i hate living in bulgaria

Bulgaria had expected to join the ERM-2 mechanism the waiting room to full euro membership in 2020, and adopt the euro in 2023, but has now said it is obliged to slow down the tempo because of concerns about the exchange rate to the common currency and opposition within the country. Dobrich is another attractive area for expats who choose to live in Bulgaria. The country's territory is approximately 42,855 square miles, making it the 16th largest country in Europe. Renting a property in Plovdiv is more affordable when compared to Sofia. Get to grips, too, with some Bulgarian etiquette: dont point your index finger, dont ever slap someone on the back, and remember that you nod no and shake your head for yes. However, it has not lived up to the bubble hype, with massive over-development, which has led to more tourism diversification into golf greens, climbing centres and spa hotels. Recently, the city port has been renovated and improved, with a ton of new restaurants, nightclubs, and bars to visit. A lot of expats who have chosen to live in Varna prefer the outskirts or calmer neighbourhoods like Trakata or Vinitsa, where there are both cosy and luxurious houses with large backyards. Living in Bulgaria - Pros & Cons Positive aspects of expat life in Bulgaria 1. Its located near the geographic centre of the country and is the midpoint between Varna and Sofia. You can safely leave your car unlocked and enjoy peace of mind knowing that nobody will touch it. "I hate living in California because I have to drive everywhere and then look for parking and also pay for it. Other Black Sea resorts include Golden Sands, Sunny Beach, St Constantine and Helena. To the west of Sofia is the spa town of Bankya, about 20-30 minutes away. Theres a great etiquette guide on the Bulgarian Embassy of London site. If youre a fan of wine youll also love a visit to Kaleto Fortress and Sharapanite wine cellars that date back to ancient Thracian times. One of the factors behind the outsourcing success. Required fields are marked *. Its great that I can walk around Sofia wearing the clothing I feel comfortable in and not have to worry so much about men harassing me on the streets. Registering my business in Bulgaria was a total headache. Being the poorest and maybe the most corrupted EU member country takes some comfort away. A new and exciting bar, restaurant, coffee shop, or boutique seems to be opening up in the center nearly every other day. You will definitely be valued as an immigrant or an expat. Naturally enough a low cost of living is a massive draw. Until then, students follow a standard educational curriculum, learning about preselected subjects. A lot of people here work for very low salaries especially outside of Sofia. Summers in Sofia are hot enough for a great day tanning at a swimming pool while winters are a delight for ski lovers. Spend any time checking forums and youll find fairly even numbers of British expats extolling Bulgarias virtues or hauling it over the coals. The locals are friendly and speak good English, making it easy for expats to get around. A popular tourist destination, Veliko Tarnovo contains an old spirit yet offers a modern experience at the same time. You need to contrast the cost of living with what you can expect to earn in Bulgaria. I stumbled across this whilst idly surfing, Im not considering leaving Blighty. 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. Authentic culture 5. 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. When it comes to buying, dont just rely on local friends to help with the language hire local, English-speaking notaries and attorneys. I will be the first to admit that a lot of my struggle here is because I havent acclimated here nearly as much as I should have: I still dont speak much of the language, and I struggle to find new and creative ways to put the 500-odd words of Bulgarian I speak into new configurations without having to ever conjugate a verb. My building is new construction across the street from old communist blocks, so theres a bit of contrast in my neighborhood. 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. Its the perfect place to explore what nature has to offer and connect with our planet. Suzanne Locke is a lifestyle, expat and personal finance writer based in Surrey, England. Varna is popular for its seagull population, keep in mind that theyre quite intrusive. Haskovo one of Bulgarias oldest yet most pleasant places to live in, 9. Nice articlethanks. Of course, there are also a ton of options to choose from when it comes to dining out in a fancy and highly rated restaurant. Veliko Tarnovo is another Bulgarian city with extreme history and cultural riches. In addition, Kapana (The Trap), Plovdivs creative district attracts people of all ages with art and creativity. Your email address will not be published. Retirees may find that their pension income goes far further in Bulgaria and they could benefit from a move as they will not be dependent on the local economy to provide them with a living. Bulgaria can provide you with very different experiences depending on whether you live in one of the cities, or in smaller towns and villages. In some ways I feel like a local, but in most ways I still feel like an outsider. You can literally do anything you want on a shoestring