Bulgaria is wonderful only if you dont come into contact with its red-tape bureaucracy and horrid government institutions. We dont need to be so negative about Bulgaria, there are things getting better every day, and you can see this all arround, were Internet mobile internet and WIFI is a major success story. Refurbishments are to be expected if you buy, but a common warning on forums is to get local advice and recommendations when it comes to builders and never to pay everything upfront. Ive mentioned Cyrillic quite a bit, and it can definitely lead to some funny misunderstandings like seeing HOBO written everywhere and only later realizing that it means novo or new. The mountains are stunning and the ski resorts are so breathtaking nothing to envy to any other country in the world. There are a few ways to find a long-term apartment rental in Bulgaria. When you have held a permanent residence permit in Bulgaria for 5 years, you can apply for Bulgarian citizenship (in Bulgarian). Thats for a 40 hour week. The scenery is just beautiful. Your email address will not be published. International students in Bulgaria share their worries before moving abroad to Bulgaria and what life now looks like. This country was established in 681 A.D. and has survived things you wouldnt imagine, they also are the inventors of the Bulgarian alphabet that through the centuries expand to most of the Slavic countries, they even have a day for celebrating the Bulgarianalphabet and culture, its on the 24th of May, you will see student take the streets with their parade. We promise not spam your inbox Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages cost on average 65% less, and clothing costs are 75% less than the European Union average. In Bulgaria both boys and girls dress trendy and in tight-fitting clothing. The cost of living in Bulgaria is 48.12% lower than in the United Kingdom. Sofia - a capital full of wonders 2. Built on seven hills, it has a partially restored Roman stadium and an open-air Roman theatre, now used to stage open-air concerts and plays. 11. 1. almost every family has their own 1000 sqm. Contrast Bulgaria with somewhere like southern Spain or Cyprus for example, and youll know what we mean! Read More Stories on Our Expat Life Page Get New Posts and More Straight to Your Inbox With the Robe Trotting Newsletter. Its a perfect location for expats who are fond of a green way of living and are looking forward to having the opportunity to move into a spacious house with a garden, where they can grow their own food and crops. There is no risk of theft or any type of crime in Popovo as the locals pretty much know each other and theres a sense of trust and connection. Im struck with homesickness a lot of the time, even though I know that home is a deeply broken place, and Im terrified of whats happening in America on a public health, political, and moral level. The area around ulitsa Tsar Simeon also has great nightlife, and thats where I go out. Bulgaria can provide you with very different experiences depending on whether you live in one of the cities, or in smaller towns and villages. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 9- Food and drink are very cheap and convenient if you arent from the fancy type. Overall, Varna is a city that its hard not to fall in love with. A country house in a remote village could be yours for as little as 20,000 and you could heat it for around 70 a month, half the price it would cost you in the UK. Nationalminimum wageinBulgariaremained fixed at 260.8 per month. All the international coffee and fast food chains are here, Starbucks, KFC, Subway, McDonalds, etc, cost of living in Bulgariais 42.72%lowerthan inthe United States. Expats often choose Haskovo as a popular Bulgarian place to live in as it offers the comfort and cosiness of the small town but its also extremely close to Plovdiv, where you can quickly travel to. Bulgaria makes it onto Expatras list of the cheapest countries to retire and is also on our hugely popular annual list of the best places to retire abroad from the UK. You need to contrast the cost of living with what you can expect to earn in Bulgaria. Thankyou Suzanne Locke! Being the poorest and maybe the most corrupted EU member country takes some comfort away. The expat scene in Sofia is small but tight-knit. Complete Guide to Living in Bulgaria. Living in Bulgaria was a good fit because I needed a place to stay that was cheap, outside of the Schengen zone, yet located in Europe as I had upcoming projects in the area. They inherit properties which help them to somehow survive with such a low salary. We live in a gorgeous brand new apartment with a beautiful view of Vitosha yet the elevator barely works, meaning I often have to walk up or down 8 flights of stairs. The immigration process, registering with a doctor, opening a bank account, buying a property in Bulgaria and other things involving state organisations remain a complex process that should not be underestimated. Recently, the city port has been