Lunastrahil
South African expat in Bulgaria
Forum posts
57
Contacts
19
About me
South African
Lives in Varna
Speaks English, Afrikaans, Bulgarian
Registration: 15 August 2011
Water meters by Ozzy183a
Hi all,Does anyone know who is responsible for replacement of a defective water meter which is the water companies. Thanks Ozzy
You need to contact the water company. They will send a technician. I believe you will have to pay for the part if it is due to age and normal wear and tear. Read More
62 year old single american male moving to Varna to semi retire by sanerob
i have a few Bulgarian friends from Varna but not all living there . How open are Bulgarians and or other expats to new people in their lovely city . I want a quiet simple life . love dogs, architecture, conversation,
@sanerob I'm originally from South Africa. Have been living in Varna 18 years now. I think Bulgarians are quite welcoming of foreigners/expats. Just beware they also tend to believe all foreigners are rich and a great target for ripping off!!! ... Read More
Possible move to Bulgaria by Frankieboy123
Hi all, once the covid situation is under control I like many others would like to visit BG with a view of a permanent move. My situation would be as a retired person looking for a a comfortable property on a smart complex somewhere around Varna, ...
Hi Frankieboy123, I moved from Sunny South Africa to Varna 16yrs ago. I really think Varna is one of the nicest cities, especially if you're looking for a coastal property. Burgas is a smaller.perhaps neater version of Varna. Balchik and ... Read More
Finding your bearings in Bulgaria by Priscilla
Hello, While technology has definitely helped us navigate ourselves more easily in most countries, it's not the case everywhere. How do you get to your destinations and navigate yourself in Bulgaria? Do you use gps systems such as google/apple ...
Google maps works pretty well in Varna. We have a taxi app so I use taxis to get around, especially if it is the first time (unknown place for me). Busses are regular too. Centre has a no parking / blue zone, so easier to just walk around or ... Read More
Looking for a nice job in Varna by Segers1996
Hi everyone ! My name is Lisa and I come from Belgium. I am living now in Varna because I work as a representative for the hotels. But I am looking for another job here in Varna because my job will be ending in the begin of September. I have my ...
Hi Lisa, With all those languages...why not try call centre work? Or content writing for IT companies? There are quite a few in Varna who you could try...Taxback, iCard, iGaming to name a few...Sitel, FirstOnlineSoluions too... Good luck! I am ... Read More
Naturalisation and citizenship in Bulgaria by Bhavna
Hello everyone, What are the requirements for acquiring citizenship in Bulgaria? For example, length of residence, language requirements, employment etc.. What formalities are involved in the process? What is the policy on dual-citizenship ...
When I did the exam about five years ago... It was a multiple choice exam. It is really tough, quite archaic terms. A lot of the Bulgarians around me couldn't correctly answer some of the questions!!! Questions with idioms. Questions with a ... Read More
Requirements to register as a freelance worker by LeonieOver
Hi - I've been searching the forum for any information by people who have registered as freelancers. I'm not an EU citizen, but I have bought a house near Varna. I know you have to register with the relevant authority, the Bulgarian National ...
I don't have much experience with this but I did register as a professional freelancer for a short time when I had my own business for tax purposes. I am a teacher and in BG there is a list of professions which could register under this ... Read More
Havek from Iceland
Welcome to Varna!!! Any questions just ask. Kind regards, Luna Read More
My name is Michael recently moved to Varna.
Hi Michael, Welcome to Varna! I guess through forums like this... Also Sundogs always seems to have a lot of ex- pats about, the Black Sheep pubs too. There used to be an ex-pat get together every three months but I don't think it happens ... Read More
School for my daughter, Gr 8, Varna by Sulene
Hi, we are moving to Bulgaria from South Africa early next year. I would like to inquire about schools for her in Varna, perhaps. I have heard that the First Language School teaches in English. Is there perhaps someone in the forum that could advise ...
