Medieval Magic of Bulgaria and Romania

Weather
Bulgaria and Romania in July will have warm, sunny weather with temperatures in the mid to high 20s or low 30s, and not much rain.

Both destinations will be cooler in mountainous regions

Visas
Please ensure that your passport has at least 6 months validity from your return date left on it. No extra visas are required for entry into Bulgaria or Romania for Australian passport holders.
Continue to monitor www.smartraveller.gov.au for the most up-to-date information.
The new European Entry/Exit System (EES) for all non-EU nationals, including Australians, travelling in or out of Europe is expected to start in October 2025.

Health
We recommend you stay updated with health and safety information via the following websites:

Bulgaria
Smart Traveller: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/bulgaria

Romania
Smart Traveller: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/romania

Packing and hotel information

We recommend layered, easy-care, casual clothing, an item or two for rain or unseasonable temperatures, and a light jacket and sweater for cooler evenings. Loose-fitting clothing, a sunhat or cap and sunglasses are recommended for warmer weather. Evening dress is smart casual when dining at the hotels or local restaurants. Be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes (rubber soles are advisable for slippery/uneven surfaces), a small umbrella, and swimwear.
Hotel standards may vary from Australia and your rooms and bedding in Europe may be smaller than you are accustomed to. Mini-bar items, phone calls and access to pay TV/movies are at your own expense. Most hotel bathrooms have hairdryers or they can be borrowed from reception.
Please remember a good supply of any medication you are taking, all-purpose tissues, and instant hand sanitizer/antibacterial wipes.

Money
Bulgaria - The local currency is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN)
Each lev (meaning ‘lion’ in old Bulgarian) can be divided into 100 stotinki. The plural of lev is leva. Leva banknotes come in 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100. There’s also a 1 lev and 2 leva coin. Stotinki coins come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50.

Romania - The local currency is the Romanian Leu (RON).
It is subdivided into 100 bani, a word that means both "money" and "coin" in the Romanian language. The Leu is made up of bank notes: One leu, Five lei, Ten lei, Fifty lei, One hundred lei, Two hundred lei. Coins: One ban, Five bani, 10 bani, Fifty bani.

Money – general information

Cash may be obtained on arrival at exchange offices, banks or from ATMs. As banks and vendors are very particular, notes should be in good condition (not stained or torn) and recently printed. Cash will be necessary for small purchases, tipping, taxis, personal sightseeing, museums, etc. Do not rely on ATMs to obtain small amounts of local currency as the minimum you are permitted to withdraw may be higher than you actually require. Due to counterfeiting, establishments may be reluctant to accept large bills so we recommend you have lower denominations. A pocket calculator will come in handy when making conversions.

Credit cards: Major credit cards are accepted in most major outlets, but shops and restaurants generally require a minimum purchase amount when using them, so they are not appropriate for incidentals such as small purchases, souvenirs, snacks, etc. You may wish to bring more than one card, as some outlets may not accept all types. Due to increasing credit card fraud worldwide, you may be asked to show identification when making a transaction with your credit card.

ATM cards: For the best available exchange rate, you will find ATM cards indispensable. We recommend the same amount of care when using an ATM in Europe as anywhere in the world. Avoid making withdrawals at night, protect your PIN from view, and be wary of assistance from seemingly helpful strangers. A lost or blocked card should be reported to your bank via its 24-hour emergency number for immediate cancellation/replacement.

Tipping
Local tipping is appreciated in both Romania and Bulgaria.  

Sisterhood Womens Travel tipping system involves passengers contributing to a kitty which is paid to the tour hostess at the beginning of the tour who then distributes it to service providers on your behalf.  The estimated amount for your tour is USD150 and this will be confirmed in your final documentation.
Restaurants, Cafes & Bars:  Tipping is generally expected and not typically included in the bill, but should be about 10%, depending on the quality of service.
Tips are also given to hotel room attendants, porters, hairdressers, and other places of service such as spas.

Baggage and Safety
International air carriers are becoming stricter about the size and weight of baggage and carry-on luggage. 
Please do not keep money, important documents, medicines and jewellery in your suitcase. You should carry such items with you, but not in the same place in the unlikely event of pickpocketing. We recommend that you leave valuables at home and that you wear a ‘money belt’ while touring. On departure from hotels, check that you have all your personal belongings with you and that you have collected any items deposited in a safe deposit box.
At all times, please be as vigilant as you would be in any major city, especially in crowded places such as public transport hubs, squares or tourist attractions. Never leave your hand luggage unattended or out of sight in public areas, including airports, railway stations, hotel lobbies and dining rooms.
Keep a separate list of important numbers (passport, credit cards) in your luggage, together with photocopies of airline tickets and your passports.

Electricity
The standard voltage is mostly 230V, 50-cycle alternating current. Electrical outlets are round with two pins. Before leaving home, be sure to purchase an international adapter, which can be purchased at most electrical stores or at the airport.

WiFi
WiFi is widely available in many hotels, tourist areas and restaurants.

Tips for best travel practices:
If you travel with an open mind and respect local customs and culture, you should find it easy to adapt to your new surroundings.

 - Sometimes there is a small charge for public toilets
 - Stores often close earlier and may not be open on Sundays
 - Europeans tend to dine later and are less sensitive to smoking in restaurants, bars and public places.
 - You may not find air-conditioning everywhere, including hotels, and it can be strictly regulated due to environmental reasons
 - Drinking bottled water is recommended and is readily available for purchase
 - Take caution when purchasing street fare from local food stands
 - Photography and filming is generally permitted, except at international borders. However, there may be certain restrictions or a charge for their use in museums, churches and palaces.

Travel Insurance
It is mandatory for travellers to have comprehensive travel insurance; please ensure you have provided Sisterhood Womens Travel with a copy of your policy including 24/7 Emergency Contact Number.

WhatsApp Group
Please make sure you download WhatsApp onto your phone prior to departure.  This App will be your communication tool whilst on tour and your tour hostess will contact you prior to departure to set you up in your tour WhatsApp group.  It’s also a lovely way to share photos and remain in touch with friends upon your return.

Changes to Itinerary
We do our best to give Sisters an enjoyable, trouble-free tour experience but, occasionally, even the best-laid plans can go array. We cannot rule out any operational changes to the itinerary and ask that you maintain a positive, upbeat and flexible attitude and be supportive of your tour hostess if she has to implement any changes.