is an essential pilgrimage for its vibrant frescoes and serene alpine setting.

For those seeking the outdoors, the Seven Rila Lakes offer some of the best hiking in the Balkans. Since mountain weather can be unpredictable, staying connected via your Hello eSIM allows you to check real-time weather updates and trail maps even in remote areas. To stay organized, use the Hello trip planning tool to schedule your shuttle from Sofia to the Rila funicular. By tracking your entrance fees and transport costs in the Hello app, you'll find that your budget stretches surprisingly far in this Balkan gem, leaving you with more to spend on local rose-oil souvenirs in the Valley of the Roses.