Bordered by some of the most fascinating ports in Europe, the Black Sea is a must see destination. Sandwiched between Europe and Asia, it's the only place on earth which allows you to eat breakfast in Europe and lunch in Asia! The Black Sea boasts a mix of both historic ports and beautiful beach resorts making it an all round intriguing destination. Enjoy endless beaches and an abundance of natural hot springs in Sochi; one of the most interesting spa towns in the world. Cruise along the Bosphorus to the sandy beaches of Yalta, or for a more cultural experience, take a trip to Constanta, Romania's second largest city, which is filled with ancient monuments and interesting museums.

Black Sea Ports

Bulgaria
Nessebar, Bulgaria
Varna, Bulgaria
Georgia
Batumi, Georgia
Romania
Constanta, Romania
Russia
Sochi, Russia
Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey
Samsun, Turkey
Sinop, Turkey
Trabzon, Turkey
Ukraine
Odessa, Ukraine
Sevastopol, Ukraine
Yalta, Ukraine

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Currencies

Cruises to the Black Sea take you to a number of countries that have different currencies. If you intend to withdraw cash from an ATM or use a credit card, check what your bank charges and make sure you tell your bank you intend to use your debit or credit card abroad before you leave. Cruise ships usually offer an onboard currency exchange but are not always at competitive rates. If you’re unsure, ask for advice when booking your cruise.

Bulgaria
Lev = 100 stotinki
Only exchange money at banks, large hotels or independent currency exchange offices where rates are clearly displayed. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in some restaurants and shops in large cities, mainly in Sofia but it is best to have cash. ATMs are widely available but not all accept every international card. Traveller’s cheques are sometimes accepted in major establishments.

Georgia
Lari = 100 tetri
Cash is the preferred method of payment, and visitors are advised to carry notes in small denominations. Visitors are also advised to carry US Dollars in cash. Euros and Russian Roubles are also in use. There is unlikely to be a substantial difference between rates offered by banks or bureaux de change. Credit cards are not widely accepted. If you are taking traveller’s cheques, Euros or US Dollars are recommended.

Romania
New Leu = 100 bani
Foreign currency and traveller’s cheques can be exchanged at banks and exchange offices; take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars or Euros. Euros are also easily exchanged by shops, restaurants and hotels and Pounds Sterling can be easily exchanged in most resorts. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted by large establishments. ATMs are available but not widely so, and usually only accept MasterCard and Visa.

Russia
Rouble = 100 kopeks
Cash is preferred and ATMs are widely available. If carrying traveller's cheques, major currencies are accepted in big cities, but US Dollars and Euros are preferred elsewhere. Foreign currency should only be exchanged at official exchange offices and authorised banks; you will usually need your passport to change money. Major European and international credit and debit cards are accepted in larger establishments but cash (in Roubles) is more reliable. American Express cards are rarely accepted.

Turkey
New Turkish Lira = 100 New Kurus
Cash can usually be exchanged commission free in currency exchange offices. Banks usually charge commission. Traveller's cheques can only be exchanged in banks with a passport. Take traveller's cheques in Pounds Sterling or US Dollars to avoid extra charges. Visa and Mastercard are often accepted but American Express has limited acceptance. ATMs are widely available.

Ukraine
Hryvnya = 100 kopiyok
Money should only be changed at currency booths on the street or in banks. Credit and debit cards are not readily accepted and the country has a high level of credit card fraud. Traveller’s cheques are not recommended but if you do take them, they should be in US Dollars.


Time Difference

Bulgaria: GMT +2 (GMT +3 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October)
Georgia: GMT +4
Romania: GMT +2 (GMT +3 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October)
Russia (Sochi): GMT +3
Turkey: GMT +2 (GMT +3 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October)
Ukraine: GMT +2 (GMT +3 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October)


Tipping

Bulgaria
Tipping has become more common and even expected in some tourist areas. In general, a tip is not an obligation, but is appropriate for good service.

Georgia
Tips are not normally expected, but are accepted if you choose to do so for good service.

Romania
Tipping is the norm; restaurant staff rely on tips to top up low wages, and taxi drivers will also appreciate a tip. Aim to leave around 10%.

Russia
Tipping is increasingly encouraged in Russia; 10 to 15% is the accepted rate in restaurants.

Turkey
It is customary to leave a tip of 10% in restaurants.Taxi drivers do not normally expect a tip, but they do appreciate it, most people round up the fare.

Ukraine
Tipping is the norm and may help you in getting better service from officials and others. In restaurants, if a service charge hasn't already been added the standard gratuity is 10 to 15%.


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