Mel1702
English looking for information about Bulgaria
Forum posts
90
Contacts
6
About me
English
Speaks Spanish
Registration: 19 February 2021
Postal service to Bulgaria by Jules999
Is anybody else having problems receiving post to Bulgaria? When I say problems, I'm mainly talking about the time its taking to arrive from the UK. I was sent a card on the 17th April & I'm still waiting for it! Prior to Brexit, some things ...
Oh yes, we are still waiting for documents sent from UK in November! Read More
Safety of Pet Dogs in Bulgaria by The Doghouse
I am thinking of buying in Bulgaria, but I am worried about the attitude of Bulgarians towards dogs. I have seen posts about poisoning of dogs, cruelty, shootings. Is this the norm or if you keep your dogs safe within your own property and walk ...
Hi grumpyoldbird, love the name!As a fellow dog lover I agree with everything the previous ladies have wrote.When we first came here I knew I would have to harden my heart a little due to the strays but also how dogs that are owned here by both Roma ... Read More
Bulgaria for Pensioners by Guestposter988
Hello, there All.I want to post about what pensioners can do to live out of the UK and live here in Bulgaria.Some advice on the 'Cost of Living. Something about what to do with your time.And just a bit of gossip and general goings on.
Saved from Bulgarian tea, made me chuckle! I know exactly what you mean.How long have you lived out here? We came to the south of the country around 1.5 years ago so still pretty new. Visited VT last September, I loved the place! Read More
Confused,nieve by biergatecanine
Hi. I have just started looking at possibly relocating to Bulgaria from U.k. i am wanting to move permanently to bulgaria. As i am researching, i maybe misunderstanding it. Can anyone answer. If and when i have bought a property in bulgaria. Can i ...
I would advise you to come visit Bulgaria before you buy anything though. Take a look at different areas as it鈥檚 a beautiful country but varies greatly from one region to another.Be careful not to buy something before you鈥檝e seen it in ... Read More
Confused,nieve by biergatecanine
Hi. I have just started looking at possibly relocating to Bulgaria from U.k. i am wanting to move permanently to bulgaria. As i am researching, i maybe misunderstanding it. Can anyone answer. If and when i have bought a property in bulgaria. Can i ...
@biergatecanine We bought a house with land almost two years ago. You need to set up a Bulgarian company to buy it through, it鈥檚 not difficult. Read More
Confused,nieve by biergatecanine
Hi. I have just started looking at possibly relocating to Bulgaria from U.k. i am wanting to move permanently to bulgaria. As i am researching, i maybe misunderstanding it. Can anyone answer. If and when i have bought a property in bulgaria. Can i ...
@biergatecanine Hi Simon, we all have to start somewhere & we were in your position 2 years ago, confused.com! If you hold a GB passport then Unless you obtain a visa d, valid for 6 months, & then residency then yes I鈥檓 afraid you can ... Read More
Adress registration and more. by RalphNord
I am planning to go to Sofia, Bulgaria in two weeks. I hope to be able to rent an apartment, to open a banking account and also to get basic insurance for foreigners, as I have seen posted here.For the apartment, I am thinking about getting a ...
@brandon76 We went to apply for our residency cards at the immigration office & they would not process our documents until we were registered at our mayor鈥檚 office. In fact, pretty snotty with us for not having done it as soon as we ... Read More
Adress registration and more. by RalphNord
I am planning to go to Sofia, Bulgaria in two weeks. I hope to be able to rent an apartment, to open a banking account and also to get basic insurance for foreigners, as I have seen posted here.For the apartment, I am thinking about getting a ...
When we arrived here to live permanently we registered with at our local mayor鈥檚 office. As you say it needs to be done within 3 days. Good luck with your travels. Read More
Banking 2023 by brandon76
Hello all, wondering if anyone can help..I need to open a bank account in BG in order to get a residency permit. However, it seems after multiple attempts this is easier said than completed! I keep getting asked for residence permit/ID, but I ...
We opened a FiBank account in Burgas centre pre applying for our Visa D. Simple account with a debit card. Read More
Restaurants???? Cities and larger Towns or Villages by GuestPoster11478
Do any participants know of "must try" favorite restaurants or piano bars that they like to frequent and be kind enough to share the name and a small review?聽聽We have been going to the "Top Rated" on the web site and it seems to always be ...
