Ian
@ianinbg
English expat in Bulgaria
Forum posts
49
About me
English
Speaks English, French (rusty), Malko Bulgaski
Registration: 19 March 2011
Information Needed On Land & Soil Types For Track Build by MOTOHAVENmatt
Hi i am looking for as much help, information, advice and sugestions on type of land i need to buy , were to find it and regulations and permits needed, This is for a Freestyle Motocross/supercross practice track/compound build. If Thank you in ...
Hi Matt, Looks like a big project there. The Sevlievo MotoX track has been voted best in the world a few times. Never seems to be used between race meets. Might be worth a visit. Ian Read More
Wasted Journey? I'm home already! by BruceLeeTheHealer
Hi Friends, This is just a catch up on my trip to Bulgaria. It's now 23:00 GMT on Tuesday and I am back home! All your advice was very much appreciated, however, we cannot control all of our life events, especially those which happen when we are ...
Maybe Bruce wasn't here long enough when he bought the house to get to know his neighbours or have friends nearby. I think his mistake was not realising how Bulgarian houses can deteriorate and not flying out before the road trip to check on the ... Read More
What are the fines like for overloading? Just in case! by BruceLeeTheHealer
I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason! Being as though my trip had been cancelled due to Green card misinformation I decided to take advantage of the opportunity to get the van weighed, more for peace of mind than anything! ...
Hi, Been away for a bit so not seen any posts. Glad you sorted out the non green card bit. As for being overweight, I drove here with a transit that was on the bumpstops and bow legged from the weight but it drove well and stopped ok, just looked ... Read More
Essentials to live in Bulgaria by Christine
Hi, As an expat living in Bulgaria, what would you advise the ones about to pack to bring along? What are the items you can easily find in Bulgaria? On the other hand, what is less common or quite expensive? Share with us what you would ...
Well I've tried them all at some point and never found any as good as English tea bags so as I can get a fairly regular supply I don't waste the effort on them any more. If the day comes when I can't get English tea bags I will try again ... Read More
Essentials to live in Bulgaria by Christine
Hi, As an expat living in Bulgaria, what would you advise the ones about to pack to bring along? What are the items you can easily find in Bulgaria? On the other hand, what is less common or quite expensive? Share with us what you would ...
Well I'm not a tea snob, I just like a tea that I can taste, Tetley, Yorkshire or even Tesco or Sainsburys. Not many places in Europe where you can get a decent tea from the normal shops. We don't have a speciality shop near that I have ... Read More
Essentials to live in Bulgaria by Christine
Hi, As an expat living in Bulgaria, what would you advise the ones about to pack to bring along? What are the items you can easily find in Bulgaria? On the other hand, what is less common or quite expensive? Share with us what you would ...
If coming from the UK or anywhere else and a tea drinker bring tea bags. Can't get a decent tea bag anywhere! Read More
If you are coming to Bulgaria. by ianinbg
I discovered Bulgaria the hard way, the overcharging, the rip offs, the bad workman, the outright lies but we live and learn. Now I鈥檝e done it, been there and got the Tshirt and I鈥檓 still here! Things have improved greatly over the past ...
Just a couple of thoughts that might be useful for you. 1: Don't buy a house in a village in a valley! As soon as it gets cold you will be living under a smog of wood smoke until the wind can clear it. I have driven past many such villages in ... Read More
If you are coming to Bulgaria. by ianinbg
I discovered Bulgaria the hard way, the overcharging, the rip offs, the bad workman, the outright lies but we live and learn. Now I鈥檝e done it, been there and got the Tshirt and I鈥檓 still here! Things have improved greatly over the past ...
Hello, Yes I know they can be done but as most people come to buy cash and let's say not expensive property finding one and the extra expense and possible dubious result I never found worthwhile. I only met one person who had one done and they ... Read More
If you are coming to Bulgaria. by ianinbg
I discovered Bulgaria the hard way, the overcharging, the rip offs, the bad workman, the outright lies but we live and learn. Now I鈥檝e done it, been there and got the Tshirt and I鈥檓 still here! Things have improved greatly over the past ...
Just realised that I forgot to say that I live near Sevlievo. Also I have a big box of English magazines, lots of Sainsburys mags in there that is free to a good home if anyone is interested. Read More
If you are coming to Bulgaria. by ianinbg
I discovered Bulgaria the hard way, the overcharging, the rip offs, the bad workman, the outright lies but we live and learn. Now I鈥檝e done it, been there and got the Tshirt and I鈥檓 still here! Things have improved greatly over the past ...
