Looking good always trumps feeling comfortable here. I've just spent six weeks in Bulgaria, it's about as East as Eastern Europe gets. Bulgaria uses the lev (plural: leva), which is pegged to the Euro at roughly 2:1. Regards, Hi Mark, you can find detailed information on various locations in Bulgaria in our location guides here: https://expatra.com/guides/bulgaria/. 7- Agriculture is probably what defines Bulgarian roots best. Just like Varna, Burgas has its own Sea Garden. I work entirely for myself the entire time Ive lived in Sofia. To enrol in the Bulgarian healthcare system, you must first get your residency. To benefit from the cost of living your income should be above the Bulgarian average, The Best Places To Live In Bulgaria For Expats, Visit our homepage for a comprehensive range of, Bulgaria Culture, Etiquette and Business Practices at. You can draw the money out once the paperwork is done, we were informed. Every expat has to at some point. The average salary as of December 2020 in Bulgaria is around 1500 leva(657.10 / $915.49). 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. 6 Times Cheaper than Old-school Bank Transfers, >>>USE THIS LINK FOR A FREE TRANSFER (up to 500 GBP/680 USD)<<<. The men tend to physically look after themselves well, that makes it a good place to look for your better half and get married if you still dont. As a result, the expat community in the Bulgarian capital is well-developed and you can always find help and advice or make friends. But do think about this aspect of your relocation carefully and well in advance of you committing to move. She likes to travel and goes on weekend trips across the country as often as possible. The city didnt 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. Spring and autumn days are purely magnificent, especially if you visit the Sea Garden for a morning or evening walk. If you have any questions about our guides or the country discussed feel free to contact us or leave a comment below and we'll get back to you. Friendly locals Some less than positive aspects of living in Bulgaria 1. A single person can do well with around 800 lv (349/$483), rent excluded. 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. Also, note that most banks will not offer joint accounts. 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 city centre is small enough that no car is required if you live downtown: taxis are cheap and there are plenty of trams. Nearby destinations to visit for a calm and relaxing experience include Ravadinovo and its castle, Nessebar, Sozopol, and more. But when I used to live in the center, I walked nearly everywhere. Your pension and other incomes will be taxed in Bulgaria at a flat rate of 10 percent, compared to the UKs 20 45 percent. 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. Thats for a 40 hour week. Follow us on Instagram. The climate is pretty similar to that of Varna, offering the best of both summer and winter. I rent an apartment for about 450 euro a month with my husband. The truth about living in Bulgaria | American's point of view (funny) Lifey 234K subscribers Subscribe 92K views 3 years ago The truth about living in Bulgaria | An American's point of view. 4-Bulgaria is a very beautiful country. Based on that experience, here are my request for you response and updates to your great work that youve shared with us: 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. It is rare to find such a well considered and informative article that isnt trying to sell something. It attracts a lot of retired expats thanks to its calm vibes and relaxing environment. For anyone looking to reduce the amount of tax they pay on their income or business profits, therefore, Bulgaria is definitely attractive! What are the average living costs in Bulgaria? Our previous 1-bedroom apartment in the center had been 350 euro a month, and when my husband lived in a studio, he had a gorgeous one for just 220 euro a month. I shop in malls more often than boutiques, and supermarkets more often than the farmers markets and specialty markets I used to be able to find all over NYC. Healthcare in Bulgaria is universal and financed by compulsory health insurance contributions. The mountains are stunning and the ski resorts are so breathtaking nothing to envy to any other country in the world. Just imagine living in another European city with this budget. You can see jars for sale on the sides of roads and in any of the villages. We avoid military conflicts, crime is low, we don't actively engage in heated political debates, public protests are rare (but avoid them if they do break out), and religions coexist happily on the whole. Its the cheapest and fastest way to securely transfer money overseas. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. They tend to be the ones who have a solid income in place, and who are willing to learn the local language and completely adapt. As an EU country, standard EU rules apply to removals; do note you may need to list serial numbers and brands for all electrical appliances. A basic plan from Uniqa for a couple under 70 years old will cost 330 BGN (145) a year. The city is also rich in all types of necessary institutions and amenities to make your stay comfortable and stress-free. When people describe villages in Bulgaria, they describe horse and cart type of villages. In addition, Kapana (The Trap), Plovdivs creative district attracts people of all ages with art and creativity. Its positioned on a high hill over the Yantra River and is home to an old town and a modern city centre. The average salary after taxes in Bulgaria is $852, which is enough to cover living expenses for 1.2 months. Please provide your insight of the impacts from Gypsy population in these different towns that youve mentioned for living. 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. Summers in Sofia are hot enough for a great day tanning at a swimming pool while winters are a delight for ski lovers. 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. 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. The women here generally have dark features, black hair, sallow skin, brown and blue eyes with amazing figures. They are the success story of post communism leading a free-loading and pay-for-nothing lives, as well as the beneficiaries of state benefits and hand-outs. There are also a number of amazing places to visit near Veliko Tarnovo, like Arbanassi, Elena, and Gabrovo. Nice articlethanks. (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? (Dreamstime/TNS) HO Popovo may not be a large city but it also has delicious food to offer in a few quality restaurants. 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. 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 cost of living in Bulgaria is $739, which is 1.32 times less expensive than the world average. The Old Town is home to charming houses in the traditional old-style Bulgarian architecture. Bulgaria can provide you with very different experiences depending on whether you live in one of the cities, or in smaller towns and villages. To put it simply, Plovdiv doesnt disappoint in any way. The language barrier dealing with anything bureaucratic or institutional is frustrating, and the infrastructure is a little dated and needs a lot of love. 