roywebb58
English expat in Bulgaria
Forum posts
52
About me
English
Registration: 08 February 2024
What is the cost of utilities in the new currency? by Mrs Homemaker
Has anyone found a spike in the cost of their electricity or other utility bills?I didnt think there would be any difference in cost charged ie what was once 29.BGN Would still be the same only a conversion from BGN to Euros.Any thoughts?
@Mrs HomemakerMetering method Periods within the day Price, BGN/kWh Price, EURO/kWhWith two rates Day 0,29310 0,17348Night ... Read More
Swimming Pool by Zooldrool
Anyone got experience of putting a pool into a house in the center of a city.Looking on Google maps it doesn't look like there are any of the other houses in the center that have a pool. So we could be the first. Anyone know if there are any special ...
In thr City, you can not just build a poolYou will need planning. So before you spend any money, check with the planning department at the municipality buildingAs there are none, the chance is that the municipality does not allow themBack garden ... Read More
Car jacking
Posting this message as I basically did everything wrong.Driving back from Burgas on Friday I needed to stop for fuel and a desperate windscreen clean after stupidly parking under a pine tree.I stopped at the shell garage which is the first one on ... Read More
Looking forward to the Euro?? by VillageLife
I can presume the general consensus from some of the regulars here :) but let's see...I am curious....what are your thoughts about the imminent euro adoption?. Will you be sad to see the leva go?. Will it be easier for you using euros?.Any ...
@janemulberry generally your village Bulgarian doesnt understand monetary policy and fears change.After adopting the Euro certain things are fixed which means the way Bulgaria generates income is limited. Look to income and Business tax rises, this ... Read More
Garden Rotary clothes dryer line.
One of the things we have found difficult to find is a rotary clothes dryer.Yesterday I found a company Brabantia that had the product and I ordered a Rotary Dryer Lift-O-Matic50 metre, with Ground Spike & Cover, 脴 45 mm - Metallic Grey. ... Read More
Bank: Online or traditional by Poza76915
Hello, I have several online banks but I want personal experience on banks, to be honest I want a traditional bank that I can visit but im not sure how easy it is for eu citizens to open one up, im on a pay monthly property so maybe not as easy to ...
we are with UBBgot 2 cardsone for the wife and one for me.it is not a joint accountFind it handy as with Revolut and wise cash withdrawals are restricted to set amounts per month so we transfer lv from them to BG accounts and can withdraw any amount ... Read More
Council Tax Shocker by Mrs Homemaker
Hello folksies I've just learned that within Oryahovo Municipality this year's council tax has risen by 300%Is anyone else in this region or any other region in Bulgaria experiencing this scale of increase ? This is extremely disturbing
@Mrs Homemaker could have something to do with refuse collection, the EU has told Bulgaria their prices for refuse collection is to low it cost more to collect it then the revenue they receive..That said if mine goes up by that amount it will still ... Read More
E Cigarettes and Vaping by Snowball6
Can anyone confirm that Bulgaria is to ban vaping?
Yes.But no..lolThis link explains a ban is not simple because of EU legislation.https://vaping360.com/vape-news/8372/bulgaria-may-scale-down-proposed-vape-ban/ Read More
Cost of living in Bulgaria in 2025 by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Every year, we invite you to share your experiences with the cost of living in in Bulgaria, especially in the region or city you live in. Your insights will greatly help members planning their move to Bulgaria or already living ...
@JimJ my comment was regarding water costs, my water meter is actually in my home.My electric meter cupboard is padlocked and any stealing of course is possible but criminal damage would need to be carried out to gain access, and on the same subject ... Read More
Cost of living in Bulgaria in 2025 by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Every year, we invite you to share your experiences with the cost of living in in Bulgaria, especially in the region or city you live in. Your insights will greatly help members planning their move to Bulgaria or already living ...