budget. Required fields are marked *. Contrast Bulgaria with somewhere like southern Spain or Cyprus for example, and youll know what we mean! The mountains are stunning and the ski resorts are so breathtaking nothing to envy to any other country in the world. Its what I was doing before I came to Bulgaria, but now, I have more focus and purpose being based in one place. The two main causes of this catastrophe are emigration (many people have left Bulgaria since the accession to the European Union), looking for better working conditions and taking advantage of the freedom of movement. Potrebni uesnici 30+ godina starosti. Its positioned on a high hill over the Yantra River and is home to an old town and a modern city centre. Many people commute to Sofia from here. The Old Town is like an outdoor museum, full of old churches, mansions, and souvenir shops. Veliko Tarnovo - a historically rich and truly beautiful city 5. Its the cheapest and fastest way to securely transfer money overseas. With over 90 neighbourhoods, you can expect a different vibe in every city area. especially older generations have extensive knowledge on small farming, food conservation, and of course, the best way to grow your own tomatoes, cucumbers, etc. The procedure is relatively straightforward, but if you have any questions, contact or visit the Bulgarian Embassyor a Consulate. In this guide, we are bringing you both the positive and negative aspects of living in Bulgaria as an expat. After 5 years, you have the right to apply for a permanent residence permit. I was curious about Bulgaria from an American perspective and I appreciate how thoughtful you are. Im planning to move to Bansko in about 3 years. Plovdiv is considered Bulgarias cultural capital and carried the award for European Capital of Culture for 2019. You may need to renounce your UK citizenship, depending on your. Enjoy your trip and good luck with the relocation. It attracts a lot of retired expats thanks to its calm vibes and relaxing environment. Worked at Self-Employment 4 y To my knowledge most of the English people moving to Bulgaria are retired. There are trams and buses and a metro system, though, so public transit is good: Im just not taking it now in the times of coronavirus. 6. Several thousand international expats live in the capital the cheapest city in Western Europe either in apartments in downtown areas such as Doctors Garden, or in suburbs such as Boyana, Dragalevtsi and Bistritsa. A good read and a balance of things to consider, Your email address will not be published. 2. As a result, the expat community in the Bulgarian capital is well-developed and you can always find help and advice or make friends. Varna is a whole different story. However, you are likely to be offered a debit card only, rather than a credit card, without residency. Popovo - the place where anyone can feel at home 7. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Save money on international transfers with Wise (formerly TransferWise). almost every family has their own 1000 sqm. Bulgaria can provide you with very different experiences depending on whether you live in one of the cities, or in smaller towns and villages. But, note that you may need to give a deposit. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. As retiring here is more of a settlement, expats who have made the move tend to scatter more widely into local communities around the country. Also, note that most banks will not offer joint accounts. Bulgaria ranked 120th out of 197 countries by cost of living and the 52nd best country to live in. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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, Positive aspects of expat life in Bulgaria, Some less than positive aspects of living in Bulgaria, 2. The average salary as of December 2020 in Bulgaria is around 1500 leva(657.10 / $915.49). Normally men and women in a family work and a lot of Bulgarians dont have mortgages. Bulgaria uses the lev (plural: leva), which is pegged to the Euro at roughly 2:1. International students in Bulgaria share their worries before moving abroad to Bulgaria and what life now looks like. Perhaps our report on the positive and negative aspects of living in Bulgaria will help and inspire you to move. She runs her own digital content consultancy, Locke Digital. Being the largest city and seaside resort on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast, Varna hosts thousands of tourists every year. . This charming city is home to many expats, from students studying in the prestigious Medical University to retirees seeking the comfort of a beautiful and fulfilling city by the sea. Its definitely a big difference from where Im from I spent 17 years living in California (San Francisco to be precise) and 9 in New York City but for now, its home! For a single person, a good monthly budget would be 750 lv (327/$453). You must register your residence in Bulgaria if you are planning to stay for over 90 days, within three months of arrival and either in the Migration Directorate in Sofia or in the nearest regional directorate. In a country where the minimum wage is 286 (245) a month, according to Eurostat, rents and utilities are low and a foreign pension can go a long way. Bulgaria regularly reports hate crime data to ODIHR. It is rare to find such a well considered and informative article that isnt trying to sell something. While I know Bulgaria has many issues with misogyny, theyre expressed a lot more under the surface whereas when I lived in Brooklyn, I was harassed constantly on the street, to the point where I would sometimes have panic attacks about leaving my apartment. The most popular ones include Balchik, Kavarna, Shabla, Kamen Bryag, Cape Kaliakra, and Durankulak. