Are you planning to move to Bulgaria? Are you an Expat, who’s thinking of moving to Bulgaria?
Moving to Bulgaria is one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. If you are still considering this option. There are quite a few important things which you should know before going all the way and making that move.
1) Things to know before moving
Bulgaria is a country in Southeastern Europe. It is bordered by Romania to the north, Serbia and Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south, and the Black Sea to the east. Bulgaria has a population of 7,000,000 people which makes it one of the most sparsely populated countries in the European Union. Bulgaria has a rich history with long-lasting traditions that have not only been preserved but have also been integrated into modern society.
Bulgaria is a country that’s easy to fall in love with for its natural beauty. There are plenty of benefits to living in Bulgaria, and there are also a few important things to know before you pack up and leave your home behind.
2) The Culture Shock
Moving abroad can be difficult, especially if you don’t know much about the country and culture. However, moving to Bulgaria will not cause too much of a culture shock if you arrive with an open mind and prepared for some differences.
3) What is the culture like in Bulgaria?
Bulgaria has a rich culture that is influenced mainly by the Eastern Orthodox and Ottoman Turkish traditions. The country is predominantly white; however, you can find a few ethnic minorities in some areas. Bulgaria’s language is similar to other Slavic languages and it has a distinct alphabet. Travellers are likely to find that Bulgarians have trouble with the English language, so it’s best to learn some basics before you go. You can also get most information you need through gestures, like pointing and smiling or simple phrases like “hello” and “thank you.”
4) What is food like in Bulgaria?
The most common cuisine in Bulgaria is Bulgarian food. Bulgarian food is simple, fresh and delicious. Bulgarians like their meat and potatoes! Commonly eaten foods include soups, stuffed peppers, yogurt, cabbage rolls and pies made from feta cheese.
5) How much will it cost to live there as an expat?
The cost of living in Sofia is lower than in other European cities such as London or Paris. The minimum wage in Bulgaria is 650 leva (around 330€ in 2021) for minimal work hours.
It’s not possible to live comfortably in Sofia just on the minimum wage. A flat in the city center will cost you around 200-300€ per month.
Living in smaller cities is much cheaper than living in Sofia.
Transport in Bulgaria is mostly done by car and bus, and Sofia has an extensive bus network. Sofia also has four metro lines, tram lines and multiple trolleybus lines. The capital city also has an international airport that connect it to more than 20 different cities in Europe.
6) What to look at when searching for a place to live
Finding a place to live in Bulgaria can be challenging if you don’t speak Bulgarian. Property rental agreements are typically only offered in Bulgarian languages as well as English.
It’s common for an expat to ask another expat for advice on where to rent or what areas are best for finding things they need. It’s always a good idea to check the area out yourself before signing a lease agreement.
7) What to expect during the move
Since you will be living in a different country, you will need to get used to their laws and customs. Some places that are popular for expats are Sofia, Plovdiv, Veliko Turnovo and Varna. If you are planning on moving there from abroad, then it is best if you speak some Bulgarian language basics in order to communicate better with your neighbors.
8) How its the Weather in Bulgaria
Bulgaria is located in Eastern Europe where the climate is mostly continental. Summers are very hot and winters can be cold with snowfall possible at times. Due to the geographic location of Bulgaria, the weather conditions may differ considerably between one part of the country to another.
9) It’s very hard to avoid red tape in Bulgaria
Moving abroad is always difficult because there will always be some bureaucracy involved – it’s something we don’t like dealing with but it’s part of life. specially if you are from a country from outside the European union.
10) Road infrastructure is an issue in some Bulgarian places
Many streets in the villages are usually not pedestrian-friendly – they can be quite narrow and the pavements are often missing. In many places you might find yourself walking in the middle of the road if you want to pass someone or go around a car parked in the street.
If you are looking for a less touristy destination with more authentic life, look for a village outside of the popular summer resorts such as Golden Sands or Albena. If you want to be somewhere more peaceful and quiet, try somewhere more traditional like Koprivshtitsa.
These are just a few of many things to keep in mind if you’re planning to move abroad. Hopefully they will make your first steps into the expat life in Bulgaria smoother and safer. If anything on this list has helped you, please let us know! We would love to hear about it in the comments below. Happy moving!