@JimJ we are in a village and never get a reading taken during winter, namely October to March, during those months they estimate from previous records. Read More
Cost of living in Bulgaria in 2025 by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Every year, we invite you to share your experiences with the cost of living in in Bulgaria, especially in the region or city you live in. Your insights will greatly help members planning their move to Bulgaria or already living ...
@JimJ sadly there are many that I know have had to suffer high electricity costs because they are on a complex. The Vineyards in Aheloy and many others in the same area pay business rate, yes they have separate meters but the complex owns the meters ... Read More
Bulgarian Visa D with criminal conviction by GangThePker
Hello, I hope you鈥檙e well. I have a question about my visa D application and wondering if anyone can shed some light on this for me.Firstly I know I鈥檝e been incredibly stupid but I have a criminal history and have completed a police ...
Do you need a visa if you are married to a Bulgarian? You can get residency through marriage.But even this route needs a clean record. Personally, I would speak to an immigration lawyer; you may find that driving offences are not counted.what is ... Read More
British tv in Bulgaria by selcroft
Hello,We have moved to Bulgaria, love the Country, way of life and people鈥�..BUT鈥︹�� we can not watch any British tv except BBC I player. We have a VPN installed and there have difficulties watching live tv on a the Amazon fire ...
@selcroft have a look at hoolatv.comall the freeview channelsits a subscription service but not expensiveThere is a short free time so you can see whats what before deciding Read More
Company devoted to flats renting by Boris-Gleb
My partner and I are looking for investment property and rent it to get additional income in Bulgaria. Therefore two options are to be considered, either to buy under name of the two owners, each holding 50% of the property, for instance, or first ...
@gwynj Great post.I think if you only have one property to rent and expect maybe some return to offset your costs and maybe a small return on your investment then your expectations are not too high.I remember coming to BG back in 2005 and looking at ... Read More
Some tips for future/new expats in Bulgaria by DutchExpatVarna
Hello,My name is Erwin, originally from the Netherlands, but a Varna resident for almost 23 years (and counting).I have been mostly lurking on this forum, however I see on a regular basis posts from people who are planning to move to Bulgaria or ...
@sajz you can only store blood for about 42 days, so storing your own is not really something that will work.Maybe you could donate your blood to give yourself some credits, not sure if BG has this system.At most hospitals, there are many poor ... Read More
TV streaming
If you are an expat and your UK Tv has gone down this is why.Global crackdown on IPTVmsn.comGlobal crackdown on IPTVIf you have an IPTV box, it may be recalcitrant as of November 28, 2024. as a massive illegal streaming platform affecting 22 million ... Read More
Import & Sell by Shaun Murray
Can I import & sell my car from Canada-2015 Hyundai Sonata. 2.4litre Petrol Gasoline 4 cylinder engine. 160,000 kms. It has Canadian Licence plates on it. I am currently in Turkey. I intend to drive it there & then sell it in Bulgaria. Is ...
It's my understanding that the person who buys it will be responsible for paying the import taxes when they register the car on BG plates.Have you officially exported it from Canada?What are the regulations involving buying and selling a car in ... Read More
Houses in Malomir by andrewturley1
Hi, im reaching out for some advice please! i bought 2 houses in 2006 ,i had a local lady who had POA and looked after them for me. i havnt been over there for 14 years as i went through a messy divorce, got remarried etc .I have been trying to get ...
if you know where the houses are see if you can find them on Google Maps, also street view, in Bulgaria only main routes and towns are fully covered on Street View, but if you can see it, it may give you a rough idea of the condition.Good luck Read More
Changes in TRO program by Mark Segal
Hey!I've heard about the new proposed Foreigner Ack law changes that affects TROs, and requires a certain turnover (i think 500k BGN)1. Do you know if the law has passed, or, when it will be passed?2. How can a company prove such turonver? A large ...
all companies have to be registered somewhere and in the Uk its companies house, where all companies can be searched, and information easily obtained, I can not understand why you think a company would want to hide data which is a legal requirement ... Read More
Vehicle import by jasmith837
Morning all. After a fruitless search I've turned to the oracle. As I understand it, I can bring a vehicle when I move to Bulgaria. The question is can my wife also bring her own vehicle? We both have motorcycles and we'd like to try and bring ...
