Bulgaria is a country characterized by a rich cultural heritage, beautiful and pristine landscapes, breathtaking beaches and oceans not forgetting the rich historical background with many historical towns and cities to prove so.
Thanks to this, it is among the best tourist hubs in the world who visit the place in large numbers to witness her beauty for themselves. Therefore, if you are planning to come here for a vacation or for any other reason you can be sure that it is worth your time and bucks.
Nevertheless, being in Bulgaria as a visitor is just the same as being in a new place, you do not know the routes, you also don’t understand how the transport system works and on top of it all you know no one.
That means in order for you to make the experience less hectic and more memorable the best option for you is to look for the best car rental services in Bulgaria before you can get here and if you are in the process of doing so, then your lucky star is shining brightly on you because below are some of the things you should know before renting a car in Bulgaria.
The rules
Before you hit Bulgarian roads with a rental, ensure that you take the time to familiarize with the road safety rules and regulations. You can do so by asking your agency to email you a pdf copy of the rules or take a copy with you to avoid finding yourself on the wrong side of the law because nothing sucks like being arrested in a new place especially when you are on your vacation.
Cost of hiring a car in Bulgaria
Although it ranges depending on your requirements and also the agency you are seeking services from, on average car rental services in Bulgaria range from as little as 20 euros a day to 30 euros a day for economy cars while higher and luxurious vehicles begin at 70 euros and above. Nevertheless, you are required to deposit about 150 to 300 euros before you can take the rental vehicle.
Mileage and going outside Bulgaria
Before hiring a car in Bulgaria, it is important that you know that car rental companies have different terms and conditions. Some of them will allow you to drive outside Bulgaria and go to Greece at an additional cost. However others do not and they even go on to add a mileage limit which might really inconvenience you especially if you had planned to go explore different parts of the country.
Read and understand the terms and conditions from your car agency
The reason why you are opting for a rental car is because coming with yours can be a little stressing plus in some cases if you live far away, it is not possible. Therefore, before you agree to any terms or conditions given to you by your agents, ensure that you understand what you are agreeing to so as to avoid any extra or hidden costs which some agencies put in there thinking that you will not read through.
Stay away from airport petrol stations
If you are the type of person who prefers to fuel a rental car themselves, then it is important we let you know this before you can actually hire it. Avoid fueling at petrol stations near airports. They are usually used to getting hordes of clients and hence they will refuel your rental car for prices which leave your budget bleeding. Instead opt for well-known petrol stations which you can easily locate at highways and main roads.
Other things to know
Some of the roads will not offer you a smooth sailing experience and unlike in most countries in Bulgaria we drive on the right which might take you sometime before you can adjust. Nonetheless once you do, you will find that intriguing.
Lastly, even though Bulgarian drivers maybe intolerant that should not make you panic because that is common even in drivers from other countries. One last thing for you to know before you hire a car in Bulgaria, Balkans are quite friendly and hospitable people hence you will feel as if you are at home.