Links to the above schools: http://www.americanhighschoolbg.com/ http://www.efiv.bg/ http://www.1eg.eu/ Read More
School for my daughter, Gr 8, Varna by Sulene
Hi, we are moving to Bulgaria from South Africa early next year. I would like to inquire about schools for her in Varna, perhaps. I have heard that the First Language School teaches in English. Is there perhaps someone in the forum that could advise ...
There is the American High School, quite new and private. The French school, EFIV, been around about 8yrs. Follows French curriculum. All subjects in French. The first language high school is a public school but one of the best in Varna. It came ... Read More
better taxi by Adam.Katay
Hi, The mainstream taxis are cheap, but the cars aren't seem to be safe and there are no seat belts at the back in quite few of them. I would be worried having my baby in those. Does anyone know about better/upscale taxi companies in Varna? ...
The thing with the bigger taxi companies is that you at least have a chance of compensation....there are always gonna be the chancers /rip off attempts...but with companies like Triumf you can report them whereas a one man show, you have no chance. Read More
Looking for paid assistance in Varna for car shopping by grantmk
Hi all, Just moved to Varna and am looking to buy a used car. I've read around a lot and have got the basic gist of the process: - Get the car checked over by a mechanic - Make sure there are no arrears on various taxes etc - Register it in my ...
I have a friend who does exactly this. He is Bulgarian. He has contacts at the second hand car dealers. Speaks basic English. Has good mechanics and will complete the whole process. Let me know if you want his contact details. Based in Varna. Read More
better taxi by Adam.Katay
Hi, The mainstream taxis are cheap, but the cars aren't seem to be safe and there are no seat belts at the back in quite few of them. I would be worried having my baby in those. Does anyone know about better/upscale taxi companies in Varna? ...
In Varna, the cheapest are Hippo taxis. The biggest firm is Triumf which has a very handy online app to book a taxi. Lacia and Omega used to be ok. I only use Triumf now due to the ease of the app. Read More
PO Box vs Post Office Address by honeycomb42
I've heard one can have the post send to the post office for collection. I was also wondering about getting a private PO Box. So there are really two questions. Does anyone know the address of the post office in Varna? Does anyone know where to ...
Well there are several post offices in the Varna region. If you mean the central post office which is opposite the Cathedral. The contact details are as follows: bul. "Saborni" 42, 9000 Varna Center, Varna Website which has an English ... Read More
I'm engaged to a Bulgarian and don't know which Visa to get by daniross
Good news! I've recently been engaged to my Bulgarian boyfriend, now fiance, residing in Varna. We plan on getting married in Bugaria on December 2018, 10 months from now. I've done research on such types of visas to get as I am a Filipina ...
Congratulations on your new status!馃榿 As for visas it should be the long stay Visa D type (if things haven't changed in the last ten years!!! Which is when I applied) Bank statement shouldn't be a problem if you explain to them that ... Read More
new member by berro7
Hello I am Berr, came from the Uk, now living in Varna, with my Bulgarian wife and children.
I understand completely...that dream of living the rural life is not quite the same as the reality!? I am a city girl...love the countryside for a couple of days but need the facilities a city offers... I am in Varna. My slight ... Read More
Looking for accountant in Varna
Gareth, I know a lovely lady who runs one of the biggest accounting firms in Varna. She speaks English too. Give me a buzz to pass on her details. Regards, Luna Read More
New expat in Varna by GuestPoster1440
Hey everyone. I recently moved to Varna. If anyone is around and wants to meet for a drink, do get in touch! Chris
Bmartin64, you will find Sunny beach a bit of a ghost town if you are coming over in February. It is a summer resort so tends to look and be quite dead out of season. Varna will be a much nicer option if you intend on staying over for any ... Read More
Where would you live in Bulgaria? by Niles72
Hi, sorry if this topic has come up before. My name is Niels, from Denmark and working online on various projects. I arrived in Plovdiv about 2-3 weeks ago. I met a handful of similar people, mostly from Bulgaria. Was kind of hoping to meet other ...
