Car rental tips for Bulgaria before you set off

Car rental tips are useful even before you receive the keys. Allow time for an inspection, clarify fuel and return arrangements, and familiarise yourself with the controls. The following guidance will help you prepare for your journey in Bulgaria.

Inspecting a vehicle when collecting it from Low Cost Cars

When collecting your reserved vehicle, it is worth taking a few minutes to inspect it calmly and carefully. A Low Cost Cars representative will help you check the car for existing scratches, signs of use or other issues that should be recorded in the vehicle handover report. Check the mileage, fuel level and general condition of the car. Make sure the lights, indicators, wipers and other main functions work properly. If you notice anything unusual, it is best to report it immediately, before setting off.

Familiarise yourself with the controls before departure

It is helpful to get to know the vehicle better before you set off. Find the controls for the indicators, headlights and wipers, check which side the fuel filler cap is on and how to adjust the mirrors. Sometimes it is precisely these small details that save time and stress, especially when driving a model you have not used before. It is also worth noting the car’s colour, model and registration number. This may sound basic, but it is very useful when leaving the car in a large car park, at a shopping centre or in an unfamiliar busy place.

Plan your route and collection

If you are planning a longer route, it is sensible to check the journey in advance. If necessary, you can also visit our main page for car rental in Bulgaria. Allow for breaks and the places where you will leave the vehicle when estimating your travel time. Save your accommodation address and return location so they are at hand even with a weak internet connection.

What to ask when receiving the keys

Before setting off, it is worth asking:

• How to adjust the side mirrors and rear-view mirror
• How to tune the radio, if you need it
• How to operate the front and rear windows
• Exactly where the indicator stalk is located
• How to switch on the wipers
• How to activate dipped and main-beam headlights
• Where the handbrake is located

If you want to clarify details about the route, collection or return of the car, use our contact details. Specify the dates and meeting point. This will give the team the information needed for your particular rental.

When returning the rental car

When it is time to return the car, refill the tank to the level at which you received it, if this is part of the rental conditions. Carefully check the cabin, glove compartment, doors and boot for personal belongings. If you do leave something behind, there is no need to worry unnecessarily. Our team will contact you when a forgotten item is found. Good organisation when returning the car makes the whole rental calmer and clearer for both parties.

When comparing options before booking, you can also look at BG Rent a Car. Check the fuel policy, handover location and included services for the specific offer, rather than assuming that different companies have identical conditions.

Driving in Bulgaria: useful tips

In Bulgaria, traffic drives on the right. The minimum age for driving a car is 18, while rental conditions may require a higher age depending on the vehicle category. You must have a valid driving licence to drive. Valid licences issued in a European Union country are also recognised in the other EU countries. For a licence from Switzerland or another non-EU country, check the applicable recognition conditions, necessary supporting documents and permitted driving period. It is the country that issued the licence that matters, not just the driver’s nationality.

Seat belts are compulsory in both the front and rear seats. Children must travel in accordance with current safety rules, and whether they may sit in the front depends on their age and the safety equipment. During daylight hours, the car must have daytime running lights or dipped headlights switched on throughout the year, not only in a particular season. In darkness or reduced visibility, use the appropriate lights for the conditions. Using a mobile phone while driving is permitted only with a suitable hands-free device.

Speed limits in Bulgaria

For a category B passenger car without a trailer, where no different limit is indicated by a road sign, the general maximum speeds are:

• In built-up areas: 50 km/h.
• Outside built-up areas: 90 km/h.
• On expressways: 120 km/h.
• On motorways: 140 km/h.

Road signs may require a lower speed. Adjust your driving to visibility, the road surface, weather and traffic. The stated figures are upper limits, not recommended speeds in all conditions.

Parking tips for Bulgaria

In towns and cities, park in accordance with road signs, markings and local rules, without obstructing traffic. Larger towns often have blue or green zones where parking is charged for a set period. Payment is usually hourly and, depending on the town, can be made by SMS or another official method. Pay close attention to the instructions on signs and road markings to avoid fines or towing. In addition to short-stay parking zones, larger cities have private paid car parks, which are a convenient option if you are leaving the vehicle for longer.

If you want your rental to go smoothly, the best approach is not to rush in the first few minutes after collecting the car. A brief inspection, a few precise questions and a clear idea of the route will save you inconvenience later. This helps you begin your journey more confidently and use the vehicle in the way best suited to your plans and road conditions in Bulgaria.

Frequently asked questions about preparing for your rental

What should I check before signing the vehicle handover report?

Inspect the car for existing issues and check that they are recorded in the report. Verify the mileage and fuel level. Test the lights, indicators and wipers, and report any irregularity before departure.

How can I find my way around an unfamiliar car model more easily?

When collecting the car, locate the controls for the lights, wipers, windows and handbrake. Adjust the mirrors and check which side the fuel filler cap is on. Remember the model, colour and registration number to find it more easily in a car park.

What should I prepare before returning the car?

Check the agreed return location and time. Refuel according to the agreed fuel policy and check the cabin, glove compartment, doors and boot for personal belongings. If anything is unclear, contact the team before the handover.

How can I avoid problems with paid parking?

Read the sign for the specific zone, its operating hours, payment method and maximum stay. When paying by SMS, check for confirmation. If leaving the car for longer, look for a suitable car park with clear conditions.

If your route includes several places to stay, pay attention to the collection and return points when reviewing offers from Riva Car. Compare them with your itinerary so you can arrange a convenient vehicle handover at the end of your journey.