renovated and improved, with a ton of new restaurants, nightclubs, and bars to visit. Its safe to say that a single person can live comfortably in Sofia with 1,000 lv (437/$605), rent excluded. Bulgaria can provide you with very different experiences depending on whether you live in one of the cities, or in smaller towns and villages. She lives with her husband and two children and has an affinity for writing. But there are also smaller towns that can give you that feeling of the perfect home you are looking for abroad. New pieces of beautiful street art adorn the walls unexpectedly, discovered on your daily walks. Dealing with those could literally shorten your life span! Bulgarias second city and Europes 2019 capital of culture. Theres a great etiquette guide on the Bulgarian Embassy of London site. There are certainly those expats who have made a very positive life change by moving to Bulgaria. A huge caveat is that there is no social security agreement between the UK and Bulgaria, so your UK state pension will be frozen at its current rate upon first payment, with no increases linked to inflation. Like our Facebook page. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 - Expatra Ltd. UK Company Number 09686420. So something that costs 2 leva is about one Euro. We live by a beautiful park thats often filled with litter. Potrebni uesnici 30+ godina starosti. Long-term rent for 6-12 months is cheaper than if you're renting short-term. Emilie, thank you for you Intro. While there is a lot that Bulgaria has to improve upon in many aspects of social justice, catcalling is luckily not a major issue, at least for me as a cishet white woman who can blend in easily here. Read more in our full article, The Pros And Cons Of Living In Bulgaria. Youll find plenty of horse-and-cart villages alongside the potholes in what is the EUs poorest member state. Expats choose to live in Varna for many reasons, however, the main one is the wonderful golden sands of Varnas coastline. One of the factors behind the outsourcing success. However, if youre an EU citizen, moving to Sofia is a piece of cake, and it will require dealing with some grumpy migration officers, but its nothing more than some basic paperwork (albeit in Cyrillic) at the end of the day. Dont let the shivers get to you! The law is strict when it comes to drink-driving, with almost zero tolerance (0.05 percent blood-alcohol limit) and you could face losing your licence and even jail time. So I ended up staying in Sofia for love, and we got married in 2019 after exhausting all the other possibilities to stay together in Sofia, since domestic partnerships are not an option here. Based on that experience, here are my request for you response and updates to your great work that youve shared with us: Plovdiv - the new go-to for digital nomads and expats 3. But to settle well you must truly integrate into the community and learning the language properly is a must. Living in Veliko Tarnovo is a great option for expat retirees as the city is large yet provides a sense of calmness and authenticity with pleasant summers and snowy beautiful winters. Popovo is a lovely, small town in North-Eastern Bulgaria, surrounded by forests and magnificent nature. For a single person, a good monthly budget would be 750 lv (327/$453). 6 Times Cheaper than Old-school Bank Transfers, >>>USE THIS LINK FOR A FREE TRANSFER (up to 500 GBP/680 USD)<<<. Because Gypsies menace daily lives in Bulgaria, Romania quite a bit and that should be a part of the equation for older US expats living in these countries. You can ship your belongings to Bulgaria by sea, air or land; its close enough to drive your stuff over and pets yourself too. Today, the city is an important centre for transport, culture, and education, with more than 400,000 residents. Bulgaria is becoming ever more popular with expats for whom the cheaper cost of living and a good healthy lifestyle are a priority. If you're planning on moving to Bansko, you can take a look at apartments on this Facebook page. Bulgaria is close to the UK a three-hour trip by plane and there are cheap flights to be had. and there are also few flights that connect both cities in less than an hour. The city didn't resonate with me immediately, but after a few weeks of staying in Sofia, I slowly began to fall in love with all that it had to offer. You can go on a hunt for natural beauty in the Pirin National Park, take advantage of the thermal baths, and discover a new way of living. Learn how your comment data is processed. And young Bulgarians are friendly and open, happy to chat with someone and always a bit curious why a foreigner is living in Bulgaria. Renting a property is relatively cheaper, especially if you choose a region outside the city centre. She spends her time running travel websites: Eternal Arrival, Sofia Adventures, and California Crossroads and co-hosting a weekly podcast about anxiety, Im Anxious About. A hate crime is a criminal offence in Bulgaria, and perpetrators receive stricter punishments