Neptun on the seafront at Burgas, delicious food & great setting!https://www.neptunburgas.com/bg Read More
HELP! VISA ISSUES. by Guest9579
Hi all, Posting again as I found you all so helpful last time. So quick update, we have just registered our beauty and spa business in Bulgaria (my husband as director and myself manager who will be working the business)We have just been to London ...
Try speaking to this lady, she was very helpful with our Visa D & subsequent residency. visaforbulgaria.comHer name is Tanya & comes highly recommended by many! Read More
Month to month phone contract by GuestPoster347
Hi guys, I am looking to get a monthly contract for my sim, something in line with a "pay as you go".Any recomendations?
@SimCityAT Oh! Please tell me how? I鈥檝e scoured the app & it says you can only pay online if you have a monthly contract. Would make life much easier if I can Read More
Month to month phone contract by GuestPoster347
Hi guys, I am looking to get a monthly contract for my sim, something in line with a "pay as you go".Any recomendations?
I am the same as Helen, A1 payg sim which needs to be topped up in the shop monthly. Would be so good if you could do it online though Read More
D visa application process by charlian99
Hi everybody, my name is Ian, a retired 73 year old Geordie living in Newcastle, married to a Bulgarian lady and planning to emigrate to Shvistov next March. Am finding the D visa application process a bit confusing and hoping to benefit from your ...
A private pension will suffice, my husband got his visa D this way. Read More
Electricity bills by Lisa PD
Hello all,I wonder if anyone could give me some advice regarding electricity billing. I recently (March 2022) bought a flat in the Pirin Golf Complex and idiotically didn't enquire as to the cost of electricity here, as assumed it would be similar ...
H Lisa, I鈥檓 afraid they are much higher. We bought a house, through our company a year ago & have seen the price rise to 380 lev some months. We are fortunate enough that be able to change our tariff to a personal one though. The cost has ... Read More
Composting in Bulgaria by kaththomas2017
I know not to put meat or dairy into my new compost bin but I've read that they can attract snakes !!! Have you any experience of this?
@janemulberry Good luck with you鈥檙e new home Jane, hope it is everything you wish for! Read More
The productive vegetable garden by kaththomas2017
Ive spent many months in my Bulgarian聽 village home on my own, one of the attractions聽 was the well carded for garden but it's becoming very overgrown. The flower garden is lovely with many rose bushes and flowers, the vines are ok and an ...
Around here, south Bulgaria, they tend to plough/rotavate in October/November then again in March/April by the looks of it. We missed the spring window as were away then the rain set in so too wet. Fingers crossed that we both get to plant up next ... Read More
The productive vegetable garden by kaththomas2017
Ive spent many months in my Bulgarian聽 village home on my own, one of the attractions聽 was the well carded for garden but it's becoming very overgrown. The flower garden is lovely with many rose bushes and flowers, the vines are ok and an ...
It鈥檚 amazing what you can learn by just watching what the locals do! We are very lucky to have a lovely Bulgarian neighbour who tells us what are flowers & what are weeds, hard to tell when you鈥檙e not a native! The majority of her ... Read More
The productive vegetable garden by kaththomas2017
Ive spent many months in my Bulgarian聽 village home on my own, one of the attractions聽 was the well carded for garden but it's becoming very overgrown. The flower garden is lovely with many rose bushes and flowers, the vines are ok and an ...
@kaththomas2017聽I too, will be interested to hear when to plant seeds etc as we should hopefully have our field ready for planting soon for next year. All a bit hit & miss with what does & doesn鈥檛 聽grow at the moment聽 Read More
Getting fire wood/logs to season for your wood burners by kaththomas2017
DI'd you know that when you move into a Bulgarian village house you should聽 introduce yourself to the Mayor ( Kemit) because he or she will be able to order you fuel for your wood burners and arrange delivery at a reduced rate.
