Bulgaria - British Expat Forum

I saw this new site and thought it must be some kind of British humour, for the life fo me, why would people move to Bulgaria.?

Ii don't mean this to be offensive, but what is the appeal, why would people leave the U.K for the U.S.S.R.?

Hi Michael

Dunno what you mean about this being a new site - it's the same stuff as before but reorganised so people can find things more easily. (Same as we did for Canada etc some time ago.)

Each to their own, not everyone wants to live in the same place, thank goodness. I've never been to Bulgaria but it must have something going for it as the place is buzzing. Its popularity on here led to us creating a dedicated forum for it. There are loads of people moving there. Let's hope some of them tell us the reasons why it's such a good place to move to.

Kay

Kay, I agree, there must be more appeal than cheap housing??

To tell the truth, I know Bulgaria is in Europe some where, maybe it used to have another name??

Did they not have a real mean Secret Police, KGB on steroids??

I don't know anything about the politics of Bulgaria, other than that they're going to join the EU soon. Perhaps you could start a new thread on the subject of Bulgarian politics if you're interested in it.

I wouldn't let a country's history put me off a place. Dave and I recently visited Cambodia and loved the place. You'd be hard pushed to find more horrors in recent history than there - even the Nazis seem less frightening in comparison. Things move on.

Anyway, it's often the politicians and not the people themselves who do the things which can make a country a "bad" place to be.

Why not chill out a bit and look at more positive stuff rather than worrying about the bad side of things? We have several people here who seem very happy with their experiences of Bulgaria. Live and let live. Why stir it up?

I agree, we've had some very positive postings about people's experiences in Bulgaria. There has to be something attractive to attract all the attention it's been getting. I don't reckon cheap housing is a good enough draw, there must be culture and architecture that was hidden by the USSR and now allowed to flower.
Perhaps we'll hear from some happy bulgarians/bulgars?

Graeme

i am going to stay right here, at 62 years of age I don't want to take the risk of getting a needle in my butt and waking up as some old guys Boy toy.

[Link removed. I can't see how promoting a Canadian website is relevant to the Bulgaria forum. Kay]

These expatriates are drawn by the climate, the safe sandy beaches, the incredibly low cost of living and low prices generally, the historical heritage that Bulgaria offers and the welcome they get from the friendly Bulgarians.

While Bulgaria does not yet have the same destination appeal of Spain or Portugal say, all that is about to change as Bulgaria gets closer to entry into the EU in 2007.

Those choosing a new life in Bulgaria now are getting in ahead of the pack as this country is about to become very fashionable.


The biggest growth rates in terms of expat population increase are expected in the more desirable areas in and around the major resort centres of Varna and Burgas. With further population development expected in other selected ‘premium quality’ locations on the Black Sea coast.

British expats already living in Bulgaria are attracted to the fact that you are far less likely to become a victim of crime in Bulgaria than on any UK street nowadays. Street crime in Bulgaria is rare, and general crimes against ‘the person’ are statistically lower compared to western European countries.

On the whole Bulgaria is a peaceful, law abiding and trouble free country and Bulgarians are friendly, warm and welcoming people.

Expatriates attracted to Bulgaria are rewarded with great beaches a sunny climate and attractions as diverse as wine tasting, aqua parks, ancient monuments, nature parks, music and flower festivals.

And the cost of living is incredibly low.

Thanks, Timothy

These all sound like great reasons to move there. Not so dissimilar to our own reason for moving although we're not all that interested in beaches. But, as you say, friendly people, low crime rate, low cost of living, are all great factors. Plus we (you in Bulgaria and us in Thailand) enjoy a warm climate too. What more could a person want? 8)

It's a nicely relaxed and relaxing place. It offers a new slant on life (urban or rural). It's not obsessive -- "a little dab'll do you ya" is the attitude, they are never pedantic about results around here. People are quiet and appear quietly happy, even if all of them claim to be miserable or sick or on the edge of bankruptcy. Brits are respected and liked. Not speaking the language isn't really a problem -- most Bulgars make the effort for you. Okay, so you might get ripped off by the occasional waitress coz she sees your fat foreign wallet coming, but hell, it's chicken feed, so relax, don't worry, be happy (go native, in other words)...

What does it for me is -- there's no street crime and no street "attitude" to speak of -- nothing like the UK where it seems you run into self-confident and aggressive crowds of young louts at every turn, in every town or city centre and in most suburban centres. Horror stories about the Bulgar mafia abound and one perhaps ought to watch oneself a bit in Romany areas, but unless one wants to make it big in local crime, all that's of no concern.

It's cheap, though for property and basics only -- some things cost a packet, coz they are imported. And EU membership will push prices up, no doubt. So enjoy it while it lasts.

As for it's nice climate, hmmm... Loads of rain last summer. HEAVY winters!!! HEAVY summers! Nicest in spring and autumn, in my humble opinion. Repair to the UK for Crimbo and high summer hols. Generally nice, dry climate for arthritis sufferers, though.

A big minus is the bureaucracy which is heavily Continental -- demanding, slow, regarding ordinary people as supplicants, very complicated, and very intrusive. You have to cart all sorts of bits of paper around, and they are all checked regularly and fray, and you have to go get duplicates...

Another big minus is roads and road manners. Bulgars are appalling drivers (incompetent AND aggressive) and die X times more often on the road than British drivers do. So drive defensively and don't let the bastards grind you down!

Oh, and beer's nice

And so is the Rakia

The Rakia's a definate plus....

One thing about the Bulgarian drivers though, compared to Britain - they all know EXACTLY how wide their cars are... not many seem to manage that here in the UK.

Why live in Bulgaria?

1. Bulgaria is the only country in Europe that is still known by its original name (founded in [/or earlier than] 681 AD)
2. Very rich history: oldest golden treasure in the world, burial mask, etc. New important discoveries are announced almost every month
3. Bulgaria is the craddle of the ancient Cyrillic alphabet and one of the first Christian Orthodox countries
4. Bulgaria has a rich variety of climates formed by the proximity of the Black Sea, the Danube and several high mountains (Stara Planina, Rila and Pirin)
5. People are very warm and hospitable
6. 3/4 of all people have a university degree of some kind (ex-Communist influence)
7. Most people speak at least a little English
8. Stunningly beautiful nature
9. High quality wine, beer and rakia (grape/plumb brandy) at very low prices
10. NO TERRIRIST ATTACKS WHATSOEVER (Bulgarians are known to be very tolerant to other nations and races)

Hi there

My boyfriend is Bulgarian and we moved here last September. I had never been to Bulgaria before and didn't know what to expect. It's very beautiful. In fact it reminds me a little of where I lived in the UK so settling down has not been a problem. We have made many friends both Bulgarian and English. It's an easier way of life, you still work hard but the rat race is absent which suits me. I know many people have been attracted to the cheaper houses, maybe they just wanted to invest, holiday home, but it's amazing how many people see the chance for a more relaxed lifestyle, fall in love with the country and relocate. Each to their own, it won't suit everyone.

Charlie

How about the Bulgarian women? Have you seen them?

I got very pleasant experience.

Dear Michael,
Bulgaria has never been part of the USSR.

The biggest problem (during the dark times of the Iron Curtain) was the lack of information. We had no information about you guys (except maybe Beatles) and vice versa. Bulgaria is not so bad at all (as probably many of the westerners think). The life in BG has its negative and positive sides as in any other country in the world. Bulgarians are just regular people, but the culture is different than yours.
My advice to all of you is to try to collect as much as possible information beforehand. It is always a good idea to hear different opinions, when you are going to take an important step in your life. This is not so difficult in 21 century.

Good luck to all of you!