than those who commit a regular crime. Confirm you'd like to join our email list. Moving to a new country is like entering a new world where different rules apply, and it takes a while before you can fully understand them.Not knowing the language and not having any close friends, it may be quite frustrating to handle even simple daily tasks, let alone sort out the basics - how to get a job, a place to live and a residence permit. Place where they grow fruits and vegetables for their needs, its a tradition to go on weekends and on vacations to the small farm and work the land. Other beneficial activities include language learning in a multicultural environment with modern and advanced methods and a rich pool of young, enthusiastic, and dedicated Bulgarian and foreign teachers. You can draw the money out once the paperwork is done, we were informed. You can choose your GP so most expats tend to choose a local and/or English-speaking doctor. Allison Green is a travel writer and podcaster based out of Sofia, Bulgaria. The biggest attraction, the citys symbol, and one of the countrys most beloved monuments is the Tsarevets Fortress. . Bulgaria is a great place to live if youre not sensitive and particularly good if you have an income from outside of Bulgaria, for example, a pension, or work for a foreigner company, definitely is a nice place to start a family and better place to live than two-thirds of the world. While Bulgaria is developing slowly after rising up from its darker days of communism, the country still has a way to go in terms of being progressive. March 1st, 2023 at 11:21am. The downside is that Varna is one of the more expensive cities in the country, however, it is still a lot cheaper than other European destinations. The procedure is relatively straightforward, but if you have any questions, contact or visit the Bulgarian Embassyor a Consulate. You also need to check the validity of your driver license in Bulgaria before start driving, paying bribes to the police is a practice that slowly disappearing (this is my own experience since I have got few tickets on the road, but never been asked for money). It's one of the most pedestrianised cities in Bulgaria. There has always been a bit of friendly competition between Varna and Burgas locals when it comes to which city is better. Its mostly residential and for families, and I like it for living, but its nowhere interesting to go out in. Just be careful if youre taking a walk to the bar with food in your hands. My building is new construction across the street from old communist blocks, so theres a bit of contrast in my neighborhood. Punishment includes imprisonment from 1 to 4 years, a fine of 5,000 to 10,000 leva . (Which is not done for the general population) So, yes, I wonder why no mention of the above was made in the cons section about living in Bulgaria? 13- Most young educated Bulgarians generally speak English and are so helpful and a pleasure to be around. If you are resident in Bulgaria, you should exchange your UK licence for a Bulgarian driving licence at your nearest traffic police department within six months, after first registering with Bulgarian authorities. Its big, spacious, and brand new with gorgeous views, though the price is definitely on the high end for the city we just were struggling to find a landlord who would let us have a dog, and we ended up having to go with a pricier apartment as a result of it. Plovdiv the new go-to for digital nomads and expats, 4. A detailed overview of the most popular locations for expats in Bulgaria. There are a lot of natural honey producers here. With its relatively mild climate, Bulgaria is pleasant all year round. Were Derek and Mike 2 Americans living in Europe who love to travel the world. Its bizarre to see someone repeatedly shaking their head but actually agreeing with you, and it can definitely cause some confusion with locals. There is so much history that you can explore in Plovdiv, considering that its the 6th oldest city in the world and the oldest in Europe. Living in Bulgaria: A Quick Guide for U.S. Expats. a) Muslims - between the end of the 14th century and the end of the 19th century, Bulgaria was under rule of the Ottoman Empire (Islamic State) and she used the enslaved peoples (Bulgarians, Serbs, Greeks, Albanians, etc.) In addition, most central areas are now part of the Blue Zone, meaning that parking is not free. Guys often wear skinny jeans and black Armani T-shirts, while girls go for equally tight pants and skirts with some sort of a designer tank top, be it Mango, Trussardi or Motivi. The language barrier dealing with anything bureaucratic or institutional is frustrating, and the infrastructure is a little dated and needs a lot of love. What are the average living costs in Bulgaria? Bulgarians are also known for their IT abilities. The 9 Best Places To Live In Bulgaria As An Expat, Living In Bulgaria: Essential Expat Guide 2023, The British Expats Who Bought A Ruin In Bulgaria, 7 Reasons To Consider Living In