We paid 720 lev for 10 cubic meters. And there is loads of it, enough for two winters I鈥檇 say Read More
Getting fire wood/logs to season for your wood burners by kaththomas2017
DI'd you know that when you move into a Bulgarian village house you should聽 introduce yourself to the Mayor ( Kemit) because he or she will be able to order you fuel for your wood burners and arrange delivery at a reduced rate.
Might be worth knowing for anyone recently moved here that when we were applying for residency the people at immigration office asked us for proof from the village mayor of our address. Seems as though you need to introduce yourself as Kath has said ... Read More
Registering a uk motorbike in BG
Can anyone give me some info as to how to get our uk bike onto Bulgarian plates. I have heard it requires a fair few hours at Kat but how do we go about getting it valued for tax etc purposes. Thanks. Read More
Planning the move and panicking by Suzi Masterson
Ok so I鈥檓 being paranoid after my parents moving my family to France as a child. The area loathed outsiders (English, French, anyone from outside their village). Someone even tried to trick me into adopting my son when he was newborn because ...
Hi Suzi,Totally understand your worries, children & pets are our life blood, as it should be.We moved to Bulgaria back in October & so far it鈥檚 been pretty good. There鈥檚 always a transition period, feeling a little alien in a ... Read More
Choosing the right village by KingaCo. Clare
Hello globetrotters :) I am so glad this website actually exist :) I am looking for recommendations about nicest regions /villages to live. Call us crazy but my husband is going to Sofia on Saturday house searching. We have looked thru many many too ...
Snap! 馃槅 But it鈥檚 early days for us both, who knows, we may progress on to 鈥楳y name is..鈥� within the next year 馃槀 Read More
Choosing the right village by KingaCo. Clare
Hello globetrotters :) I am so glad this website actually exist :) I am looking for recommendations about nicest regions /villages to live. Call us crazy but my husband is going to Sofia on Saturday house searching. We have looked thru many many too ...
Charlotte, that鈥檚 cunning. I like your style 馃槀 Read More
Choosing the right village by KingaCo. Clare
Hello globetrotters :) I am so glad this website actually exist :) I am looking for recommendations about nicest regions /villages to live. Call us crazy but my husband is going to Sofia on Saturday house searching. We have looked thru many many too ...
We recently moved here to a village called Sinapovo, near Elhovo. It鈥檚 in the south so a bit warmer than the north. Elhovo is about 20 mins drive & Yambol, a bigger town, is 40 mins. Our village has a couple of small shops/bars, around 500 ... Read More
finally...BG requires green pass for all public indoor
You are bang on there! Read More
Help with visa D by GuestPoster221
Could someone please recommend a solicitor to help us with our visa D.
We have been using Tanya鈥檚 services too. Amazing lady, can not recommend enough! Read More
Travelling to Bulgaria by jbpolly123
Hi. Please could someone give me some advice. Can we, or can we not travel to bulgaria? We have a house there which we have not been able to get to, for 2 years. We need to get there to do some work on it. Thanks in advance
So positive! We are flying out a week today to finally move into our new home! All of our furniture etc is there & now finally we can go 馃槂 Read More
Travelling to Bulgaria by jbpolly123
Hi. Please could someone give me some advice. Can we, or can we not travel to bulgaria? We have a house there which we have not been able to get to, for 2 years. We need to get there to do some work on it. Thanks in advance
Can I ask when you did this please? Read More
London to Bulgaria via a green list country by jonthanashworth24
Hi I've seen a couple of threads from people considering travelling to Bulgaria via Hungary or Germany (for 14 nights). Has anyone managed to get in to Bulgaria using this means as yet? Really keen to get in to Bulgaria myself and considering ...
Would love to see photos of everyone鈥檚 house! So good to see people finally moving forward 馃帀 Read More
New members of the Bulgaria forum, introduce yourselves here - 2021 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Bulgaria forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Hi Jane, a couple I鈥檓 speaking to got to BG yesterday via Romania. Stayed there 2 weeks beforehand 馃帀馃帀 Read More
London to Bulgaria via a green list country by jonthanashworth24
Hi I've seen a couple of threads from people considering travelling to Bulgaria via Hungary or Germany (for 14 nights). Has anyone managed to get in to Bulgaria using this means as yet? Really keen to get in to Bulgaria myself and considering ...