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. Over-sold as a location after its entry into the European Union in 2008, a real estate bubble quickly formed and burst in Bulgaria, which has left some out of pocket, particularly if they invested in big new tourist developments on the coast or in the ski resorts. As one of Europes cheapest countries, there is so much to experience and explore, so much history to dig into, and so much beauty to see. Its best to avoid regions like Lyulin, Lions Bridge, Fakulteta, and Sveta Nedelya Square. There are certainly those expats who have made a very positive life change by moving to Bulgaria. International students in Bulgaria share their worries before moving abroad to Bulgaria and what life now looks like. Cost of living in Sofia is the best part of being based here! Emilie is a public relations expert based in Sofia, Bulgaria. I dont see myself living in Bulgaria forever. It offers a vibrant and relaxing atmosphere simultaneously and has something for everyone. It may take up to 14 days for your application to be approved, after which you may still have to return to the branch to actually open the account. 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 ski resort of Bansko (and nearby spa village Banya) has obvious charms. 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. Recently, the city port has been renovated and improved, with a ton of new restaurants, nightclubs, and bars to visit. I joke that its bizarre that my circle in Sofia is an American, a Zimbabwean, and a Brazilian, but thats the reality! Read about the advantages and disadvantages of living in Bulgaria before you move there. Homeless Man Murdered In Broad Daylight In St. Louis While Others Watch. 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. It is thought that up to a fifth of the 30,000-strong population is foreign. Your stay in Bulgaria as an expat could be extremely different based on where you choose to live. 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. Bulgaria definitely has several things that give you culture shock. I guess its best kept under wraps. Its bizarre to see someone repeatedly shaking their head but actually agreeing with you, and it can definitely cause some confusion with locals. Allison Green is a travel writer and podcaster based out of Sofia, Bulgaria. Whenever I go out to a restaurant, its almost always in Oborishte! All of these destinations will inspire you to spend more time in nature and enjoy weekends of camping by the sea. I lived and travelled through East European countries from age 18 till 25, many decades ago. When you have held a permanent residence permit in Bulgaria for 5 years, you can apply for Bulgarian citizenship (in Bulgarian). 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. 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. If you don't want to be surprised by this different way of socially behaving, it might be best to read up on Bulgarian culture. The country is one of Europes oldest and offers a perfect balance of historical treasures and a modern, digitized approach to living. A family of four can conveniently live in Veliko Tarnovo for about 2,800 lv (1,221/$1,692), excluding rent. Low cost of living 3. 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! As to your second request, the best way is to connect to expats living in Bulgaria and talk to them directly. Bulgaria is wonderful only if you dont come into contact with its red-tape bureaucracy and horrid government institutions. If you are the kind of person who takes a considered approach to relocation, who has spent time getting to know Bulgaria before moving permanently, you have good chances to adjust well to what is an undoubtedly very beautiful country. 0. Some of them would effortlessly win modeling competitions. Unlike other retirement hotspots in Europe, Bulgaria does not have obvious expat enclaves. Im in a long-distance relationship with my boyfriend who works in Sofia, Bulgaria. On the other hand, when it comes to Bulgarian public schools, they are completely free to attend and textbooks are provided for free for students in certain grades. Most restaurants have lunch specials generally between 12 2 pm and you can have the special for about 56 leva. Find out what its like living in a new country and a new culture while traveling the world as a gay American couple. When driving in Bulgaria, carry your passport or ID card, driving licence, registration card, insurance documents and vehicle inspection card. However, you are likely to be offered a debit card only, rather than a credit card, without residency. She lives with her husband and two children and has an affinity for writing. Hi Allison. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The majority of expats moving to Bulgaria consider living in Sofia first. Your tax obligations 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. as slaves, as in the Blacks in America in the 16-18 Century. Sinemorets, Bulgaria. You can literally do anything you want on a shoestring budget. Tell us more about your life there ! As someone that. A few large cities are among the most attractive places to live in for international individuals as they provide a modern and new-age experience. Summers in Varna are hot but breezy and winters are not very snowy, especially in recent years. Its where former medieval tsars lived and ruled. They inherit properties which help them to somehow survive with such a low salary. 1. Em Shadows. Bulgaria regularly reports hate crime data to ODIHR. That is one of the biggest reasons not to move to California." 4. Plovdiv the new go-to for digital nomads and expats, 4. Living in Sofia is a far cry from San Francisco, but wherever youre from and wherever you end up living you can find a way to make it home. Bulgarias second city and Europes 2019 capital of culture. Living in Bulgaria! Today, the city is an important centre for transport, culture, and education, with more than 400,000 residents. If you dont speak the language, the types of jobs you can get will be low paid jobs and you will have to work very hard to scrape a living together. It was so much easier in New York. Finally, Bulgarians can be very friendly and welcoming, and they can adjust well to having foreign residents within their community. Spend any time checking forums and youll find fairly even numbers of British expats extolling Bulgarias virtues or hauling it over the coals. Well done Suzanne. Authentic culture 5. The other reason for the decisions these people have made is the cost of living in Bulgaria. Decades ago is done, we were informed blue eyes with amazing figures ski resorts so... European countries from age 18 till 25, many decades ago just imagine living in Sofia, Bulgaria around. High hill over the Yantra River and is home to an old town is home to an old is. Well with around 800 lv ( 349/ $ 483 ), rent excluded informed! 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