Lots of IT type businesses in Varna, both local and expat. I have lived in Varna about 13 years now (originally from South Africa). Lovely vibe in the summer, winter can be abit dull but has a different kind of vibe...both have their ... Read More
Help, I need English teacher (nativ) or partner for speaking
There are plenty of reputable English language schools in Varna. Some, like the one I work for, only employ native English qualified teachers. Most others have a mix of Bulgarian and English. Do some research. Kind regards, Luna Read More
English speaking classes
There is no "British school" in Varna. Unless you mean English Academy which is a private language school owned by a British person. English lessons are taught by qualified native English speaker teachers. Or do you mean some other ... Read More
Property tax by Brandy1
I already own a property in Bulgaria near Varna but not sure how to go about paying property tax as not been there for a few years
Just take your last invoice with you to one of the property tax offices and they will pull up arrears and current owings Read More
English speaking classes
What do you mean by the British school in Varna? Read More
Rate for privates
Interesting question. Pay varies enormously from teacher to preacher and city to city. Rates in Varna range from 3 lv to 50lv per hour depending on experience, whether native speaker or not, reputation, specific needs etc... So maybe as rule of ... Read More
THERMAL SPRINGS by Emintal05
Hello ,does anyone know of some good cheap public hot springs in Bulgaria,or mud baths please, thank you!I love the curative springs, preferably in the centre or North Bulgaria?Are they clothing optional too please?
Read above post...near Balchik, travelling from Varna. South East Coast of Bulgaria. In Bulgarian type 孝褍蟹谢邪褌邪 袣邪谢薪懈 袘邪薪褟 Read More
THERMAL SPRINGS by Emintal05
Hello ,does anyone know of some good cheap public hot springs in Bulgaria,or mud baths please, thank you!I love the curative springs, preferably in the centre or North Bulgaria?Are they clothing optional too please?
https://goo.gl/images/o1kJTm Read More
THERMAL SPRINGS by Emintal05
Hello ,does anyone know of some good cheap public hot springs in Bulgaria,or mud baths please, thank you!I love the curative springs, preferably in the centre or North Bulgaria?Are they clothing optional too please?
About mud baths. There is one on the edge of a lake. It is between Varna and Balchik...close to Balchik called Tuzlata. The lake is divided in half. One side male, the other female. Clothing optional. Has entrance fee and changing rooms, ... Read More
How has your life changed in Bulgaria by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Has your life changed since you moved to Bulgaria? If so, in what way? Tell us more about all the changes in your life regarding your family, job, or friends. What about your frame of mind? How would you define your mood? ...
What an interesting read Remedias. I take it from your post activity that you are close to Plovdiv. Pity you are not closer to Varna, you sound like such an interesting person. If you happen to be near Varna, do give me a shout! Read More
How has your life changed in Bulgaria by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Has your life changed since you moved to Bulgaria? If so, in what way? Tell us more about all the changes in your life regarding your family, job, or friends. What about your frame of mind? How would you define your mood? ...
Thanks Kristian, I have been here 12 years already, so I am well aware of the seasons. Thanks for the positive words though. Read More
How has your life changed in Bulgaria by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Has your life changed since you moved to Bulgaria? If so, in what way? Tell us more about all the changes in your life regarding your family, job, or friends. What about your frame of mind? How would you define your mood? ...
On a scale of 1 to 10....perhaps 15!馃榿 The first three months were the honeymoon stage..each hurdle was an adventure, a steep learning curve, sth to write home about...then the correspondence back and forth lessened, hurdles became ... Read More
Dentist in Varna/ Balchik area
I have a good dentist in Varna, speaks a little English and German (I think). Good equipment, hygienic, works well. Near Cherno More hotel / McDonalds in the centre. Done some root treatment, cleaning and an implant. All of which I am happy ... Read More
Experience of Older Foreigners in Bulgaria? by kojidae
My parents are coming to visit me and meet their grandson! :) While I am very excited, I am also a bit nervous. I have lived here for 5 years and feel comfortable. I speak the language, live a rather simple/local life etc. My father traveled when ...