Morning, our immigration lawyer in BG has been keeping an eye out on the rules etc for us as we are supposed to be moving over at the end of September. She looked into going to a green country for a couple of weeks before we entered BG, everything ... Read More
London to Bulgaria via a green list country by jonthanashworth24
Hi I've seen a couple of threads from people considering travelling to Bulgaria via Hungary or Germany (for 14 nights). Has anyone managed to get in to Bulgaria using this means as yet? Really keen to get in to Bulgaria myself and considering ...
Just been told the following by our BG solicitor 馃槺 Yesterday a new rules from the Ministry of health came in power. You will not be let in Bulgaria, if you are coming from red list country even if you enter through a green list one. They ... Read More
Bulgaria and the UK by SimCityAT
So Bulgaria has banned people from the UK from entering the country. It will mean that only Bulgarian citizens, long-term residents and their immediate family members will be eligible to enter the country from the UK.
Fingers crossed for you both! Read More
Bulgaria and the UK by SimCityAT
So Bulgaria has banned people from the UK from entering the country. It will mean that only Bulgarian citizens, long-term residents and their immediate family members will be eligible to enter the country from the UK.
When are you off? Let me know how you get on please! Mel Read More
Personal belongings Tor form? by Mel1702
Got the house, got the removal firm, now to do the paperwork! What forms do we need to move our personal possessions to BG from the UK & where can we find them? Thank you.
Sorry for the very late reply! They are sorting out all the paperwork, thankfully. We are packing at the moment but struggling to put a realistic price on our stuff for the forms. Any advice? We had lots of quotes from 拢3,000 to 拢8,000, I ... Read More
Using an intermediary country to get into Bulgaria by denerobt
Good evening all, OK, so I've researched this quite a bit, got conflicting information from various sites, and now I'm hoping those of you who've had a similar journey can shed some light on the matter 1.We want to be able to visit ...
Did you originate from the UK and if so, how long did you stay in Spain? Thanks for all the help Read More
Using an intermediary country to get into Bulgaria by denerobt
Good evening all, OK, so I've researched this quite a bit, got conflicting information from various sites, and now I'm hoping those of you who've had a similar journey can shed some light on the matter 1.We want to be able to visit ...
What exactly is a health declaration? Proof of vaccination, pcr tests? Thanks! Read More
Using an intermediary country to get into Bulgaria by denerobt
Good evening all, OK, so I've researched this quite a bit, got conflicting information from various sites, and now I'm hoping those of you who've had a similar journey can shed some light on the matter 1.We want to be able to visit ...
I鈥檓 looking into this too, supposed to be moving out full time at end of September. Can鈥檛 stay here in UK as we鈥檝e sold up & everything is almost packed & ready to be collected in a month! Spoke with our immigration lawyer ... Read More
Clearing your belongings through customs in Bulgaria by Priscilla
Hello everyone, During one聮s big move abroad, shipping personal belongings to the host country can be stressful. Customs regulations differ from one country to another and you never quite know what to expect when trying to recover your belongings ...
Can anyone give me some guidance as to how to value your belongings when moving them to BG? I did see a list on the net awhile back but of course can鈥檛 find it now. I know it needs to be secondhand values but don鈥檛 want to over or under ... Read More
Bulgaria and the UK by SimCityAT
So Bulgaria has banned people from the UK from entering the country. It will mean that only Bulgarian citizens, long-term residents and their immediate family members will be eligible to enter the country from the UK.
Holding our breathe at the moment. Supposed to be moving out to BG at the end of September. If the UK is still red then can we visit another country for a couple of weeks & gain entry that way legally? Not ideal but looking at all options Read More
Bulgaria and the UK by SimCityAT
So Bulgaria has banned people from the UK from entering the country. It will mean that only Bulgarian citizens, long-term residents and their immediate family members will be eligible to enter the country from the UK.
I鈥檓 here in BG right now after buying our house, flew in last week & back to uk tomorrow. Am supposed to move out permanently in September but now who knows when we will be back 馃樀鈥嶐煉� Read More
Personal belongings Tor form? by Mel1702
Got the house, got the removal firm, now to do the paperwork! What forms do we need to move our personal possessions to BG from the UK & where can we find them? Thank you.