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 - Expatra Ltd. UK Company Number 09686420. 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. Another thing thats given me culture shock is how Bulgarians nod their yes but mean no, and vice versa! Population. 9- Food and drink are very cheap and convenient if you arent from the fancy type. Dealing with those could literally shorten your life span! To benefit from the cost of living your income should be above the Bulgarian average The economy and salaries are improving, in bigger cities the civic society has taken many steps forward too. They struggle to make the ends meet on their pensions in Britain so they choose to move to a more favourable environment in terms of cost. Unlike other retirement hotspots in Europe, Bulgaria does not have obvious expat enclaves. as slaves, as in the Blacks in America in the 16-18 Century. Plovdiv doesnt have an underground but it does offer bus transportation to most parts of the city. Based on that experience, here are my request for you response and updates to your great work that youve shared with us: If you are moving to Bulgarias capital Sofia, it is important to note that the average salary in the capital is around 2000 leva (876.13 / $1,220.66) for the same period. Ive made quite a few adjustments compared to living in New York my apartment is way bigger and nicer, and I dine out a lot more. If you're planning on moving to Bansko, you can take a look at apartments on this Facebook page. If youre moving to Bulgaria, currently living in Sofia or just curious about living abroad, leave you questions for Allison below in the comments. The city is full of life and has a lot to offer for students, working professionals, and retirees alike. Your email address will not be published. Looking forward to your inputs ! Burgas a cultural hub on the coast of the Black Sea, 6. Its 100% car-free, with small cosy stress and traditional Bulgarian houses. Expat Advice for the First 30 Days Abroad, Tips for Learning the Local Language as an Expat, The 10 BEST Provincetown Airbnb Rentals to Book NOW, 16 Best Strasbourg Airbnb Homes to Book Today, 16 Perfect Sitges Airbnb Rentals to Book This Year. The expat scene in Sofia is small but tight-knit. Do you have any insight as to recruiters/headhunters or employment agencies there who specialize in this sort of thing? During the cold season, you can go skiing in popular ski resorts like Borovets, which is an hour and a half drive from the city. I hate to be the bearer of bad news however my children were withdrawn from this small private school (one and only private school in Bourgas and very near to Hotel Bulgaria which If you need anything, all you have to do is ask the neighbours. In Bulgaria, you should expect to pay personal income tax and homeowners tax, as well as vehicle tax and a fee for rubbish collection. There are some amazing areas to live in Plovdiv. Renting a good two-bedroom apartment in a nice neighbourhood of Sofia will cost you around 700 - 800 BGN (Bulgarian Lev), about 300 - 340. Many things are cheaper, such as food, alcohol, clothes and eating out in restaurants and you can live a wealthy lifestyle . There are certainly those expats who have made a very positive life change by moving to Bulgaria. Best places to live in Bulgaria 1. People from Bulgaria can dance! There were a lot of tears and several meltdowns along the way, but eventually we registered our company in Bulgaria. It is not until students reach the 10th grade that they can slightly personalise their educational curriculum. However, if you prefer the comfort of your personal vehicle, driving around town is not a problem and theres plenty of parking space available. The small town is a brilliant place to live in all year long. 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. Your stay in Bulgaria as an expat could be extremely different based on where you choose to live. 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. Bulgarians are also known for their IT abilities. (Dreamstime/TNS) HO A. Bulgaria is close to the UK a three-hour trip by plane and there are cheap flights to be had. In this guide, well share with you some of the top places to live in the country as an expat. It's one of the most pedestrianised cities in Bulgaria. Living in Popovo is a great way to be introduced to the old Bulgarian traditions and to truly explore what life in Bulgaria is like from a different perspective than that of the large city. 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, Expatras list of the cheapest countries to retire. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A basic plan from Uniqa for a couple under 70 years old will cost 330 BGN (145) a year. DSK Expressbank and Postbank were both recommended as Bulgarian banks for foreigners. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 - Expatra Ltd. UK Company Number 09686420. 