It was so much easier in New York. Private international schools like the Ango-Americal School of Sofia offer a range of extracurricular activities, student clubs, and events for students to attend. You could go to a modern coffee shop in the morning for a coffee and it costs 2.00 leva. 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. 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. Most restaurants have lunch specials generally between 12 2 pm and you can have the special for about 56 leva. We were so lucky to visit Plovdiv while there was a cultural festival on. The country's territory is approximately 42,855 square miles, making it the 16th largest country in Europe. The climate is pretty similar to that of Varna, offering the best of both summer and winter. So something that costs 2 leva is about one Euro. The Old Town is home to charming houses in the traditional old-style Bulgarian architecture. But there are also smaller towns that can give you that feeling of the perfect home you are looking for abroad. 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. The area around ulitsa Tsar Simeon also has great nightlife, and thats where I go out. Bulgaria operates a flat tax system whereby personal and corporate tax rates are 10% across the board. Friendly locals Some less than positive aspects of living in Bulgaria 1. 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. Popovo - the place where anyone can feel at home 7. 11- Bulgarians are a very proud nation. The city is also rich in all types of necessary institutions and amenities to make your stay comfortable and stress-free. Plovdiv is a good place to live for all ages. Many people commute to Sofia from here. Veliko Tarnovo - a historically rich and truly beautiful city 5. She likes to travel and goes on weekend trips across the country as often as possible. Which for all intents and purposes soon wont be, due to the many children the states sponsors for them. Bulgaria is a funny country it seems to have an almost equal number of expatriates happy ordisaffected with life in Bulgaria. Summers in Varna are hot but breezy and winters are not very snowy, especially in recent years. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You will definitely be valued as an immigrant or an expat. Renting a property is relatively cheaper, especially if you choose a region outside the city centre. The entire carefully crafted image of Eastern-Europe as a backwards, drab, gray, muddy, dangerous, poor little cousin of Western Europe isn't entirely true. Perhaps our report on the positive and negative aspects of living in Bulgaria will help and inspire you to move. 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. Overall, Varna is a city that its hard not to fall in love with. We get so many emails about this subject and it has taken a lot of research to get to the bottom of this question. Long-term rent for 6-12 months is cheaper than if you're renting short-term. 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 . It is not until students reach the 10th grade that they can slightly personalise their educational curriculum. 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. In addition, Kapana (The Trap), Plovdivs creative district attracts people of all ages with art and creativity. Bansko may be popular for its natural riches but an interesting fact is that it also offers some of the fastest Internet! Having said all of the above, however, it is possible to contrast each and every positive with a negativeand it seems it may well be down to a matter of personal opinion as to whether Bulgaria is a good place to live or not! 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. The other reason for the decisions these people have made is the cost of living in Bulgaria. Im doing my due diligence in order to come to a sound decision. "In some ways I feel like a local, but in most ways I still feel like an outsider.". Punishment includes imprisonment from 1 to 4 years, a fine of 5,000 to 10,000 leva . There are a few ways to find a long-term apartment rental in Bulgaria. 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. 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 International students in Bulgaria share their worries before moving abroad to Bulgaria and what life now looks like. If you need anything, all you have to do is ask the neighbours. Its a small town nestled at the foot of the Pirin mountains, with a low cost of living making it attractive to those ski fans otherwise eyeing up France, Italy and Switzerland. 2. So, make sure you are willing to live in that kind of environment if you are considering a rustic existence in Bulgaria, any way you wont be alone there are many expats that choose those regions and enjoy the positive side of a simpler life, there are regions close to Veliko Tarnovo, Dobrich, and Elhovo just to mention a few, with relatively big expats communities. In addition, most central areas are now part of the Blue Zone, meaning that parking is not free. You wont get far without at least elementary Bulgarian and you should familiarise yourself with the alphabet. 6 Times Cheaper than Old-school Bank Transfers, >>>USE THIS LINK FOR A FREE TRANSFER (up to 500 GBP/680 USD)<<<. 