Moving to Bulgariamoving to Bulgaria
Life in Bulgaria In recent years, many people have thought about moving to Bulgaria and the country has become a magnet for ex pats seeking a better standard of living with beautiful scenery and unspoilt countryside. The people are friendly and the cost of living is low, which combined with political stability in the area, makes Bulgaria a very attractive option. However, there are a few things you need to consider first. Money is vital for a happy life no matter where you choose to live, and Bulgaria is no exception. The main difference between Bulgaria and other European countries is that it is very much a cash economy. Credit cards are used for some services, for example larger restaurants or car hire, but day to day living usually involves cash. Cash points can be found in towns and cities, but not out in the countryside. For more details on money and currency in Bulgaria click here. Generally speaking, cost of living is far lower than many other countries, but some things are expensive, especially heating bills, internet access, and telephone calls. Property in the main cities is more expensive than anything you might find out in the countryside, but the standard of construction will be better and you are less likely to suffer power cuts. When you arrive you will most likely need to rent a house before you find somewhere you’d like to settle in. Moving to BG can offer you a much better standard of living for your money,(even the Bulgarian food is cheaper) but some people do experience a few difficulties with the bureaucracy and legalities of buying a houseand making a new life in Bulgaria. Unless you are planning on living off your savings, you will need to find work in Bulgaria. Many ex pats make a good living through small businesses, whereas others choose to use their skills and work for Bulgarian employers. If you are a citizen from an EU country, you are free to work in Bulgaria without a work permit, although you will be required to pay National Insurance contributions. Health insurance is another issue to consider if you are planning on moving to Bulgaria. The National Bulgarian health service is available to all and most doctors and nurses deliver a first class service despite working in poor facilities in many cases. Private healthcare is available,and the facilities are often better, although the fees tend to be high. All working ex pats are required to pay health insurance contributions. If you are considering moving to Bulgaria, there is plenty of information available to help you make an informed decision, but most people who make the move soon wonder why they didn’t do so earlier!
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