Varna is a great idea especially in the warmer months. Great place for strolling, the sea gardens, the dolphinarium, the aquarium, St Constantine is a bus ride away, museums, galleries, beach. The malls for shopping and cinema (usually films are in ... Read More
Traveling for short time to Varna...
Hi Dew, You don't really say what you are interested in. For natural wonders / sights there are: The petrified stone forest - Pobiti Kamini in Bulgarian. Aladzha Monestary with catacombs and cells in the rock face, they also have a light and ... Read More
Bank account by agreen70
I will be coming to Varna or Burgas initially for 3 months so that I can see what it is like to live there. I am in my mid forties and like peace and quiet but do like to have access to restaurants and cafes, not into night life. With that in mind ...
Don't be fooled by set tariffs, many ways of hiking the rate. They "fix" the metre. As soon as they hear foreign language. I am fluent in Bulgarian but still get ripped off by taxi drivers! One way 6 leva, opposite direction (same ... Read More
Bank account by agreen70
I will be coming to Varna or Burgas initially for 3 months so that I can see what it is like to live there. I am in my mid forties and like peace and quiet but do like to have access to restaurants and cafes, not into night life. With that in mind ...
Really depends what you are looking for. I personally prefer Sozopol, Nesebar is good too. Pomorie is nice but kinda dead! I prefer the cities. Burgas and Varna centre. Unhelpful staff, ridiculous charges on certain transactions is why I closed ... Read More
Bank account by agreen70
I will be coming to Varna or Burgas initially for 3 months so that I can see what it is like to live there. I am in my mid forties and like peace and quiet but do like to have access to restaurants and cafes, not into night life. With that in mind ...
Hey there. Varna and Burgas are perfect for that in my opinion. Only in peak summer season is it very lively and the clubs, drunk tourists tend to congregate in the holiday complex areas - St Vlas, Sunny Beach and Golden Sands are places to avoid. ... Read More
Lawyers
Yes, also heard of Shatov. I use one of his partners Fanny Dimitrova who also speaks English. Read More
Help.....I'm coming to Varna and I'll need you to show me the ropes !! by Harry Palmer English
Mid may will be my arrival date, Radevo, near to Varna is the destination, 10 years ago, in my previous life, I bought a little run down house and garden in Radevo. Since then a thousand things have happened in my shambolic life, long story, I'll ...
Hi Harry, I am writing to you on behalf of my German friend who has not been in Varna for very long and is also looking to meet friends. I think from your positive way of writing that you would suit each other well. She was on the 大咖福利影院 too ... Read More
We're coming in 4 weeks!
Hi! Welcome to Varna! I am originally from South Africa, been living here 9 years or so now. Give me a buzz if I can help with anything. Kind regards, Luna Read More
cost of living in Bg by arbra
Hi all, Can you tell me what one should reckon as monthly cost for living in Bg ? By this i mean food, drinks, internet, Bulsatcom, house and road taxes & insurances, water & electricity.... I don't have high standards, i'm Ok with basic food ...
Depends on lots of factors and the region you would live in. About 1000-1200 leva is enough for me in Varna. Going out for coffees quite often, once a week to a restaurant, internet, mobile, food, transport, utilities. Excluding rent (I own my ... Read More
Are there any other South African members on the site? by Jpad
Hi All My wife and I (Rita and Jean-Pierre) are not yet living full time in Bulgaria. We bought a house in Gostilitsa (central Bulgaria) at the end of 2011. We live permanently in South Africa but have been coming for three months at a time, ...