@Bojidara Iordanova The car has not been imported if still on UK plates, so you will have to import it and pay import tax Read More
Vehicle import by jasmith837
Morning all. After a fruitless search I've turned to the oracle. As I understand it, I can bring a vehicle when I move to Bulgaria. The question is can my wife also bring her own vehicle? We both have motorcycles and we'd like to try and bring ...
@gwynj In that situation be careful they do not annotate the vehicle on your passport as can happen, this will mean you may have to leave the country with the vehicle Read More
House insurance by grumpyoldbird
Hi guys, not been on for a while, but recent events in Bulgaria, namely wildfires, have prompted a question. Speaking to a friend in Bulgaria, she told me they have no house insurance. I was quite shocked by this, particularly in light of the ...
@grumpyoldbird we had a payout for a roof destroyed by hailstones the size of golf balls, which would be considered an act of god.I would say over the years we have broke even Read More
paying with Epay/Wise by TonyFF
Please advise how do you use Wise card on Epay.bgIs it like using a debit card? What is the cheapest way to pay money to someone's account ?Is there any other low cost way to pay bills without a Bulgarian bank account?Thanks!
@TonyFFAlso set up correctly you get interest on your balance I get over 200 pounds a year Read More
Working for a uk company in Bulgaria by Marie Lidbury
I was hoping to work for a uk company and work from home in Bulgaria. Ive been told this is not possible due to tax laws. I will still have my uk bank account so thought i wouldnt be effected by such problems. Any information and advice would be ...
subscribe to a private VPN which you can use to hide your computer location Read More
Stacking fire wood outside by Kath948381
Well I bought the minimum amount from the village Mayor and I'm going to have to stack some of it outside to season. Now once stacked do I need to cover it to protect it from rain and snow ?
for the duration of the summer leave it uncovered, when you store it inside you will naturally be stacking the driest on the bottom and the wettest as in not fully seasoned on top.The Bulgarians in our village leave it out all summer uncovered Read More
S1 registration by stsusan07
Hi everybody. I live in the Yambol area but would like to register my S1 in Burgas as we have a good doctor there. Is this possible?
@JimJI agreehere in radnevo they do a print out one page for three months, I prefer the book Read More
S1 registration by stsusan07
Hi everybody. I live in the Yambol area but would like to register my S1 in Burgas as we have a good doctor there. Is this possible?
@JimJ all though partly correct, with the advent of computer prescriptions the prescrition booklet is being done away with Read More
New members of the Bulgaria forum, introduce yourselves here - 2024 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 your ...
@Kris Stargood choice, our daughter lives in Nova Scotia and believes Canada is finished, we will never visit again as the danger of getting stuck there is too great.Welcome to BG and this group, we like Plovdiv its our first choice for air travel, ... Read More
Vehicle import by jasmith837
Morning all. After a fruitless search I've turned to the oracle. As I understand it, I can bring a vehicle when I move to Bulgaria. The question is can my wife also bring her own vehicle? We both have motorcycles and we'd like to try and bring ...
@Murdjo But you do not need to register it as soon as you hit BG soil.If you can register it in your name on UK plates then just wait till you reach the criteria and do the BG registration then Read More
Snakes, and other biting or stinging creatures in Bulgaria by Lee4
Hi, I've read that there are a lot of snakes in Bulgaria, including the most venomous snake in Europe the Nose Horned Viper, Vipera ammodytes. With snakes of various varieties being sighted fairly frequently - living in fields, in woodland, ...
we see loads of snakes.A lot sadly dead on the road, we have had grass snakes in our garden and in our pond, they love the frogs we have also had Aesculapian Snakes in the garden and they can be 6 feet long.A few years ago we were at Primorsko and ... Read More
Seeking advice about the Bulgarian housing market by GoingDutch
We, a family of 4, are struggling a lot with the Bulgarian housing market and are even considering leaving Bulgaria for this. We have been living (on and off) in Bulgaria for 4 years. We have been renting so far and have been trying to buy several ...