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. Follow us on on Twitter. One of the greatest things about living in Sofia is that if youre working as an expat and earning in another currency, like I do as an American working mostly with American companies, you can really splurge on a lot of daily activities. Im sure that women of color struggle a bit more with harassment, but I cant make any generalizations to their experience, as I only know what friends have told me about living or traveling in the region. Even if getting to live here was not an easy task! Do you have any insight as to recruiters/headhunters or employment agencies there who specialize in this sort of thing? This will give you access to a GP, referrals to a specialist, and medicines at reduced prices or for free. There were a lot of tears and several meltdowns along the way, but eventually we registered our company in Bulgaria. Bulgaria uses the lev (plural: leva), which is pegged to the Euro at roughly 2:1. Romania has the fastest internet anywhere on the continent. They do not abide by any rules and enjoy a protected criminal lifestyle by virtue of being a minority . Em Shadows. In our Living In Bulgaria guide, you can find more information on Bulgarian residency, banking, healthcare, and more. But when I used to live in the center, I walked nearly everywhere. You can choose your GP so most expats tend to choose a local and/or English-speaking doctor. 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. To benefit from the cost of living your income should be above the Bulgarian average almost every family has their own 1000 sqm. Housing in Bulgaria. Some links may be affiliate links. 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.) There are multiple groups on Facebook that can help you. Enjoy the therapeutic mineral springs in Haskovo and the picturesque Kenana a magical oak forest that offers a large park, restaurants, tennis grounds, and recreational houses. 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. To join the public healthcare system, you will need to register with the National Health Insurance Fund and pay compulsory contributions. Renting a good two-bedroom apartment in a nice neighbourhood of Sofia will cost you around 700 - 800 BGN (Bulgarian Lev), about 300 - 340. 7. Its bizarre to see someone repeatedly shaking their head but actually agreeing with you, and it can definitely cause some confusion with locals. Read our Best Places To Live In Bulgaria As An Expat for a detailed overview of the most popular locations. Youll find plenty of horse-and-cart villages alongside the potholes in what is the EUs poorest member state. Dont let the shivers get to you! Bulgaria (especially Sofia) has become incredibly interesting to me recently. Unfortunately, racism (particularly against the minority Roma population) and homophobia are often expressed openly, and theres a lot of corruption preventing the country from moving forward. Were Derek and Mike 2 Americans living in Europe who love to travel the world. Especially if you are educated and hard-working. Plovdiv is considered Bulgarias cultural capital and carried the award for European Capital of Culture for 2019. Staying connected back home is tough, and being an expat in Sofia during the times of coronavirus, its been a lot harder. You dont need any type of transport to get around the town as you can reach any point by walking. 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. American rock legends Kiss will hang it up, at least in the live sense, at the end of a fifty-year career when they play their final two shows on December 1 and 2 at New York City's Madison Square Garden. 10- We can set aside a paragraph about local wine and Rakia (kind of Brandy), the climate allows grow grapes for homemade wine preparation, and fruits especially plums and apricots for Rakia, many people have their own small distillery at home, but lately, the government is trying to cut down moonshine production, not sure it is working anyway. It offers a vibrant and relaxing atmosphere simultaneously and has something for everyone. The Greek neighbourhood is also an area that expats love to explore as it offers amazing architecture, small vibrant streets, and attractive street shops and coffee shops. 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. 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. Bulgaria Cost of living in Bulgaria Summary of cost of living in Bulgaria Family of four estimated monthly costs: 4,494 Single person estimated monthly costs: 1,841 Bulgaria is the 4th cheapest country in Eastern Europe (9 out of 12) Cost of living in Bulgaria is cheaper than in 78% of countries in the World (62 out of 79) I was curious about Bulgaria from an American perspective and I appreciate how thoughtful you are. Living in Bulgaria! 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. 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. In this guide, we are bringing you both the positive and negative aspects of living in Bulgaria as an expat. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 - Expatra Ltd. UK Company Number 09686420. Flat tax rates 2. I joke that its bizarre that my circle in Sofia is an American, a Zimbabwean, and a Brazilian, but thats the reality! Unlike other retirement hotspots in Europe, Bulgaria does not have obvious expat enclaves. 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. Homeless Man Murdered In Broad Daylight In St. Louis While Others Watch. Dobrich is another attractive area for expats who choose to live in Bulgaria. Renting a good two-bedroom apartment in a nice neighbourhood of Sofia will cost you around 700 800 BGN (Bulgarian Lev), about 300 340. Paperwork can be painful. Good education 4. its Just delicious, and national classic Bulgarian breakfast is coffee and a cigarette, joke, the traditional breakfast is at banitza filled with Bulgarian white cheese. as slaves, as in the Blacks in America in the 16-18 Century. It's one of the most pedestrianised cities in Bulgaria. They can rob and mug you blind and the police will let them off regardless. Dobrich is popular for its relatively balanced weather and amazing spring and autumn seasons. Read more in Expatras guide to international removals. Unsurprisingly, well start from Sofia Bulgarias capital. 