Welcome bru! :) Pity you are so far from Varna. There are five of us here. Gareth (as previously mentioned) I am the Joburger. Another three ladies. Two of whom I have met. Any questions I can answer, don't hesitate to ask. Good luck on the ... Read More
moving from portugal
Unfortunately I can't help you. I have a colleague who has done the other way. Moved from Bulgaria to Porto but he didn't use transport vans. Hope somebody can help you. I guess it would be easier to find an international moving company from ... Read More
Bath houses in or near varna.
Yes there are two such places that I know of. The one on the central beach as mentioned by earlier post and another on the beach in St Constantine (a 1 leva bus ride from Varna city) Read More
FROM THE DESERT TO BLACK SEA - NEWEST MEMBER SEEKING ADVICE by annanirvanna
Hi - have just registered on this site :). We are considering moving out of Sinai Egypt (we are UK expats who left UK 6 years ago). Things here in Egypt are declining so have decided to move, yet again!!. Bulgaria is an option especially the Black ...
To answer your question - it depends where you buy your house, whether you will find people to oversee / manage it. I manage an apartment in Vinitza (rent it out on behalf of the owner) and luckily found a long term tenant for it. Have had ... Read More
FROM THE DESERT TO BLACK SEA - NEWEST MEMBER SEEKING ADVICE by annanirvanna
Hi - have just registered on this site :). We are considering moving out of Sinai Egypt (we are UK expats who left UK 6 years ago). Things here in Egypt are declining so have decided to move, yet again!!. Bulgaria is an option especially the Black ...
I agree the Burgas is a nice LITTLE city. The mayor has definitely put the budget into upgrading the infrastructure. I go there a couple of times a year for examining as I am a Cambridge Examiner. I think Varna is more cosmopolitan. We have ... Read More
FROM THE DESERT TO BLACK SEA - NEWEST MEMBER SEEKING ADVICE by annanirvanna
Hi - have just registered on this site :). We are considering moving out of Sinai Egypt (we are UK expats who left UK 6 years ago). Things here in Egypt are declining so have decided to move, yet again!!. Bulgaria is an option especially the Black ...
Hi Annie and Taz, I personally believe Varna is the best city in Bulgaria so you are on the right track checking out the coastal regions! I am originally from South Africa. Been living in Varna around 9 years. Not sure about job opportunities ... Read More
Looking for french community by Annie24
We are a french/english couple looking to move to Bulgaria, I know the english community is there but are there other french????? We look forward to your replies Annie & Jean-Pierre
There is a large community of French people living in Varna. I rent an apartment to a French man and he has about 20 French friends in Varna that he has met over time. The EFIV might be a good place to start if you are planning to live here or the ... Read More
Any Americans in Varna area? by LMB
Good day to all. Have been living in Varna for about 15 months and have not yet met a single American. Is anyone hiding out here that feels like a chat or coffee? Leah
Yes I saw that this forum isn't very active but thought there might be people interested anyways. Regards, Luna Read More
please advise of any expat groups that meet in the city
I see this is an old message so I imagine you have found a lot of friends already Donna! Can always introduce you to a bunch of expats. We usually have some girly afternoons from a treatment at a divine spa to a cocktail at a beach bar. Chat ... Read More
Any Americans in Varna area? by LMB
Good day to all. Have been living in Varna for about 15 months and have not yet met a single American. Is anyone hiding out here that feels like a chat or coffee? Leah
There are some Americans in Varna. Unfortunately from the 21st there will be one less :( One of my American friends is going back to the States. There is an expat get together every three months in Varna where you can meet people from interesting ... Read More
Which town shoul I live in? by Pooh Bear
Good evening all. My plans pointed towards Varna, I have just been informed that Borgas has less crime than Varna and better weather. Any thoughts on this? Regards Stephen & Barbara (Looking to move to Bulgaria within the next six months)
I prefer Varna (maybe cause I live in Varna!) :) Burgas is like a mini Varna. Must say the mayor has done alot of refurbishment in Burgas though. Read More
Rent a flat or a house in Varna
[Moderated: Please post in classifieds] Read More