Thanks for your good wishes! And good luck to you guys too. It鈥檚 a bit of a bumpy road but will be so worth it when we move. We are using these people, based in the UK & so helpful. Send them an email! wayne@europeanremovalservices.co.uk Read More
any driving routes from UK to Vidin covid allowing transit by Rakovitsanick
I am trying to drive from London UK to Rakovitsa Makresh municipality in the district if Vidin. Any one have info on covid transit routes I have had 2 jabs of covid vaccination so hopefully will be allowed to travel.
Not sure if this will be of help but if you have had both vaccines you can enter BG with a certificate from this link. We received our today, written in both English & Bulgarian. https://nhs.uk/coronavirus Read More
Personal belongings transit by Mel1702
Has anyone moved to BG recently? I鈥檓 desperately trying to fathom out how to go about this! What forms do I need leaving the UK & arriving in BG for custom & excise. I鈥檝e searched high & low but still can鈥檛 get any ...
Thanks, would be much appreciated! When are you going over? Read More
Personal belongings transit by Mel1702
Has anyone moved to BG recently? I鈥檓 desperately trying to fathom out how to go about this! What forms do I need leaving the UK & arriving in BG for custom & excise. I鈥檝e searched high & low but still can鈥檛 get any ...
Do you have any idea about the paperwork we need leaving here & entering BG? I know we have to register our belongings at the local tax office in the region we will be living at least 2 months before we move but I can鈥檛 find any info ... Read More
Personal belongings transit
Has anyone moved to BG recently? I鈥檓 desperately trying to fathom out how to go about this! What forms do I need leaving the UK & arriving in BG for custom & excise. I鈥檝e searched high & low but still can鈥檛 get any ... Read More
Moving personal effects U.K.to EU - Taxes post Brexit???? by HelenDinBG
We bought a house in Bulgaria and got residency last year, now we want to start moving our belongings across ready to move in the autumn. I鈥檓 hearing there may be issues post Brexit due to the lack of an agreement between U.K. and EU allowing ...
I, too, am trying to find out which forms I need to move personal belongings to BG. Was told a ToR1 but looking on HMRC that is for bringing goods into the uk, not out to BG? Any help would be really appreciated. Read More
Personal belongings Tor form?
Got the house, got the removal firm, now to do the paperwork! What forms do we need to move our personal possessions to BG from the UK & where can we find them? Thank you. Read More
Mobile phone
Hi, my latest question is what do you guys do about SIM cards. We both have O2 contracts here in the uk which we will pay off when we move over to BG but can you suggest a good sim? Thanks in advance Read More
Airlines that carry dogs by Mel1702
I'm wanting to fly my dog out to BG from the UK later in the year but struggling to find airlines that offer this service. Could anyone give me some advice please if you have done this with your own pet.Thanks in advance!
When are you going over? Read More
Removal companies by Mel1702
Next question on my long list! We are hoping to move to BG you n September. We need a reputable removal company to drive our stuff over. Not bringing masses as going to buy big furniture there but will need something the size of a Luton I guess. ...
Yep, we looked at hiring/buying a van but if you hire then you have to drive it all the way back again & I think you're very limited on companies that will hire for overseas travel. Also, there's the cost of international insurance, ... Read More
Removal companies
Next question on my long list! We are hoping to move to BG you n September. We need a reputable removal company to drive our stuff over. Not bringing masses as going to buy big furniture there but will need something the size of a Luton I guess. ... Read More
Airlines that carry dogs by Mel1702
I'm wanting to fly my dog out to BG from the UK later in the year but struggling to find airlines that offer this service. Could anyone give me some advice please if you have done this with your own pet.Thanks in advance!
Paws Bulgaria. They will collect your pet & drive it over to BG! 馃帀 Read More
Bank accounts by Mel1702
Next question in my never ending list. Can you open a Bulgarian bank account from the uk or does it have to be done in person? Covid restrictions are proving very tricky for travel understandably.