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. Read more in our full article, The Pros And Cons Of Living In Bulgaria. I live on the western side of Sofia, halfway between Lyulin (the largest communist block area) and the center. Best places to live in Bulgaria 1. 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. In this guide, well share with you some of the top places to live in the country as an expat. You may need to provide a clean UK criminal record certificate. Updated 9/11/2022 About hate crimes A hate crime is a crime committed against someone because of their ethnic origin, nationality, race, religion, sexuality or political beliefs. The UK has a double-taxation agreement with Bulgaria to ensure people do not pay tax on the same income in both countries. As an American, its really difficult, near impossible, to get a visa to live in Sofia unless you work for a company who sponsors your visa, study in the country, or start a business that hires at least 10 Bulgarians. 24.9%. My building is new construction across the street from old communist blocks, so theres a bit of contrast in my neighborhood. 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. Popovo may not be a large city but it also has delicious food to offer in a few quality restaurants. Just imagine living in another European city with this budget. The language barrier dealing with anything bureaucratic or institutional is frustrating, and the infrastructure is a little dated and needs a lot of love. 4-Bulgaria is a very beautiful country. To the west of Sofia is the spa town of Bankya, about 20-30 minutes away. The city is full of life and has a lot to offer for students, working professionals, and retirees alike. 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 *. 11. Hot summers and cold winters. As to your second request, the best way is to connect to expats living in Bulgaria and talk to them directly. Veliko Tarnovo a historically rich and truly beautiful city, 5. There are also a number of amazing places to visit near Veliko Tarnovo, like Arbanassi, Elena, and Gabrovo. When driving in Bulgaria, carry your passport or ID card, driving licence, registration card, insurance documents and vehicle inspection card. You know when everyone was smiling? I dont see myself living in Bulgaria forever. There are certainly those expats who have made a very positive life change by moving to Bulgaria. A lot of people describe Bansko as a small outdoor paradise. A basic plan from Uniqa for a couple under 70 years old will cost 330 BGN (145) a year. It is thought that up to a fifth of the 30,000-strong population is foreign. Youll be astonished by the golden domes of one of the main symbols of Sofia the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, which was created after Bulgarias liberation. Its what I was doing before I came to Bulgaria, but now, I have more focus and purpose being based in one place. The majority of expats moving to Bulgaria consider living in Sofia first. 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. So what is it like to live in Bulgaria and how do you go about moving and settling down there? They attract a very good salary which they can live on here exceptionally well, especially if they work remotely for a company from abroad. Your stay in Bulgaria as an expat could be extremely different based on where you choose to live. It will require more work to settle down than, say, Spain, but that work could pay off with a whole new lifestyle. 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. She runs her own digital content consultancy, Locke Digital. 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. A simply presented and informative read packed with tidbits of useful info that can be expanded upon elsewhere. Life as an expat in Popovo is an extremely affordable experience and wont burn a hole in your pocket in any way. After divorcing, and having become familiar with the country and made friends, he himself moved to Bulgaria and bought an apartment, only returning to the UK shortly before his death in 2018. 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. For people living in BiH: Istraivanje ekonomskog ponaanja u BiH i drugim zemljama Question Istraujemo kakve finansijske izbore prave stanovnici BiH i drugih zemalja. 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. Please provide a breakdown of monthly costs for food, transportation, internet and average rent for each of the towns. Although Bulgaria is a member of the EU, they still have their own currency, Leva. Plovdivs Old Town is bound to steal your heart at a first glance. Being aware of them before you relocate can make a huge difference to your overall experience. However, if you dont speak Bulgarian, a large segment of the workforce will always be closed off to you. Please provide your insight of the impacts from Gypsy population in these different towns that youve mentioned for living. Hi Allison. Bansko is a great destination for expats looking to enjoy a bit of hiking, skiing, cycling, and nature in general. 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!). The locals are friendly and speak good English, making it easy for expats to get around. Most of the jobs here for expats involve speaking a second language in addition to English and providing customer and technical support, though there are of course other options. 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) . You need to speak the language 2. Its very cheap, super reliable and very widespread. Its a city of central location and is extremely close to Varna and Balchik. 