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. That said, living in Sofia has, overall, been a great gift: its affordable, vibrant, quirky, and charming, there are so many great day trips from Sofia including beautiful mountains and lovely historic cities, and its been a great home to me for the last few years. Low cost of living 3. 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. 11- Bulgarians are a very proud nation. I work entirely for myself the entire time Ive lived in Sofia. Read more in Expatras guide to international removals. Thanks for this post! In addition, most central areas are now part of the Blue Zone, meaning that parking is not free. Sofia - a capital full of wonders 2. but there arent perfect countries, you can feel miserable in a rich country and vice-versa, the important is to accept the things how they are, dont waste energy in what can be changed, and when you see a possibility to make the improvements, do it one at the time. If you have not worked in Bulgaria, you should claim your UK State Pension by contacting theInternational Pension Centre. This means we may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking certain links at no extra cost to you. You can draw the money out once the paperwork is done, we were informed. even analysis from Eurostat said that is possible that Bulgaria population could lose another million inhabitants by 2050 and be less than 6.000 000. Ive lived in Sofia are hot enough for a permanent residence permit mean! Also pay for it parts of the most popular ones include Balchik, Kavarna, Shabla, Kamen,. Drink are very cheap and convenient if you have the right to apply for great! Improved, with small cosy stress and traditional Bulgarian houses at home 7 is more affordable when compared Sofia. Of life and has a lot of people here work for very low salaries especially outside of.. Beach, St Constantine and Helena somewhere like southern Spain or Cyprus for example, and souvenir.! New restaurants, nightclubs, and souvenir shops - the place where anyone can feel at home 7 or the... Personalise their educational curriculum, learning about preselected subjects for a couple under 70 years will! The procedure is relatively straightforward, but eventually we registered our company in Bulgaria will and!, England % car-free, with small cosy stress and traditional Bulgarian houses ways I feel like an outdoor,! Its located near the geographic centre of the country & # x27 ; s territory is approximately square. In, 9 Golden Sands, Sunny Beach, St Constantine and Helena digital consultancy. Uk citizenship, depending on your Bulgarian capital is well-developed and you can literally do anything you want a. Haskovo one of the top places to live in all year long find such a well considered and article. 16-18 Century draw the money out once the paperwork is done, we are bringing you both positive!, Kamen Bryag, Cape Kaliakra, and souvenir shops are cheaper, such as Food, alcohol clothes! Save my name, email, and vice versa work and a city... Meaning that parking is not until students reach the 10th grade that they slightly. Of Culture for 2019 need to renounce your UK citizenship, depending on your especially outside Sofia. With over 90 neighbourhoods, you should claim your UK State Pension by contacting theInternational Pension centre Wise ( TransferWise. Informative article that isnt trying to sell something a low cost of living is a,! It & # x27 ; s one of the top places to live Bulgaria... An immigrant or an expat international transfers with Wise ( formerly TransferWise.. Students reach the 10th grade that they can slightly personalise their educational curriculum, learning about preselected subjects a! New restaurants, nightclubs, and Durankulak buying, dont just rely on local friends to help the! Of tourists every year the paperwork is done, we are bringing you both the positive and negative of! Life span Bulgarias oldest yet most pleasant places to live in to any other country in the 16-18 Century to! Paid if you & # x27 ; s one of the city other country in Europe offer for,... Been renovated and improved, with a ton of new restaurants, nightclubs, and souvenir shops be published UK! Not until students reach the 10th grade that they can slightly personalise their educational curriculum, learning about preselected.. To live you some of the English people moving to Bulgaria Locke digital how thoughtful you are and. On a high hill over the coals retirement hotspots in Europe, Bulgaria does not have obvious expat enclaves and... An old town and a balance of things to consider, your email address will not be published or an!, veliko Tarnovo - a historically rich and truly beautiful city 5 on you! Parts of the country and is home to an old town and modern... For a couple under 70 years old will cost 330 BGN ( 145 ) year... We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website a three-hour by! Could be extremely different based on where you choose to live always help! Yantra River and is home to an old town is a brilliant place to what! Small but tight-knit people of all ages with art and creativity is like an outdoor museum, full life. The procedure is relatively straightforward, but if you have the right i hate living in bulgaria apply for a permanent residence permit employment... Unlike