Hi Eddie, Glad you survived the experience and enjoying it here. It can all seem like a big mistake when you first have to deal with all the new strange stuff. I was lucky in that I lived in France before the EU and it was all very similar ... Read More
If you are coming to Bulgaria. by ianinbg
I discovered Bulgaria the hard way, the overcharging, the rip offs, the bad workman, the outright lies but we live and learn. Now I鈥檝e done it, been there and got the Tshirt and I鈥檓 still here! Things have improved greatly over the past ...
Hi Andy, Buying Property. The basics. First of course, Common Sense. Try to get a feel for the area to see if it鈥檚 somewhere you can spend a lot of time. Likewise for the villages you will visit, does it look ok, are there a lot of Roma in the ... Read More
If you are coming to Bulgaria.
I discovered Bulgaria the hard way, the overcharging, the rip offs, the bad workman, the outright lies but we live and learn. Now I鈥檝e done it, been there and got the Tshirt and I鈥檓 still here! Things have improved greatly over the past ... Read More
Log Supplier by eddieg
Hi All...Anyone know of a log supplier in Dryanovo area(VT),,thanks eddie
Hi Eddie, I'm nearer to Sevlievo so I don't know who does the logs down there but I would say don't burn pine unless it's dried out for a couple of years and even then only if there is nothing else around. Especially in a kamina or ... Read More
Pavlikeni area by Paulb28
Hi we have been looking at some houses in the Pavlikeni area and the village of Butovo. Does anyone know this area and have any advice please? Thanks Paul
Hi Paul, Nice area, lots of expats around. Big market on Tuesdays in Pavlikeni and numerous boot markets around from March to Nov. Veliko Tarnovo not far away for the big shops and plenty of places to visit and explore. I think you will like it. All ... Read More
satelite tv
Hi, Just seen this post. We used to have Bulsat but it seemed to be going more and more Bulgarian voice overs for films etc. so we stopped that. Now we watch UK Tv via the internet on Filmon.com via a WIFI DVD/Blueray player that accesses the ... Read More
Driving in Bulgaria by Maximilien
Hi, What do you think of the way people drive in Bulgaria? How different is it from your home country? Respecting the road safety rules, driving etiquette such as general courtesy, speed excess聟 what are the characteristics of the driving ...
Really Bulgarians don't drive any worse than French, Italians and most of the rest of Europe. If there is a nice straight clear piece of road to pass on they will invariably wait for the blind bend or the solid white line or brow of a hill. As ... Read More
Internet in the Villages by kojidae
For those of you who have houses out of the main villages and cities that have established internet, how are you going about your internet service and are you happy with your choice? I work from home, so internet is fairly important to me. I am ...
Hi, I'm in Lovnidol, 15km to Gabrovo. I wouldn't like to ride a bike there though too many ups for my liking but I'm sure the downs would make life interesting! Our internet provider is in Gabrovo, Net3X I think it's called. I had ... Read More
Moving to veliko tarnovo; any advice? by Cuba
Please Give me the best advice on 1 - the best places to buy a property within 15 km of veliko tarnovo 2 - names of private schools in the area 3 - contacts of english specking builders and interior designers 4 - where to buy the cheapest ...
Hi Terry, I've just been away for a couple of weeks and could not remember my password for this site. So, back now. Any questions feel free and I will try my best. Regards, Ian Read More
Internet in the Villages by kojidae
For those of you who have houses out of the main villages and cities that have established internet, how are you going about your internet service and are you happy with your choice? I work from home, so internet is fairly important to me. I am ...
A lot depends upon the area you are in. We are not far from Gabrovo and Sevlievo yet Vivacom is useless. We do have a very good, no contract, internet service from a local company. Read More
Moving to veliko tarnovo; any advice? by Cuba
Please Give me the best advice on 1 - the best places to buy a property within 15 km of veliko tarnovo 2 - names of private schools in the area 3 - contacts of english specking builders and interior designers 4 - where to buy the cheapest ...
Hello Terry, I've been here 9 years now (near Sevlievo) and have no intention of leaving so for what it's worth here's my little bit. Elena is a nice town, have some friends there, but a bit of a trek to proper civilisation in the ... Read More
Looking for work in bulgaria for English speaker by jobo20
hey there im looking for working in Bulgaria Karlovo area but i do not speak Bulgarian yet i am in the process of learning from my Bulgarian girlfriend but i need job there. i have wanted to live there for about 5 years but never been able to do it ...
