Pros and Cons of Living in Bulgaria

Summary: The pros of living in Bulgaria include its low cost of living, its beautiful landscapes, its rich cultural heritage, and its friendly people. On the other hand, the cons of living in Bulgaria include its poor infrastructure, its high levels of corruption, and its lack of economic opportunities.

What are the pros and cons of living in Bulgaria?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Bulgaria responded:

"I like living in Bulgaria, for the most part. It is not an old country...it is an "ancient" country with a rich history. Walking and traveling through this country is a real experience and I do it often. My only negative experience is when I have to visit the U.S. embassy. The American citizens who work there are helpful, polite, and professional. However, the Bulgarian citizens who work there tend to be quite the opposite. Some are "downright snotty". For the most part, they are unprofessional and act as it they are doing you a favor. This is irritating to me as I still pay a lot of income tax which pays the salaries of these people. On top of that, I always felt that visiting my embassy was like visiting the land of my birth," explained one expat living in Varna.

"My biggest complaint is with traffic and parking. Regardless of the posted speed limits, they drive as they wish. Parking is anywhere and in any way even on the sidewalks. Banking seems to take longer than I would expect. Likely because I have U.S. dollars sent to my bank here which seem to take longer to withdraw. Also, one branch bank I have used, which is closer to my home, many times does not have dollars. Then I have to go downtown to the main bank. Try to find a parking space, then I take the dollars and go to a currency exchange where I always get a better rate than at my bank. Banking in Varna is not a big problem but at times it is irritating," said one expat in living in Varna, Bulgaria.

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What do expats in Bulgaria appreciate most about the local culture?

"Vinitsa, a "modern" village 12km above Varna is the most delightful place I've lived. #1 is the beautiful simplicity of life. #2 the blue skies and rolling hills overlooking Cherno More. #3 My apartment is like a miniature palace and I feel like a queen in my home. #4 the fresh air #5 the Romani, who in stark contrast to the over-serious Bulgarian are quick to smile, chat, laugh and run barefoot in the rain! #6 the fact that I have every single possible convenience from transportation to veterinarian care; food, restaurants, post, hospital, optician, riding stables, etc..., etc..., etc..., within walking distance - and I mean a few blocks, not kilometers! #7 for me, it is perfect," said one person in Varna.

"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," remarked one expat in Varna.

What do expats find most challenging?

"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 person in Bulgaria.

"Initially the Bulgarians do not smile much. They may not have a lot to smile about! But once you get to know them they are very hospitable. A lovely elderly woman who lives across the lane knew I was leaving to go back to the UK. She turned up with salty fried bread, cooked chicken bits in a tray, a glass jar of noodle soup and a small sealed jar of something that had been expertly, I am sure, canned several years before. The written words on the label have escaped translation. I went to wash up a plate in the outside sink only to find that the local cat had eaten the chicken. So it was bread and soup it was! Delicious. The small jar still remains to be eaten, if that is what it is for," remarked one expat in Veliko Tarnovo.

Pros and Cons of Living in Bulgaria

What are the pros and cons of living in Bulgaria?

What do expats in Bulgaria appreciate most about the local culture?

What do expats find most challenging?

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