Life in Bulgaria as a foreigner can be and probably will end up being a daring adventure. Nestled between the snow-capped mountains of the west and sun-kissed coastlines of the east lies a country that’s home to a proud nation that managed to preserve its traditional way of life in the era of modern city life. If this sounds compelling and you’re contemplating a move to Bulgaria, keep reading my friend, I’m sure you’ll get a lot of useful insights here…
Living in Bulgaria Will Be An Adventure
Bulgaria boasts scenery that can leave you breathless, from the snow-capped Rila and Pirin ranges to the sun-kissed beaches along its coastal line, but this beauty is just the beginning.
There are the cobbled streets of Plovdiv’s Old Town, a city older than Rome, or Bulgaria’s capital Sofia, that often gets labeled as a poor man’s Prague but it’s pretty awesome if you ask me.
But aside the vistas and traditions the real adventure for a foreigner is navigating this unique country are the social interactions. For example, did you ever see or hear of someone expressing gratitude by signaling a ‘no’ with a nod? I know it sounds confusing, but then again many things about Bulgaria are, which brings me to my first point…
Understanding Bulgaria
If you try to learn a bit more about Bulgaria, follow the news, or interact with people, you’ll inevitably come across some typical stereotypes that Western European have about Bulgarians. To be brutally honest, Bulgaria often gets pegged as the ‘black sheep’ of the EU because it’s a champion in poverty, corruption, close historical ties to Russia, and authoritarian tendencies. But as always, things are a bit more nuanced.
First off, let’s talk about that ‘black sheep’ narrative. Bulgaria has its struggles, no one’s denying that. However, gauging a country’s value merely based on its economic indicators or political turbulence is kind of unjust and here’s my two cents on this topic: Bulgaria’s richness isn’t in its bank vaults, but in its heart and soul.
It’s like comparing a crispy Bulgarian ‘banitsa’ to a Parisian croissant. Both flaky, both delicious, but completely different flavors. The banitsa isn’t trying to be a croissant, and it shouldn’t be. Just like Bulgaria isn’t trying to be France or Germany. And this my friend is one thing you have to embrace if you really want to learn about Bulgaria. Only once you open your mind you can truly…
Learn To Look Beyond & Embracing Bulgaria’s Contrasts
At first glance, Bulgaria might seem like a nation of contrasts, much like the colorful juxtapositions seen in the streets of India. The old with the new, the rich histories clashing with modern aspirations, poverty mixed with luxirous modern buildings, and so on…
But here’s the thing – it’s these contrasts that form Bulgaria’s very soul. Venture into Sofia, the capital, and you’ll witness centuries-old Orthodox churches standing proudly next to shimmering skyscrapers. Visit one of the most underrated European cities– Plovdiv, and you’ll find an ancient Roman amphitheater, hosting global music festivals but also a lot of poverty, trash, and poor infrastructure. A bit of a head-scratcher? Yup. But that’s the magic of Bulgaria, it keeps you on your toes at all times.
Living here, one learns to embrace these contrasts rather than resist them. Much like how Indian streets teach resilience amid chaos, Bulgaria teaches you to find beauty in disparity. It’s in the local ‘mehana’ where the elderly folks chat about everything from personal problems to politics and these semi-drunk to drunk conversations are beautiful…
But here’s the kicker: To truly immerse yourself in the Bulgarian way of life, you have to peel back layers and look deeper and our next section will be the first piece of the beautiful mosaic that is Bulgaria…
The Bulgarian Way: Time, Traditions, and Trysts
In Bulgaria, time has a different essence. Things here move slowly and people like enjoying in the moment, spending afternoons sipping homemade Rakia with neighbors, discussing everything from politics to the latest village gossip and that is beautiful in its own way but often results with them not being the most punctual bunch in the world.
And that’s just the beginning; the language barrier is still present although not as much as before. Then there’s the (unnecessary) bureaucracy, often perceived as tedious and blatant corruption that is often blamed for most of the country’s problems. Yet, it is not enough to break the resilient Bulgarian spirit – Aa spirit that says, “Life might not be easy here, but it’s worth every moment.”
And is there a better way to show this than than…
Crafting Solutions from Scraps: The Essence of Bulgarian Resilience
I’ll only base this one off my personal experiences and I’ll start my story in a remote quaint village nestled in the Rhodope Mountains, I met Baba (grandmother) Vanya, an elderly woman with twinkling eyes and hands that have seen decades of hard work. With remarkable dexterity, she transformed old, worn-out fabrics into completely usable new quilts.
One more example is Dimitar, an old enthusiastic mechanic in Sofia’s suburbs who uses a collection of parts, many rusted, some gleaming (again that most might consider to be garbage) to breathe life into old automobiles.
These personal encounters highlight a larger narrative – that of Bulgaria’s inherent resilience born out of tough times throughout its recent history. In Bulgaria, innovation isn’t about high-tech but about everyday solutions to the problems everyday people face with the limited resources they have.
And this is because people have seen nothing but tough times for a while. After all, there’s a reason why…
Bulgaria’s Population Is Decreasing Fast
If you’ve been keeping a close eye on European demographics lately, you might’ve come across a startling fact: Bulgaria’s population is shrinking, and rather rapidly at that (from 9 million in the 1990s to 6.8 million today). The question that then arises is – why?
Let’s start with the obvious- it’s officially the poorest country in the EU and joining the EU in 2007 has made it much easier for Bulgarians to move to some of the other, more prosperous EU counterparts. Poor infrastructure, limited opportunities inefficiencies in administrative processes, and the looming shadow of corruption make daily life in Bulgaria frustrating for the average Bulgarian, causing many of them to pack their bags and leave.
