½ûÂþÌìÌÃ

Menu
½ûÂþÌìÌÃ

Finding your bearings in Bulgaria

Post new topic

Priscilla

Hello,

While technology has definitely helped us navigate ourselves more easily in most countries, it's not the case everywhere.

How do you get to your destinations and navigate yourself in Bulgaria? Do you use gps systems such as google/apple maps?

Are the gps navigational systems updated enough that they provide accurate information and directions?

Is it enough to simply follow road signs in Bulgaria?

Is talking to locals and asking them directions the best way to get around? Are they generally friendly and helpful?

Are there any online resources or other types of resources to help you better understand the road systems, transportation, etc., in order to find your bearings?

What are the steps to take if you get lost?

Thank you for sharing your experience.

Priscilla

UncleBulgaria

I prefer to have the best GPS available and perform regular map updates. If you do it on the cheap like most expats i have come accross you will regret it. Open your wallet and stop pleading poverty.

Pastmaster

Depends where you are.  GPS doesn't always cut it here, even in Sofia.

Get a couple of landmarks, and ask people where to go in relation to those.

UncleBulgaria

Get the best GPS, not the cheapest. I use top of the range garmin and have never had any issues in Bulgaria.

Pastmaster

Even with a good one, I periodically run into problems when I don't have an exact address, which is pretty common.  When I have the address, it works well.

UncleBulgaria

True, but If i dont have the full address I wont go.

Pastmaster

You're a actually the smart one.

Unfortunately, a lot of things I do is through "gosho who is about 500 meters past this one statue" or something along those lines.

Lunastrahil

Google maps works pretty well in Varna.  We have a taxi app so I use taxis to get around, especially if it is the first time (unknown place for me). 

Busses are regular too. 

Centre has a no parking / blue zone, so easier to just walk around or to get there by taxi or bus.

UncleBulgaria

The blue zone is the first nail in the coffin, this might be followed by a daily congestion tax. The is the end of shopping in Varna.

kojidae

Google maps works pretty well all over Bulgaria, with decent navigation. I've only had problems in very remote areas, but that was around 5 years ago. Now, most areas have decent 3g or 4g coverage for navigation purposes.

mutley

Hi there, I have an app on my phone for a couple of years now and it is brilliant, it's called "what3words" It has divided the whole world up into 1 or 2-meter squares, so even if you live in a mud hut in the middle of Africa you can find it with this App.

Articles to help you in your expat project in Bulgaria

  • Giving Birth In Bulgaria
    Giving Birth In Bulgaria

    If you find yourself pregnant in Bulgaria, you may be wondering if you will have to head home to have your baby. ...

  • Leisure in Bulgaria
    Leisure in Bulgaria

    Wondering how to keep yourself busy after work and during week-ends? Here is an overview of leisure activities ...

  • Education in Bulgaria
    Education in Bulgaria

    Educational Structures and Background:

  • Driving in Bulgaria
    Driving in Bulgaria

    Looking forward to drive during your stay in Bulgaria? Find out how to proceed in this article.

  • Opening a bank account in Bulgaria
    Opening a bank account in Bulgaria

    Do you wish to open a bank account in Bulgaria? Find out how to proceed in this article.

  • Traveling to Bulgaria with your pet
    Traveling to Bulgaria with your pet

    Would you like your pet to accompany you during your trip to Bulgaria? Find out how to proceed in this article.

  • Healthcare in Bulgaria
    Healthcare in Bulgaria

    Wondering about health care in Bulgaria? How to access to these and what are the fees applied? Find out in this ...

  • Living in Bulgaria
    Living in Bulgaria

    After living in Bulgaria for several years, I look back on the decision to move abroad. At first there was a ...

All of Bulgaria's guide articles