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Digital Nomad Guide to Bulgaria | Digital Nomad Exchange
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Digital Nomad Life in Bulgaria

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By Betsy Burlingame

Summary: Bulgaria is a popular destination for digital nomads. The most popular cities for digital nomads in Bulgaria are Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna. Digital nomads like living in Bulgaria because of its low cost of living, its vibrant culture, and its beautiful scenery. A digital nomad can live on a monthly budget of around $1,000 in Bulgaria. This budget can cover rent, food, transportation, and entertainment. The culture of Bulgaria is a mix of Eastern European and Balkan influences. Bulgarians are known for their hospitality and friendliness. Foods popular in Bulgaria include Shopska salad (a salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and feta cheese), banitsa (a pastry filled with cheese and eggs), and tarator (a cold soup made with yogurt, cucumbers, and dill).

How do I meet people in Bulgaria?

When we asked people living in Bulgaria about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Expats in Bulgaria often join clubs and activities such as language exchange groups, hiking clubs, and book clubs. Expats can also meet people by attending local events such as festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests, as well as attending networking events and meetups," explained one expat living in Bulgaria.

What is life like in Bulgaria?

When we asked people living in Bulgaria what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Bulgaria is generally quite pleasant. The country is known for its low cost of living, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. The people are friendly and welcoming, and the country offers a variety of activities and attractions to explore. The country is also well-connected, with good internet access and plenty of coworking spaces available. With its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine, Bulgaria is an ideal destination for those looking to experience a different way of life," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Bulgaria.

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Where should I live in Bulgaria?

We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Bulgaria is to use online resources such as real estate websites. These websites typically list a variety of properties for rent or sale in Bulgaria, including apartments, houses, and villas. Additionally, you can search for properties on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, as many landlords and real estate agents post their listings on these sites. You can also contact local real estate agents in Bulgaria to help you find a suitable property. Finally, you can also look for rental properties in newspapers and magazines, as many landlords advertise their properties in these publications," said one person in Bulgaria.

"Wanted a house in town with land at a good price, but hard to come by. Searched many many estate agents, found 2 luckily in the same area, brought one of these, as don't drive its easy to walk into town, no problems in winter, and am on the main train line so can get anywhere in Bulgaria," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Pleven.

What do I need to know before moving to Bulgaria?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Bulgaria, they said:

"Before retiring in Bulgaria, expats should familiarize themselves with the local language, as English is not widely spoken. It is also important to research the cost of living in the area, as prices can vary significantly from city to city. Additionally, expats should be aware of the healthcare system in Bulgaria, as it is not as comprehensive as in some other countries. Furthermore, expats should research the local culture and customs, as well as the climate, to ensure they are prepared for their new home. Finally, expats should ensure they have the necessary paperwork and visas in order to legally retire in Bulgaria," explained one expat living in Bulgaria.

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What do people appreciate most about the culture in Bulgaria?

"Expats in Bulgaria appreciate the country's rich cultural heritage, which includes a variety of traditional music, dance, and art. They also enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals, who are known for their welcoming attitude towards visitors. Additionally, expats appreciate the country's stunning natural beauty, with its mountains, forests, and Black Sea coastline. Finally, expats enjoy the affordable cost of living in Bulgaria, which makes it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget," said one expat who made the move to Bulgaria.

"The traditions that are observed most of which are centuries old. One of which is "Martinitza" (probably not spelled correctly). March 1st which celebrates the coming of spring and you wear something red and white. Everyone seems to participate even the dogs and cats. Coffee shops...Bulgarians love to sit inside or outside, talk and drink coffee...very good coffee," explained one foreigner living in Varna, Bulgaria.

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What do people find most challenging about the culture in Bulgaria?

"Putting up with terrible drivers. Streets in many cities are very narrow and cars are parked every which-way on sidewalks or wherever. Speed limits for the most part are not observed and very seldom enforced. I will admit that the new government is trying to crack down on speeders with cameras," said one person in Varna.

"Expats in Bulgaria often find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Additionally, the country's bureaucracy can be difficult to navigate, as many processes are not well-documented or easily accessible. Furthermore, the cultural norms and expectations can be difficult to understand, as they are often quite different from those of other countries. Finally, the cost of living in Bulgaria can be high, making it difficult for expats to adjust to the local lifestyle," said one expat who made the move to Bulgaria.

What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Bulgaria for a while?

"If you plan to stay in Bulgaria for a while, you will need to apply for a long-term residence permit. This permit is valid for up to five years and can be renewed. You will need to provide proof of your identity, proof of financial means, and proof of health insurance. Additionally, you may need to provide a criminal record check from your home country. Depending on your nationality, you may also need to apply for a visa before entering Bulgaria," said one expat who made the move to Bulgaria.

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What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Bulgaria?

We asked people in Bulgaria if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:

"I wore my first Martinitsa well in June, when a kind friend told me it was time to put it away," said one person in Varna.

"It is important to be aware of cultural differences when visiting Bulgaria. It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions. Avoid making negative comments about the country or its people. It is also important to dress modestly and to avoid public displays of affection. It is also important to be aware of the local etiquette when it comes to dining, such as not starting to eat until the host has given the signal to do so. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local customs when it comes to gift-giving, such as not giving an even number of flowers as this is considered bad luck," said one expat who made the move to Bulgaria.

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What are healthcare services like in Bulgaria?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Bulgaria, they replied:

"Be sure you now how to call an ambulance and know a doctor with who you can communicate," said one member in Ivaylovgrad.

"Healthcare services in Bulgaria are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all Bulgarian citizens. The quality of public healthcare in Bulgaria is generally good, with a wide range of services available. Foreign residents are able to access the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay a fee for some services. Expats in Bulgaria can use the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay a fee for some services. Expats may also choose to use private healthcare services, which are generally more expensive but may offer a higher quality of care," explained one expat in Bulgaria.

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What are the pros and cons of living in Bulgaria?

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the low cost of living in Bulgaria, as well as the country's rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. They also enjoy the friendly locals and the fact that English is widely spoken. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the bureaucracy and paperwork involved in setting up a business or residence in Bulgaria to be a bit overwhelming. Additionally, the country's infrastructure can be lacking in some areas, making it difficult to access certain services," explained one expat living in Bulgaria.

"Qualty of life ,cost of living, very inexpensive. Locals are very friendly and helpfull. Climate much better than my home country," said one digital nomad in Burgas.

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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Contribute to Bulgaria Network Contribute
Help others in Bulgaria by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Bulgaria.

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