We offer you to read the most frequently asked questions on the topic of car rental abroad. We have tried to give clear answers to each one. In comments to this page you can ask your question and we will include the answer to it in this page.
Is it possible to rent a car with a driver?
If the client does not know how to drive or does not plan to sit behind the wheel on vacation, he can find a rental company offering to rent a car with a driver (Rent-a-car, “Bulgarian Express”). The cost of the service varies from 80 to 180 euros per day, and additional fuel charges may apply. Hourly rental is allowed. In the latter case, it is easier to take a cab or a transfer.
How to get a car with delivery?
When renting a car in advance online or in a car rental service, the client can use the option “choosing the place of transportation delivery”. Usually, car rental companies meet the renter’s needs, so they bring the car to a place convenient for him: to the airport, hotel or city center.
What to do if an insured event occurs?
If an insured event occurs, you should immediately contact the hirer and the emergency services (police, ambulance if necessary). The police will ask the client to fill out all the necessary reports and protocol that will be useful to the insurance company. If these documents are available, the insurance will reimburse the damage caused to the car.
Attention! Standard insurance does not cover the risks of damage to the underbody, interior, tires and windshield. If these parts of the car are damaged as a result of an accident, the lessee will reimburse all related expenses. Super hull insurance protects against these risks, allowing the client not to worry about anything.
What are the emergency phone numbers in Bulgaria?
Useful emergency numbers:
ambulance – 150;
police – 166;
fire department – 160;
rescue service – 112.
Visit our blog to find out more information about where to call in a roadside emergency.
What are the main differences between Bulgarian traffic rules?
Road traffic rules in Bulgaria do not have significant differences from the European ones:
– maximum speed limit in a township – 50 km/hour, outside a township – 90 km/hour, on a highway – 120 km/hour;
– the maximum permissible blood alcohol level is 0.49%;
– each passenger must wear a reflective vest regardless of the time of day when leaving the vehicle on the highway;
– it is obligatory to use low beam headlights at any time of the day;
– it is forbidden to talk on the telephone without a special “hands-free” system.
More detailed information about traffic rules and fines in Bulgaria we have discussed separately.
Is it possible to extend the car rental period after the end?
If the car has not been handed over to the client yet, the client has the right to adjust the rental terms and change the return date. For this purpose it is enough to contact the booking service or the lessor by phone or e-mail.
In cases when the rental has already started, you can also change the terms of the contract by the above mentioned methods. The renter will email you a link to the additional payment or you can come to the office of the company. In case the rental is extended for up to 24 hours, you can pay extra per day at the time of delivery of the car.
Is it possible to pick up a car at one location and return it at another?
This service is provided by many rental services and is called “One-way rental”. You can pick up the car at the airport upon arrival and return it in another city or even country. An additional fee is charged for this service.
Is it possible to travel to neighboring European countries?
Bulgaria has a convenient location in relation to other European countries, so tourists often try to visit Serbia, Macedonia, Romania or Turkey at the same time. In order to leave on a rented vehicle, you need to have: permission from the rental service, international insurance policy, technical passport for the car, driver’s license and, of course, a passport.
If you plan to travel outside of Bulgaria, please contact the rental service when booking and clarify whether this service is available and what is required to obtain it. The legislation of the countries may change and the client will not be able to drive the rented car abroad without a notarized power of attorney, visa or without additional payment.
What are the fuel prices and how to refuel in Bulgaria?
The price of fuel in Bulgaria is somewhat lower than in other European countries.
– A95 gasoline – 1.33 euros (2.6 BGN);
– gas – 0.531 euros (1.24 BGN);
– diesel – 1.35 euros (2.67 BGN).
At the gas station, just tell the gas station attendant the type of fuel and the amount (“diesel, 50 leva”), and then the filling will begin. You will have to go to the cash desk of the gas station, give the number of the column and pay the price of fuel. A credit card or cash is suitable for payment. You can learn more about gas stations and fuel prices in a separate article.
How to park in Bulgaria?
Parking in Bulgaria is mostly a paid service. If there are no prohibited signs, parking meters or signs about payment near the parking place, then you will not have to pay for parking. Areas for paid parking are marked with two zones: blue and green.
The blue zone costs 2 Bulgarian Leva (BGN) or 1 Euro per hour, and you are allowed to park for a maximum of 3 hours. Parking is paid every day from 08:00 to 19:00 (free at night) on weekdays and completely free on weekends.
The green zone is not available in all Bulgarian cities and costs from 0.5 euros per hour. It is allowed to leave a car for a maximum of 4 hours. Parking is paid on weekdays from 08:00 to 19:00, the rest of the time and weekends parking is free. On national holidays, cars are not charged in both green and blue zones.
The parking lots have a pre-payment system and rates are hourly. You can pay by text message sent to the short number on the sign (such texts are processed only if you have a Bulgarian SIM card), or you can give the money to the parking attendant, if he is nearby. If you notice a parking machine, pay by card or cash and then put the ticket under the windshield.
Attention! When choosing a parking place, you should be more careful – the fine for incorrect parking is from 10 to 100 euros.
Are there toll roads in Bulgaria?
There are toll roads in the country, for driving on which you need a vignette – a special stamp fixed on the windshield of the car. As a rule, the price of the vignette is included in the price of the car rental service, so the renter does not have to worry about this issue.
In addition, you will have to pay for travel to the following destinations:
– bridge over the Danube between Ruse and Giurgiu – from 2 euros;
– the bridge between Vidin and Kalafat – from 6 euros.
How to transport children in Bulgaria?
The client of the service can rent a child seat or booster for an additional fee. Additional equipment is reserved during the booking process and paid for at the time of car delivery. Read more about transportation of children.
How to file a complaint against an employee or a company?
If the client is dissatisfied with the service or rental conditions, he/she can express his/her opinion in the feedback form on the website of the reservation service or rental company. The company’s employees will contact the renter and deal with the situation.
If the customer is not satisfied with the response to the complaint or does not wait for feedback, you should file a complaint with the police or representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country.