@GoingDutchref using your car.when we first viewed back in 2005 we were driven by the real estate guy, at the end of the day we were given a bill, and it was taxi rates, ok in those days at 3 lv to the pound it was not so bad, today that would end ... Read More
Smoking in Bulgaria by TonyFF
I am very surprised nobody raises this topic. Are you guys all smokers on this forum? This is one thing I hate in Bulgaria ( and anywhere in the world that smoking is prevalent)- so many people smoke.How do you deal with it if you are non-smoker? ...
As a non smoker it does not really bother me, there are a couple of places where as you walk in the smell of smoke is a bit obnoxious but I only pay my internet there so never in there long. Read More
A bit of background on recent(-ish) Bulgarian history by JimJ
Anyone who's interested might enjoy this link to a BBC documentary entitled "The Crimes of The Comrades", "The Comrades" being the Communists responsible for making this one of the most oppressed and repressive countries in the Soviet bloc - I hope ...
@Boris-Gleb BBC a reliable source.....lolmaybe in 1989 when that film was produced but sadly in this century they are nothing more than a government propaganda machine with most people who work there after the money and have thrown journalism out of ... Read More
WAspi Women as it stands today.
Are you a WASPI Woman.This is the summary from the ombudsman.(the Labour party are asking the Government to respond within a week)https://www.ombudsman.org.uk/.../womens-state.../summarySummary169. Between 1995 and 2004, accurate information about ... Read More
MOT in and out of Bulgaria by robbertvandoorn
I have a rather unique situation where I am registered personally as well as with a company in Bulgaria, and I would like to import a EU car to Bulgaria and apply Bulgarian plates. I understand I would, for this kind of used vehicle, need to do a ...
The way I understand it there is no EU-wide MOT (technical inspection) that is data-based throughout the EUThe main problem arises when you look at residency rules.Your normal residence is the place where you usually live, work or have family (for ... Read More
Claim your marriage tax allowance
Are you married and a UK taxpayer, does you or your partner use all of their allocated tax allowance.Did you know if you do not use your whole allowance you can transfer up to 10% of your allowance to your partner and you can claim back over the ... Read More
Registering my S1 by Kath948381
Living here in Bulgaria since late August last year and being a UK pensioner with a Bulgarian residency card what do I need to take with me to register my S1 health thingy?
@Kath948381When you apply for your S1 you let them know you have a dependent and give them the details.You will receive a form from the UK with your details and all dependents on itYou then follow the registration process Read More
Registering my S1 by Kath948381
Living here in Bulgaria since late August last year and being a UK pensioner with a Bulgarian residency card what do I need to take with me to register my S1 health thingy?
@sogyVery useful to know.Would use this in a situation where I can not have the document as I prefer to scan using my printer at home.But thanks for sharing the info Read More
Moving to Bulgaria - questions by GuestPoster347
Hello, I am planning to move to Bulgaria next year and have a few questions.The initial visa that I must get is a D type visa.It's requirements are stated, but iam not clear on some aspects of it.For a retired persons visa:1) At what point do I need ...
@RexTechGuy.Sadly it varies from area to areas, but i would say look to have access to the amount the same as the minimum wage, about 800lv a month. We have never had to show a bank statement, the fact that we had a bank account with cards was ... Read More
EOOD and Car/Property Purschase by digiwolf88
Hi dear forum 鈥� It's great to see expats and locals helping each other.I have an EOOD in Ruse, however I would like to move in the Blagoevgrad region, preferably Bansko.I was wondering if there are any restrictions in buying a property and a ...