I wish you luck but having been here in BG for nearly nine years I can tell you that nearly everyone I have known who did not have a pension or some independent income and needed to work has gone back to the UK or wherever they came from. One or two ... Read More
Right hand drive car dealers by ronhill98
I'm looking for a RHD 4x4 to replace my current LHD 4x4 Does anyone know of RHD car dealers in Bulgaria?
Hi Ron, If you want RHD you would probably be much better off finding one in the UK and driving it over. A new arrival here sold his good car in the UK (after being warned not too) and bought a second hand vehicle locally, 1500 Lv got him a car that ... Read More
Hemus motorway
I had a map in October when I posted that, I think someone has 'borrowed' it as I've looked everywhere and can't find it. I should think the proposed route will be marked on all the new maps. I do remember that it passed Pavlikeni right on the ... Read More
Hemus motorway
I don't suppose there will be any updates. I have a map with the proposed motorway route on it and having had experience of how traffic noise and the low pitched rumble travels , especially at night when all else is quiet, I just thought it may be ... Read More
Hemus motorway
When the Hemus motorway Sofia - Varna is finally completed which I guess will happen one day! The following villages if it takes the proposed route may be subject to continual traffic rumble so if anyone is looking here please take note. From the ... Read More
use of pesticides, herbicides, insecticides in Bulgaria?
Yep. In 7 years all the Bulgarians I know do use chemicals. It's the only way to 'almost' guarantee a good crop. Read More
Health insurance by ronhill98
I'm a Scot and will be retiring to Bulgaria soon. What is the situation with health insurance. Do I need to pay insurance to get health care in Bulgaria? Ron
It's a few years since we changed over. You will probably need proof of residence and your long stay card and your NHS card. It should all be fairly straight forward. Read More
Health insurance by ronhill98
I'm a Scot and will be retiring to Bulgaria soon. What is the situation with health insurance. Do I need to pay insurance to get health care in Bulgaria? Ron
Ron, As a pensioner you can transfer to the BG health system free. Most medical things will be free including operations, maybe a small charge for hospital stay. Dentists and optitions not included and pay for prescriptions. Read More
Veliko T膬rnovo by Stantheman1
Hi in the Next few months we are hoping to relocate to our new home near VT, can anyone recommend a good builder and window fitter, also has the airport opened for commercial use yet ? Thanks
If you have a good reliable vehicle bring it with you. Getting on BG plates is easier now and all the rest is cheaper. To drive back to the UK you will need a green card which you can get from your insurance company for a bit extra Levs. I'm sure 3 ... Read More
Immigration, Visa, Legislation, you name it , they fail at it. by germainchar
Ok title is pretty descripive for a reason: When you speak to the consult they mislead you to sayin to get visa D you need work permit. or anything else under article 24 of the bulgarian ...
As anyone here has found out, everything is upside down or back to front and like any country weighed down by uninterested government employees no one really knows or cares so whatever you try to find out takes a long time. Read More
Just AFew Questions About Life In VT by bluehawaii
Hi We are new to the forum as from last week so hello ! We have just got back from a trip to VT with a view to purchase a property in one of the surrounding villages ( which i must say has beautiful views) we did really like 3 properties, so when ...
Hi Nigel, Personally I think that private medical would only benefit the company taking your money. If you are generally healthy and signed on to the BG health system you could if you wanted to put the cost of private care into a savings account ... Read More
Veliko T膬rnovo by Stantheman1
Hi in the Next few months we are hoping to relocate to our new home near VT, can anyone recommend a good builder and window fitter, also has the airport opened for commercial use yet ? Thanks
Hi Stan, Re. The dog situation. When we came in 06 we had a cat in the car from the UK and the BG customs had no interest at all in animals. I know someone who came in with six dogs from the UK two years ago and nobody was interested. I would be ... Read More
Just AFew Questions About Life In VT by bluehawaii
Hi We are new to the forum as from last week so hello ! We have just got back from a trip to VT with a view to purchase a property in one of the surrounding villages ( which i must say has beautiful views) we did really like 3 properties, so when ...
Hi Nigel, Just to say that we've been in BG for 7 years as near as and live not far from VT. In answer to:- Q1. We transferred to the BG health system and if you are retired it's free, if not I think it's about 6Lv pmpp. Always had good service ... Read More
Banking in Bulgaria by ronhill98
I hope to move to bulgaria soon and to retire there. My pension etc will be paid to a Bulgarian bank account. Has anyone any advice about the banks and particularly charges for transferring money from UK to Bulgaria? I'll be coming to Bulgaria next ...
