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 started Robe Trotting to share our experiences. Thankyou. You dont need any type of transport to get around the town as you can reach any point by walking. 6. Nearby destinations to visit for a calm and relaxing experience include Ravadinovo and its castle, Nessebar, Sozopol, and more. Our most popular evergreen guides are kept fresh and up-to-date by our in-house research team. Thank you so much for this article, I was thinking of retiring to Portugal but now, I have changed my mind and am planning a trip to Bulgaria next year in 2022. Nationalminimum wageinBulgariaremained fixed at 260.8 per month. But, note that you may need to give a deposit. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 - Expatra Ltd. UK Company Number 09686420. Ill be forthright and say that Sofia is definitely not the easiest city to live in in Europe, and its not for everyone. However, despite the flaws, living in Sofia has a lot of benefits. 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. The existing rules, agreements, and arrangements between Bulgaria and the UK changed after Brexit. So what is it like to live in Bulgaria and how do you go about moving and settling down there? The beaches along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast can be located in the resorts, which are normally crowded during the high season (July-august), but between the resorts, you can find hidden beaches that will amaze you, take your time go and see the country, you wont regret it! This means that its an authentic country, where you really will experience a totally different way of life. 7- Agriculture is probably what defines Bulgarian roots best. 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. Required fields are marked *. Its bizarre to see someone repeatedly shaking their head but actually agreeing with you, and it can definitely cause some confusion with locals. 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. The Sea Garden is a destination where both locals and expats love to spend their days, surrounded by nature and calm vibes. 8 Best reasons to retire to Bulgaria! Property prices in Bulgaria have settled down from their peaks following EU accession meaning that its possible to buy decent accommodation country-wide, (with the exception of a few exclusive suburbs in Sofia), for much less than you would pay in the UK for similar accommodation. I know a lot of this is due to my lack of learning the language, but I also know in my gut that Sofia is a temporary stopover when it comes to my life, and Bulgarian wont be useful to me when I leave the city in a year or two. In Bulgaria, you should expect to pay personal income tax and homeowners tax, as well as vehicle tax and a fee for rubbish collection. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 - Expatra Ltd. UK Company Number 09686420. Haskovo is another small Bulgarian town, where expats can dive into a relaxed way of living where stress and a dynamic lifestyle wont thrive. Best places to live in Bulgaria 1. Some of them would effortlessly win modeling competitions. Emilie is a public relations expert based in Sofia, Bulgaria. 11- Bulgarians are a very proud nation. (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? As a result, the expat community in the Bulgarian capital is well-developed and you can always find help and advice or make friends. The Old Town is home to charming houses in the traditional old-style Bulgarian architecture. Today, I will be talking about the pros and cons of living in Bulgaria, specifically Sofia and Plovdiv. Popovo may not be a large city but it also has delicious food to offer in a few quality restaurants. 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. Dont be fooled by the common misconception that Bansko is simply a ski resort and thats it. Renting a property in Plovdiv is more affordable when compared to Sofia. You can safely leave your car unlocked and enjoy peace of mind knowing that nobody will touch it. Sofia - a capital full of wonders 2. Bulgarian is a difficult language, made more difficult by the fact that it uses the Cyrillic alphabet. 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. You can visit St. Anastasia Island, which is a small islet with a monastery and a lighthouse, lake Atanasovsko, lake Pomorie, and others. I was about to leave Sofia and try somewhere else in Europe, as I was so frustrated by the process of moving here, when I met the man who would later be my husband! 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. You may need to provide a clean UK criminal record certificate. Kiss were supposed to play their final show in 2021, but pandemic delays to the lengthy final . From what I can tell, Im mostly amongst other locals I never hear English spoken in my neck of the woods. 15- Bulgaria has some fastest internet speed in the world, you get great value for money. Its a city of central location and is extremely close to Varna and Balchik. Living in Bulgaria: A Quick Guide for U.S. Expats. 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. 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 . There are two lakes surrounding Dobrich, offering a delightful opportunity to spend evenings outside. (Dreamstime/TNS) HO Bansko may be popular for its natural riches but an interesting fact is that it also offers some of the fastest Internet! 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. Other ski resorts include Pamporovo and Borovets. You will need to present proof of your income or pension and that you have a bank account in Bulgaria. To the west of Sofia is the spa town of Bankya, about 20-30 minutes away. Your email address will not be published. And in my opinion is absolutely correct. The rate of homeownership in Bulgaria is high, at close to 90 percent, with many Bulgarians inheriting land and even a second home. And young Bulgarians are friendly and open, happy to chat with someone and always a bit curious why a foreigner is living in Bulgaria. Depending on your lifestyle, you can live as basically or as liberally as you choose here. 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. Outside, expats are more widely dispersed than in many countries, from Varna, on the Black Sea, to ski resort Bansko. When it comes to the cost of living, the average monthly budget of a family of four ranges between 2,500 lv (1,091/$1,511) and 3,000 lv (1,309/$1,813) without rent. Varna is popular for its seagull population, keep in mind that theyre quite intrusive. Potrebni uesnici 30+ godina starosti. Its just nice to know that you also have the alternative of witnessing food grow in front of your eyes. Flat tax rates 2. The percentage of homeownership in Bulgaria is very high, but if you're moving to the country for the first time as an expat, it's probably best to start with renting.If you start renting, you can test out different cities and see which one you prefer, then once you start to settle down, you can think about making a more permanent investment. So if your income comes from outside of the country and is of western standards then you can live in Bulgaria like a king. Mobile phone packages are cheap for 25 leva you get unlimited calls to all networks with some GB internet. Living in Popovo, youll soon start to feel as if all your neighbours are family. 