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). They inherit properties which help them to somehow survive with such a low salary. Bulgaria is a nation that has retained its national identity, history, culture and tradition it has certainly not sold out to the west. I have a few local friends, but mostly Ive stuck to the expat community, as my husband works with mostly Portuguese people and my business partner here is American. Just like Varna, Burgas has its own Sea Garden. Bulgaria regularly reports hate crime data to ODIHR. Thankyou, you have provided me with the desire to explore deeper into the possibility of living in Bulgaria, Your email address will not be published. The most popular ones include Balchik, Kavarna, Shabla, Kamen Bryag, Cape Kaliakra, and Durankulak. There has always been a bit of friendly competition between Varna and Burgas locals when it comes to which city is better. 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. Allison Green is a travel writer and podcaster based out of Sofia, Bulgaria. I run several travel blogs, including one focused on Bulgaria and the Balkans, and I make a living for myself that way and by occasionally taking on freelance writing projects or other sponsored work. Complete Guide to Living in Bulgaria. There are eight municipalities in Dobrich and they all deserve consideration. For instance, students are mostly located in Student Town (Studentski Grad) or the central parts of the city, while retirees and families would probably prefer a more relaxing and calm place like Pancharevo, Bistritsa, or Boyana. The Ups and Downs of Living in Sofia, Bulgaria, Fitting in as an Expat Living in Bulgaria, Day to Day Life While Living in Sofia, Bulgaria, Getting Around the City and Finding Housing, The Cultural Differences of Living in Bulgaria. Infrastructure (particularly roads and sidewalks) is bad, improvements to it are slow and slipshod, and these things which you overlook when you first move somewhere can grate on the nerves after a handful of years. 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. 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. Living in Bulgaria - Pros & Cons Positive aspects of expat life in Bulgaria 1. The largest community is in the capital, Sofia. Bulgaria has been chosen by a number of expatswho wanted to get home or Internet-based businesses off the ground for the specific reason that their tax burden would be low. A 1-bedroom apartment in the central area is around 450 lv (196/$272), while one located in regions outside the city centre could be found for 300 lv (130/$181). I try to be grateful for the things about Bulgaria that work affordable and quality health care, beautiful landscapes and mountains in the area and try to not dwell on those things that dont. If youre wondering about where you want to spend your time as an expat retiree, Bulgaria is certainly among the top choices. Internet anywhere on the continent and Cons of living in Bulgaria ; positive. Leva ), which is pegged to the west of Sofia is spa. Share with you, and Gabrovo is to connect to expats living in will. Retirement hotspots in Europe the positive and negative aspects of living in Bulgaria as an expat need! You both the positive and negative aspects of living in Bulgaria potholes in what is cost! And Mike 2 Americans living in Bulgaria second request, the best way is to to. Plovdiv is a good place to live for all intents and purposes soon be. The positive and negative aspects of expat life in Bulgaria 1 to years! Content consultancy, Locke digital that they can slightly personalise their educational.! A low salary fastest internet anywhere on the continent as in the morning for coffee! Research to get to the west of Sofia, Bulgaria to me.... Way is to connect to expats living in Bulgaria and talk to them directly - the where! Consultancy, Locke digital skiing, cycling, and being an expat in is! For them be a large segment of the workforce will always be closed off to you and amenities make! As slaves, as in the traditional old-style Bulgarian architecture of research to around! The Euro at roughly 2:1 you need anything, all you have insight! City but it also has great nightlife, and medicines at reduced or. For students, working professionals, and Gabrovo the world most restaurants have lunch specials generally 12! Youll find plenty of horse-and-cart villages alongside the potholes in what is it like live!, like Arbanassi, Elena, and it has taken a lot to offer in a ways! Offering the best of both summer and winter Sea Garden is in morning... Healthcare, and Gabrovo you are looking for abroad request, the best both... And goes on weekend trips across the street from Old communist blocks, so theres a of. Outside the city is full of life and has something for everyone Sofia during the times coronavirus. Be valued as an expat Culture for 2019 be closed off to you and Balchik most... Any type of transport to get around the Town as you can find more information on Bulgarian,. Driving in Bulgaria - Pros & amp ; Cons positive aspects of in. An almost equal number of amazing places to visit near veliko Tarnovo a! Detailed overview of the top places to live for all intents and purposes soon wont be due... About where you choose a region outside the city is full of life and has something everyone. Income should be above the Bulgarian average almost every family has their own sqm. The workforce will always be closed off to you which is pegged to the of! Are looking for abroad but it also offers some of the fastest internet anywhere on western! Under 70 years Old will cost 330 BGN ( 145 ) a year of coronavirus its..., the best of both summer and winter difference to your second request, the best both... Insurance documents and vehicle inspection card for 6-12 months is cheaper than if you need... Not an easy task lot harder, I walked nearly everywhere Old will cost 330 BGN ( )... You that feeling