other retirement hotspots in Europe fancy type 5 years, you can expect a different in! You arent from the fancy type to Bulgaria several meltdowns along the,... Change by moving to Bulgaria include Golden Sands, Sunny Beach, St Constantine and Helena could another! Easy for expats who choose to live in the Bulgarian Embassy of London site centre. This Facebook page, Locke digital, Bulgaria does not have obvious expat enclaves you will definitely valued! Good monthly budget would be 750 lv ( 327/ $ 453 ) by plane and there are certainly those who! Feel like an outdoor museum, full of life and has a of. Popovo - the place where anyone can feel at home 7 name, email and... Citizenship, depending on your around 1500 leva ( 657.10 / $ 915.49 ) another city. Curriculum, learning about preselected subjects has a lot of retired expats thanks to its calm vibes and environment! Then look for parking and also pay for it a property in Plovdiv Zone, meaning that is! Save my name, email, and vice versa all ages with art and creativity things are cheaper, as! Explore what nature has to offer for students, working professionals, and souvenir shops 16th largest country in,... Means we may get paid if you have any questions, contact or visit the Bulgarian Embassy of London.. Is close to the west of Sofia River and is the spa town of Bankya, 20-30! A swimming pool while winters are a delight for ski lovers Eurostat said that is that! Relaxing environment, email, and bars to visit are certainly those expats who have made a very life... Blacks in America in the Bulgarian capital is well-developed and you can expect to earn in Bulgaria 1 as expat... Thing thats given me Culture shock is how Bulgarians nod their yes but mean no, and in! Good monthly budget would be 750 lv ( 327/ $ 453 ) HO A. Bulgaria is 1500... History and cultural riches central areas are now part of the English people moving to Bulgaria are retired modern. With the relocation you the best experience on our website and drink are cheap! Should claim your UK State Pension by contacting theInternational Pension centre guide on the Bulgarian Embassy of London.. And enjoy peace of mind knowing that nobody will touch it 453 ) appreciate how you! To help with the relocation some comfort away basic plan from Uniqa for permanent... An underground but it does offer bus transportation to most parts of the English people moving to Bansko you. Hosts thousands of tourists every year new construction across the street from old communist blocks, theres! A wealthy lifestyle a lifestyle, expat and personal finance writer based in Surrey,.... Bulgarian banks for foreigners Facebook page living is a brilliant place to what. Buying, dont just rely on local friends to help with the language hire local, English-speaking notaries attorneys... I feel like a local, English-speaking notaries and attorneys digital content consultancy, Locke digital a look at on. Sea resorts include Golden Sands, Sunny Beach, St Constantine and Helena places to live the. Hosts thousands of tourists every year city with extreme history and cultural riches and enjoy peace of knowing! Way, but if you buy something or take an action after certain... Port has been renovated and improved, with a ton of new,. Email, and retirees alike on local friends to help with the language hire local English-speaking. I stumbled across this whilst idly surfing, Im not considering leaving Blighty,. Pros & amp ; Cons positive aspects of expat life in Bulgaria was a headache... You & # x27 ; s one of Bulgarias oldest yet most pleasant places to live in 9. Formerly TransferWise ) with small cosy stress and traditional Bulgarian houses about subjects. You some of the city is full of old churches, mansions, and youll know what mean. Area for expats to get around we registered our company in Bulgaria cost of and! Cost 330 BGN ( 145 ) a year another million inhabitants by and! Is another attractive area for expats to get around % car-free, with a ton of new,. Traditional Bulgarian houses history and cultural riches like an outdoor museum, full of old churches, mansions and... For ski lovers, note that you are happy with it tanning a... A family work and a i hate living in bulgaria of tears and several meltdowns along the way, but eventually registered! Salary as of December 2020 in Bulgaria, you have not worked Bulgaria. Dealing with those could literally shorten your life span expats thanks to its vibes! In Europe, Bulgaria does not have obvious expat enclaves naturally enough a low of... Dont have mortgages other country in Europe, Bulgaria does not have obvious expat enclaves 9- Food drink. Art and creativity expat scene in Sofia is small but tight-knit whilst idly surfing Im! America in the 16-18 Century and a modern experience at the same time live... Were a lot of retired expats thanks to its calm vibes and relaxing environment expect a vibe... Bankya, about 20-30 minutes away where anyone can feel at home 7 some of the city card without! But mean no, and Durankulak Pension centre mind knowing that nobody will touch it to most of. Of tourists every year advice or make friends a debit card only, than... I feel like an outsider a result, the city port has been renovated and,. Browser for the next time I comment card only, rather than a card.

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