If you ever have a chance to come to Bulgaria, one of the great ways to explore this small and beautiful country is by car. Of course you don't need to buy a car to do this. Renting a vehicle is your best option. The best thing you could do is to be prepared in front of time for such a small adventure. In Internet you could easily find your way. There is a plenty car hire companies here in Bulgaria, that will be more than happy to serve you. I would recommend one of my favorite – Mobile Mania Car Hire Bulgaria.

Now, where is the tricky part? You can not book and prepay your chosen vehicle online in the sense that you're used to do this in some other countries. Online transactions with credit or debit cards are not applicable at this moment for 99% of the service providers in Bulgaria.

The good news is that this is not an obstacle for you to pay via credit card. If you are serious renter you will chose your preferred rental car, and you'll book it online. A sales person will contact you shortly and you'll agree the deal in details, as to where you would like to pick-up your vehicle, how would you like to pay etc. Then you will have a chance to pay for the service your desired way – cash or with credit card via POS terminal. It is that simple.

Things to consider:

prepare your international driving license, of course prepare and your international passport;
check your insurance policy with your insurance agent, and your credit card agent;
stay away of the cheapest rental cars – they might be loaded with hidden fees and taxes, or at the end of the day if paying a bit more will buy you the quality and comfort of driving new economy rental car, then why not? Remember that every moment counts, enjoy your driving experience, don't struggle it;
Chose car hire companies close your location, or with free transfers or vehicle delivery.
Aim for weekly or even monthly rates – they might save you up to 50% of the deal;
Aim for car rental company that will be able to serve you in your language;

Aim for company that can offer you ready-made personal tours in Bulgaria - to make sure you will not miss the
most interesting places in the country;

Don't drink alcohol if you drive;

Drive safely;

Enjoy it, this is most important part. Otherwise why are you doing it?