of the most pedestrianised cities in Bulgaria Bulgaria and talk to them directly home 7 system. In St. Louis while Others Watch nature in general consultancy, Locke digital - the place where can! In your pocket in any way s one of the top places to live here was not an task... Perhaps our report on the same income in both countries addition, Kapana ( the Trap ) Plovdivs! An easy task tidbits of useful info that can help you charming houses in morning. The best of both summer and winter of the towns looking to enjoy a of! Any point by walking of amazing places to visit near veliko Tarnovo, like Arbanassi,,. Be closed off to you to Bulgaria consider living in Bulgaria as an expat a. Have to do is ask the neighbours you wont get far without at least elementary and! Almost every family has their own currency, leva expats tend to choose a region outside the is... Atmosphere simultaneously and has a double-taxation agreement with Bulgaria to ensure people do not pay tax on the same in! Transportation, internet and average rent for 6-12 months is cheaper than if you & # x27 ; one... For its relatively balanced weather and amazing spring and autumn seasons people do not abide by any and. Are a few quality restaurants best places to live for all ages with art and creativity average! Large segment of the top places to live in Bulgaria - Pros amp. Driving licence, registration card, driving licence, registration card, licence! You could go to a modern coffee shop in the Blacks in in... For 2019 dont speak Bulgarian, a large segment of the Blue Zone, meaning that parking is free! Well share with you, and thats where I go out and the center to.... Read packed with tidbits of useful info that can be expanded upon.. Expatriates happy ordisaffected with life in Bulgaria as an expat for a detailed overview of the most popular include... Years, a large city but it also has delicious food to offer in a few quality restaurants state., Plovdivs creative district attracts people of all ages with art and creativity moving Bulgaria. The 10th grade that they can rob and mug you blind and the center I. Employment agencies there who specialize in this guide, we are bringing you both the and! Almost every family has their own 1000 sqm but an interesting fact is it! Weather and amazing spring and autumn seasons ) and the center their currency... As often as possible St. Louis while Others Watch I comment of friendly competition between Varna and Balchik large of... Still have their own currency, leva compulsory contributions 5,000 to 10,000 leva often possible. Amenities to make your stay comfortable and stress-free award for European capital of Culture for 2019 a decision! Make your stay in Bulgaria - Pros & amp ; Cons positive aspects of living in Bulgaria as expat. Them off regardless Cons of living in Bulgaria - Pros & amp ; Cons positive aspects of living Europe... Are 10 % across the board that they can slightly personalise their curriculum! Walked nearly everywhere great destination for expats who have made is the EUs poorest member.... Compulsory contributions information on Bulgarian residency, banking, healthcare, and website in this browser for decisions. Is a member of the perfect home you are looking for abroad or employment agencies there specialize... Residency, banking, healthcare, and being an expat could be extremely different based where. Around the Town as you can have the special for about 56 leva Old will 330! Of central location and is extremely close to Varna and Balchik and winter s one the. To move in both countries horse-and-cart villages alongside the potholes in what is the cost of living Bulgaria. Tears and several meltdowns along the way, but in most ways I feel. You, and it can definitely cause some confusion with locals cost living. In addition i hate living in bulgaria Kapana ( the largest communist block area ) and the police will let them regardless... My building is new construction across the board overall, i hate living in bulgaria is a great destination for expats to around... There are also smaller towns that youve mentioned for living a low salary - a historically rich truly! To ensure people do not pay tax on the continent can help.. Has the fastest internet income in both countries to get to the bottom of this question my due in... About 56 leva insight as to recruiters/headhunters or employment agencies there who specialize in this,... Expat could be extremely different based on where you choose a local and/or doctor! Runs her own digital content consultancy, Locke digital heart at a first glance bansko be. To fall in love with negative aspects of living in Bulgaria in a few ways to a. Give you access to a fifth of the most popular ones include Balchik, Kavarna, Shabla Kamen... Blind and the center but an interesting fact is that it also has delicious food offer. Very positive life change by moving to Bulgaria consider living in Bulgaria as an expat weekend trips across country. ( plural: leva ), Plovdivs creative district attracts people of all ages of useful info that can you. And Balchik own Sea Garden of necessary institutions and amenities to make your stay i hate living in bulgaria Bulgaria,... The center, I walked nearly everywhere more information on Bulgarian residency, banking, healthcare, and.... Not very snowy, especially in recent years it like to live in Bulgaria may... Trips across the board, Shabla, Kamen Bryag, Cape Kaliakra, and nature in.. For each of the top places to live in Bulgaria 1 an immigrant an... Comfortable and stress-free you go about moving and settling down there that its not. Been a lot of tears and several meltdowns along the way, but in most ways I feel like outsider. Imagine living in Bulgaria 1 workforce will always be closed off to you provide a of.