Taken legal advice on this & about a 100 other things 馃ぃ A solicitor can set up a company & open a bank account for you if they have POA. This may be the way we have to go as can鈥檛 realistically be in BG at the moment. Also, ... Read More
Property tax/stamp duty by Mel1702
Is it common place for a much lower sale price to be put on the notary deeds than what is actually paid for the property? And is this legal? Have found a house we wish to buy but are very hesitant due to this. We have a solicitor lined up for the ...
Taken some legal advice on this matter today as when we buy it has to be above board. Here is what they said..... This is a very common practice here, but it is not legal. It is even a crime, because you have to sign a declaration before the notary ... Read More
Property tax/stamp duty
Is it common place for a much lower sale price to be put on the notary deeds than what is actually paid for the property? And is this legal? Have found a house we wish to buy but are very hesitant due to this. We have a solicitor lined up for the ... Read More
Airlines that carry dogs by Mel1702
I'm wanting to fly my dog out to BG from the UK later in the year but struggling to find airlines that offer this service. Could anyone give me some advice please if you have done this with your own pet.Thanks in advance!
Hi Jane, I think you are correct about BA. Good luck with your cats! 馃槅 Read More
Airlines that carry dogs by Mel1702
I'm wanting to fly my dog out to BG from the UK later in the year but struggling to find airlines that offer this service. Could anyone give me some advice please if you have done this with your own pet.Thanks in advance!
Unfortunately their website states the are not carrying pets from the uk now. I think we have found a way forward though as can鈥檛 leave him behind! Read More
Airlines that carry dogs by Mel1702
I'm wanting to fly my dog out to BG from the UK later in the year but struggling to find airlines that offer this service. Could anyone give me some advice please if you have done this with your own pet.Thanks in advance!
Yep, I'm on that thanks. Read More
Airlines that carry dogs
I'm wanting to fly my dog out to BG from the UK later in the year but struggling to find airlines that offer this service. Could anyone give me some advice please if you have done this with your own pet.Thanks in advance! Read More
Bank accounts by Mel1702
Next question in my never ending list. Can you open a Bulgarian bank account from the uk or does it have to be done in person? Covid restrictions are proving very tricky for travel understandably.
Hi Jane, yes that鈥檚 my view too. I believe we can ask a solicitor to set one up if we give them power of attorney but not 100% sure. As you say , need to be in BG but that鈥檚 not happening at the moment due to Covid. Lots of hoops to jump ... Read More
Bank accounts
Next question in my never ending list. Can you open a Bulgarian bank account from the uk or does it have to be done in person? Covid restrictions are proving very tricky for travel understandably. Read More
Health Cover by Mel1702
Good morning, my husband (63) & I (54) are looking to retire to Bulgaria in the next few months. We are currently looking into health care/cover. Since Brexit, I understand you need health insurance to apply to become a resident. Can anyone give ...
Brilliant info, thanks! We are slowly working our way through the endless paperwork but it鈥檚 going to be so worth it!! Read More
Recommend a lawyer? by Mel1702
Hi, my husband & I are looking to buy a house with some land in the rural Burgas region. As yet our grasp of the language is pretty limited but will improve, God willing! Anyway, we need some recommendations for an independent lawyer as have ...
Thanks so much for the email info, really good to read! Read More
Regional weather
Good afternoon, can you give me some idea of weather conditions throughout the year for the fit areas please? Have checked out in the net & it鈥檚 a bit limited. Thanks! VT, 50km west of Varna & 60km west of Burgas. Read More
Health Cover
Good morning, my husband (63) & I (54) are looking to retire to Bulgaria in the next few months. We are currently looking into health care/cover. Since Brexit, I understand you need health insurance to apply to become a resident. Can anyone give ... Read More
New members of the Bulgaria forum, introduce yourselves here - 2021 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Bulgaria forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Hi, my husband & I are from the UK but hope to move to the rural Burgas region within the next 12 months, sooner if Covid permits. Still very much at the planning stage so any info/advice would be really appreciated! Read More
Recommend a lawyer?
Hi, my husband & I are looking to buy a house with some land in the rural Burgas region. As yet our grasp of the language is pretty limited but will improve, God willing! Anyway, we need some recommendations for an independent lawyer as have ... Read More