Plovdiv, Bulgaria, The Ins And Outs Of Living In Sofia, Bulgaria As An Expat, An Essential Guide To Living in Varna, Bulgaria As An Expat, 2. So while I cook for myself a lot because I love to do it, I often order delivery and indulge that way, and I enjoy going out to different restaurants around the city. Veliko Tarnovo is another Bulgarian city with extreme history and cultural riches. In this guide, well share with you some of the top places to live in the country as an expat. Once you have your certificate of residence, you need to apply for a Bulgarian ID card or lichna karta. Bulgaria is wonderful! Friendly locals Some less than positive aspects of living in Bulgaria 1. It offers a vibrant and relaxing atmosphere simultaneously and has something for everyone. 5- Another thing that makes Bulgaria famous its the nice sandy beaches, and the warm water temperature of the Black Sea in the summer season, the beaches can vary from lively and sports-facilitated beach stripes to calm and beautiful campsites. Keep an eye out for pickpocketing and scams. Unlike other retirement hotspots in Europe, Bulgaria does not have obvious expat enclaves. You could look to transfer your UK pension abroad (to Malta or Gibraltar) and the income would still be taxed at 10 percent in Bulgaria but with no taxes upon death. Your email address will not be published. The largest community is in the capital, Sofia. You will need to present proof of your income or pension and that you have a bank account in Bulgaria. In Bulgaria they can afford a pretty affluent life. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. For people living in BiH: Istraivanje ekonomskog ponaanja u BiH i drugim zemljama Question Istraujemo kakve finansijske izbore prave stanovnici BiH i drugih zemalja. 8- Bulgarian Cuisine: Thats why food is amazing a Balcan mixture that produces an interesting cuisine that relies on fresh vegetables during the summer, like Chopska Salad (on the picture) and Tarator soup, the traditional cold cucumber soup, more strong dishes for the winter time: baked Pork with sourekraut. The city is vibrant and thrilling, with a range of different restaurants, coffee shops, entertainment venues, concert halls and theatres. Of course, they both have a lot to offer and theres no coincidence that theyre both on our list of top places for expats in Bulgaria. You can see jars for sale on the sides of roads and in any of the villages. In my neighborhood, cars park wherever they want to; you always have to look down or risk twisting your ankle on some busted piece of sidewalk. There are two lakes surrounding Dobrich, offering a delightful opportunity to spend evenings outside. I like that I know the ins and outs of the best sights, restaurants, and things to do in Sofia, but I struggle with a lot of day-to-day interactions, like figuring out an issue with paying bills or handling paperwork at the migration office. Summers in Sofia are hot enough for a great day tanning at a swimming pool while winters are a delight for ski lovers. Lifestyle and the cost of living in Bulgaria, Settling in Bulgaria: formalities and paperwork, Best Places To Live In Bulgaria As An Expat, etiquette guide on the Bulgarian Embassy of London site, How A British Family Bought & Renovated A House In Bulgaria, Expatras guide to international removals, The Pros & Cons Of Expat Life In Bulgaria, List of Regional Migration Directorate offices, Bulgaria visas and residency for US citizens , Living in Bulgaria after Brexit (for UK citizens) . February 28, 2023 Hunter Wallace Anti-Racism, Anti-White, Crime, Missouri, Race Realism, Race Relations 0. You may need to renounce your UK citizenship, depending on your. Living in Bulgaria means living amongst contrasts, and you have to be comfortable with a certain level of grittiness to be here. You may need to provide a clean UK criminal record certificate. Overall, Sofia is considered a safe city but nothing is ever certain. Tell us more about your life there ! Some links may be affiliate links. The majority of these long-term and permanent residents have settled in central Bulgaria near Veliko Tarnovo, a Bulgarian National Revival-era city with medieval churches and a fortress, which is currently awaiting UNESCO World Heritage . Registering my business in Bulgaria was a total headache. Its located near the geographic centre of the country and is the midpoint between Varna and Sofia. Take a look at apartments on this Facebook Page EU member country i hate living in bulgaria some comfort away smaller towns can... Once the paperwork is done, we were informed account in Bulgaria, surrounded by and! Out once the paperwork is done, we were informed flights that connect cities... Re planning on moving to Bulgaria communist blocks, so theres a great etiquette guide the! She lives with her husband and two children and has something for everyone I comment halls... Bulgarias second city and Europes 2019 capital of culture great etiquette guide on the of. 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