Hi Ron, If you are talking about a UK state pension I think you will find it more beneficial to keep it going into a UK bank account and withdraw it via an ATM as needed. Private pension may be different but charges you can be sure there are. The VT ... Read More
i want new friends in bulgaria and other places by jeannie1
i hope to move from america someday soon!46 yr old female,nice,cool.serious minded person,wants nice laid back peacful life,no drinking/drugs.would like friends,contaacts,info.
Dreams are good and they can come true or turn into a nightmare :).I know the US is a bit of a nightmare now, if you do want more BG info just ask. Ian Read More
car insurance
Simple answer to that one 'No'. Basic 3rd party type insurance is quite cheap, fully comp probably about the same as UK. Hope that helps. Ian Read More
i want new friends in bulgaria and other places by jeannie1
i hope to move from america someday soon!46 yr old female,nice,cool.serious minded person,wants nice laid back peacful life,no drinking/drugs.would like friends,contaacts,info.
Hi Jeannie, I see no-one has given you much idea so far so for what it's worth.... Yes Bulgaria is cheap to live but you still need money to pay the bills. $10,000 (about 15k and a bit Leva)won't get you far and what you could buy will most likely ... Read More
Investing in Bulgaria by januszo
I am a new member who wants to invest in a property in Bulgaria. I would like to know opinion from people who live in Bulgaria whether they would say this country is corrupt. Please give honest opinion and any experience you may ...
rgorman I have been here full time for seven years and I do know a bit about the place. To come and go doing renovations over several years is of course possible but you are leaving your site open to thievery etc. whilst you are away, it's happening ... Read More
Investing in Bulgaria by januszo
I am a new member who wants to invest in a property in Bulgaria. I would like to know opinion from people who live in Bulgaria whether they would say this country is corrupt. Please give honest opinion and any experience you may ...
C'mon guys be honest now. There is no property 'investment' in Bulgaria. By all means come and live here but it could be many years before your property has any decent return. Don't expect to buy, renovate and sell and make a profit. Ask any of the ... Read More
Moving
Hi Ron, I'm sure you will be very happy in the VT area, I'm just along the road in Sevlievo, home of the best MotoX track in the world. If you aren't bringing a huge amount of stuff why not buy a van, drive it over and then you can sell the van to ... Read More
175 euros. My bill for "owning a business" 2012 by Pastirka
In process of securing title deeds. Family want 760 levs for expenses. My lawyer wants 175 euros for my business tax 2011/2012. I don't own the house yet. Please bloggers, any comparisons out there or similar experience. thanks
At first glance a rip off. You are presumably buying their house so why do they want expenses? How long have you had your company? 175 Euros is too much just for accounts but you are probably stuck with it until you can get the deeds and everything ... Read More
newbies with Rats..
Hello, Just put the rats in the car and drive here. If you stick to the EU countries no one will bother you. I don't know whether rats need a pet passport but I wouldn't have thought so, just ask your friendly vet. Whenever I have driven here I ... Read More
Buying in Bulgaria by buster900
Has anyone had the experience of buying a property off E-Bay or other sites in which they have not viewed the property before they bought it?.There are 4 or 5 sellers in the area in which i am going to buy some say they will help in arranging travel ...
Negative! You must be near suicidal! I am not in a city but a nice friendly village. If you mean by 'heart stress test' an ECG I can go to my Doctor today and get one if I need it, in fact I saw him only last month and as I'm just 60 he decided to ... Read More
Buying in Bulgaria by buster900
Has anyone had the experience of buying a property off E-Bay or other sites in which they have not viewed the property before they bought it?.There are 4 or 5 sellers in the area in which i am going to buy some say they will help in arranging travel ...
Hi simbol, Unless you are going back and forth to the UK regularly or have kids that need certain things you don't need to be too near to a big city. VT, Gabrovo, Sevlievo area is very good, not too expensive and all you need in the shops & Docs ... Read More
Buying in Bulgaria by buster900
Has anyone had the experience of buying a property off E-Bay or other sites in which they have not viewed the property before they bought it?.There are 4 or 5 sellers in the area in which i am going to buy some say they will help in arranging travel ...
First of all to WorldExpat I would like to say that reading your posts basically shows me that you are well out of date with some of your Bulgarian advice. Since 2006 I have spent time in Sofia and Varna and now living near VT. Both big cities are ... Read More