However, as I said in the beginning, not everything in Bulgaria is black and white and we have to admit that…
It Has Gone A Long Way
Let’s dial it back a bit, shall we? The 90s and the early 2000s were turbulent times for Bulgaria. Tales of mob killings and crime rates shocked Europe every day. Sofia’s streets, which now hum with laughter and music from its bustling cafes, were once darkened by the shadow of crime. But today, and the narrative has taken a turn for the better. The crime rates have plummeted. No place is entirely devoid of problems, but I have to acknowledge that Bulgaria looks much better than it did in the 90s.
Turning our attention to the healthcare system, well, I won’t spin tales. It’s still a work in progress. The education system has seen commendable improvement with more Bulgarians than ever before are pursuing higher education and getting degrees and a lot of this is tied to the support from the EU. The influx of EU funds has revitalized infrastructure, public services, and even the arts (but a lot of it was also eaten by corruption, to keep things completely candid).
But here’s the cherry on top: Bulgaria boasts extra-fast internet speeds, making it a hotspot for digital nomads which brings us to our next point…
It’s Somewhat Attractive For New Comers
First off, let’s talk numbers because, after all it’s our pockets that influence our choices. With its flat tax rates and the general low cost of life, Bulgaria gives you more bang for your buck. But not all benefits are economic. Like, for example, the pace of life in Bulgaria isn’t dictated by the constant rush of city sirens or the relentless buzz of notifications. The pace is a tad more relaxed here. The coffee is sipped leisurely, the walks are unhurried, and conversations flow like a gentle stream, not a rapid torrent.
Now, I briefly touched on the language barrier, but I didn’t mention that most of the Bulgarian youth speaks fluent English, are warm and welcoming, and if you make some new friends, they’ll make you feel like home. They don’t just see you as another face in the crowd but as a new addition to their family.
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There’s Lessons To Be Learned Everywhere (Including The Cuisine)
Bulgarian cuisine introduced me to the value of balance. You see, their dishes blend a variety of elements and that’s exactly what life’s all about- a mix of sweet and bitter memories that give it depth, flavor, and essence.
If there’s one thing Bulgarian dishes scream out loud, it’s reverence for nature. Every season dictates what lands on the plate. Be it the fresh veggies in summer or the preserved delights in winter, Bulgaria is a country whose cuisine is closely tied to nature’s rhythm.
Also, the slow-cooked magic of dishes like kavarma or gyuvech taught me that the most incredible things take their sweet time. Just like a Bulgarian stew that simmers to perfection, life too unfurls its best chapters when you give it enough time.
But what truly stands out about the local cuisine is the sense of community. Whether you’re eating a simple Shopska salad with a shot of rakia, or having an elaborate feast Bulgarian meals emphasize togetherness. It’s a reminder that food, much like life’s best moments, are always more enjoyable in the company of one’s loved ones…
Being a Traveler vs. Living as a Local in Bulgaria
Choosing to live here is choosing to immerse in the culture far beyond the holiday snaps and Sofia club parties. If you want to experience this, swap the five-star hotel breakfasts for morning banitsa from the local bakery. Instead of getting cocktails in a fancy bar, try drinking rakia with the locals in a neighborhood tavern…
Residing in Bulgaria is to understand the sigh of an elderly woman as she reminisces about the old days, or the pride in a local’s voice explaining a traditional dance during a village fest. When you approach things with this mindset and understand these stories, you are not just a tourist visiting historical sites you live among them, appreciating their significance in everyday life.
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How Life In Bulgaria Taught Me To Live in the Moment
As days turned into weeks, I soon realized that Bulgarians had mastered something that many of us often overlook: the art of being present. In Bulgaria, time seems to flow differently, there’s a deliberate slowness, a savoring of the now. It’s not about rushing to the next big thing; it’s about appreciating the journey itself.
The spontaneous dances during local festivals, or the patient wait for the first sip of freshly brewed rakia, everything speaks of a culture deeply rooted in the moment. Life in Bulgaria isn’t a series of events, but a collage of moments, each to be lived fully.
Through these moments, Bulgaria taught me to slow down, to breathe, and to truly embrace the magic of the now. It’s a lesson I’ll carry with me, long after I’ve left its shores.
Helpful Resources For Life In Bulgaria
For the cheapest flights to Bulgaria, you can use this Qatar Airways special offer. Personally, I use this offer a lot of the time when I fly and get up to 15% off on all flights to Bulgaria.
If you’re looking to rent a car in Bulgaria, this AutoEurope offer can get you 15% off on all car rentals.
For the best deals on local transportation in Bulgaria, check out Busbud (for more info, check out our Busbud review).
For accommodation deals in Sofia and other Bulgarian cities, use this Booking offer to get 10% off on all accommodation rentals in the city.
Last but not least, another thing to have in mind for your life in Bulgaria is travel insurance. From my own experiences, I’d recommend towards SafetyWing. They offer some long-term plans for digital nomads and unlike some insurers that might tempt with low rates but skimp on coverage, SafetyWing ensures a comprehensive shield. For a deeper dive, check out our SafetyWing review.
Enjoying expat posts? Then you may also like our guide to living in Georgia country, living in Moldova, and life in India.
How did you like my guide to life in Bulgaria? Are you planning to move there? If you have any questions about it, feel free to ask in the comments below.
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