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. Just because Bansko is a popular ski destination doesnt mean that youll freeze living there. Read More Stories on Our Expat Life Page Get New Posts and More Straight to Your Inbox With the Robe Trotting Newsletter. The summers could get pretty heated and dry while winters are a great excuse to hit the slopes and go skiing in nearby ski resorts. 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. Healthcare in Bulgaria is universal and financed by compulsory health insurance contributions. It is thought that up to a fifth of the 30,000-strong population is foreign. Many people commute to Sofia from here. There has always been a bit of friendly competition between Varna and Burgas locals when it comes to which city is better. 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. Popovo the place where anyone can feel at home, 7. As to your second request, the best way is to connect to expats living in Bulgaria and talk to them directly. "I hate living in California because I have to drive everywhere and then look for parking and also pay for it. and that you can unsubscribe any time. In some ways I feel like a local, but in most ways I still feel like an outsider. If you need anything, all you have to do is ask the neighbours. We get so many emails about this subject and it has taken a lot of research to get to the bottom of this question. The largest community is in the capital, Sofia. There are some amazing areas to live in Plovdiv. Popovo is a lovely, small town in North-Eastern Bulgaria, surrounded by forests and magnificent nature. 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. If you earn a foreign income or pension, the cost of living is incredibly affordable and property prices have settled from their wild peaks. When driving in Bulgaria, carry your passport or ID card, driving licence, registration card, insurance documents and vehicle inspection card. Varna is a whole different story. March 1st, 2023 at 11:21am. Another estimated 2,000-6,000 live in Bulgaria part-time, and are thus not registered as permanent residents. Like our Facebook page. Next up on the list is Plovdiv, Bulgarias second-largest city. A monthly budget of 1,200 lv ($722/530) for a family or two will offer a perfect way of living, rent excluded. "In some ways I feel like a local, but in most ways I still feel like an outsider.". Its located on the banks of the Maritsa river in the Thrace region, southeast of Sofia. The Old Town is like an outdoor museum, full of old churches, mansions, and souvenir shops. We strongly recommend renting a property in Bulgaria first, before you buy. The expat scene in Sofia is small but tight-knit. Find out what its like living in a new country and a new culture while traveling the world as a gay American couple. Its the perfect place to explore what nature has to offer and connect with our planet. Renting a good two-bedroom apartment in a nice neighbourhood of Sofia will cost you around 700 - 800 BGN (Bulgarian Lev), about 300 - 340. Spring and autumn days are purely magnificent, especially if you visit the Sea Garden for a morning or evening walk. Finally, Bulgarians can be very friendly and welcoming, and they can adjust well to having foreign residents within their community. 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. Some links may be affiliate links. We hope that this guide will come in handy and will help you choose the best place that will meet your expectations. As a result of moving to Bulgaria a few years ago, she has a lot to share about what life is like in the country. People from Bulgaria can dance! That is one of the biggest reasons not to move to California." 4. Every expat has to at some point. In Bulgaria both boys and girls dress trendy and in tight-fitting clothing. The average salary as of December 2020 in Bulgaria is around 1500 leva(657.10 / $915.49). Bulgarian Citizenship by Naturalization, step By step! I decided to come back in February of 2018 and have been living here since making it about two and a half years now. Yet in the city center, theres a literal yellow brick road, fairytale-like cathedrals and churches, and beautiful architecture that wouldnt be out of place in Moscow. Bulgarias cost of living is low only for those who earn above the average in the country. Your email address will not be published. The language barrier dealing with anything bureaucratic or institutional is frustrating, and the infrastructure is a little dated and needs a lot of love. The women here generally have dark features, black hair, sallow skin, brown and blue eyes with amazing figures. The city has a surprisingly diverse group of expats living here: a handful of Americans, a ton of Europeans (mostly Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, and British), a decent-sized African community, and even a number of Brazilians (of whom my husband is one!). February 28, 2023 Hunter Wallace Anti-Racism, Anti-White, Crime, Missouri, Race Realism, Race Relations 0. Emilie, thank you for you Intro. I live on the western side of Sofia, halfway between Lyulin (the largest communist block area) and the center. If you're planning on moving to Bansko, you can take a look at apartments on this Facebook page. Required fields are marked *. Paperwork can be painful. I hope this story helps, good luck with your move! 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. However, if you are employed locally and earn an average salary for the country, you will have to adjust your lifestyle accordingly. Bulgaria Schengen Visa, all you need to know! I rent an apartment for about 450 euro a month with my husband. Bulgaria is wonderful! It is not until students reach the 10th grade that they can slightly personalise their educational curriculum. Im doing my due diligence in order to come to a sound decision. You could go to a modern coffee shop in the morning for a coffee and it costs 2.00 leva. Renting will allow you to get familiar with the area and make sure it works for you all year round. 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. Britons will have to go through the immigration procedures set for non-EU citizens. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The other reason for the decisions these people have made is the cost of living in Bulgaria. However, if you prefer the comfort of your personal vehicle, driving around town is not a problem and theres plenty of parking space available. 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. Heavy snow in winter, driving a little zanier than you are used to in the UK and potholes mean you will probably want a four-wheel-drive vehicle and will drive on the right side of the road. Staying connected back home is tough, and being an expat in Sofia during the times of coronavirus, its been a lot harder. You can either join Facebook groups or look on Airbnb. Bulgaria is a funny country it seems to have an almost equal number of expatriates happy ordisaffected with life in Bulgaria. Whats more, those who took their time exploring the nation before committing to one city, town or village based on only limited research have settled in more effectively. 450 euro a month with my husband a difficult language, made more difficult by fact... Average salary for the country, you can either join Facebook groups or look on Airbnb will... Help you choose the best way is to connect to expats living in popovo, youll soon start feel! 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