@digiwolf88You can purchase an apartment without forming a company.You can register the company address where you want it to be within the territory of Bulgaria, basically the company address does not have to be where the company operates out of, ... Read More
Registering my S1 by Kath948381
Living here in Bulgaria since late August last year and being a UK pensioner with a Bulgarian residency card what do I need to take with me to register my S1 health thingy?
@wtruckyboywhen you become a pensioner you automatically qualify for UK national health too, inso much that you can have a Uk EHIC for travel to other EU countries. ( the GHIC has replaced the EHIC but s1 holders still get a EHIC)..If for any reason ... Read More
Registering my S1 by Kath948381
Living here in Bulgaria since late August last year and being a UK pensioner with a Bulgarian residency card what do I need to take with me to register my S1 health thingy?
@Kath948381Regional Health Insurance Office袪邪泄芯薪薪邪 蟹写褉邪胁薪芯芯褋懈谐褍褉懈褌械谢薪邪 ... Read More
What type of payments do you use in Bulgaria by TonyFF
Just curious what type of payments do you use in Bulgaria the most?Debit cards, credit cards, cash?I use mostly聽 one specific credit card聽 when聽 I am there ( I have 1.5% cash back on all my purchases with no international transactions ...
yepwise and a BG bank My Uk bank started charging large amounts for cash removals and currency exchange, so I now transfer from UK bank to wise, if I need more cash then the wise allowance then I transfer to BG bank from wise, that can take a couple ... Read More
EOOD and Car/Property Purschase by digiwolf88
Hi dear forum 鈥� It's great to see expats and locals helping each other.I have an EOOD in Ruse, however I would like to move in the Blagoevgrad region, preferably Bansko.I was wondering if there are any restrictions in buying a property and a ...
@digiwolf88When registering a property address as an EOOD there is a possibility you will pay business rates when accessing utilities, this can make your Electric bill very high. There is a way around it and you visit a notary and set up a rental ... Read More
Registering my S1 by Kath948381
Living here in Bulgaria since late August last year and being a UK pensioner with a Bulgarian residency card what do I need to take with me to register my S1 health thingy?
@JimJHi Jim although for this thread its pensioners that are being talked about, just to share if someone is working in the EU for a UK company they too are entitled to an S1 Read More
Registering my S1 by Kath948381
Living here in Bulgaria since late August last year and being a UK pensioner with a Bulgarian residency card what do I need to take with me to register my S1 health thingy?
@Kath948381I am assuming you already have your S1 document from the UK, if not you will need to contact themfirst port of call is the NRA office.Burgas Center, ul. "Tsar Peter" 5, 8000 BurgasThey will check if you need to pay any further ... Read More
New members of the Bulgaria forum, introduce yourselves here - 2024 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 your ...
@janemulberryThanks well it would be if the UK pension service had paid me.Due on 16th of January and next payment was to be 13th Feb, still waiting Read More
Renewal Bg. Driving license and residency card by tutisservis
Hi,Does anyone know how to juggle renewal of residency card and driving license, which expire on the same day.If I renew my residency early, then I'll be penalised after 5 years and need to pay for an additional reduced residency card to fulfill the ...
when you renew your residency card explain to immigration that your driver's license needs renewing too, they will maybe give you a document showing, or a reference number, that your residency card is in the process of renewal. KAT may delay your ... Read More
Dog Tax in Bulgaria by Adriana Petrova
Hi all, just to check how many of you are paying the annual dog tax :)
not a new thing its been a requirement for many years.Its a registration scheme where your dogs vaccine status is recorded also dogs that are neutered do not pay a fee.A few years back our Mayor went to all the houses checking peoples documents for ... Read More
Security services around Sevlievo and VT by porridgeandprunes
We have a house in a village about halfway between Sevlievo and Veliko Tarnovo. On our last visit we were disappointed to discover that the house and garage had been broken into. We are now thinking about the possibility of installing cameras and/or ...
https://www.sot.bg/info/?project=%D0%BE%D1%84%D0%B8%D1%81-%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%BE-%D1%82%D1%8A%D1%80%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%BE Read More
Capital gain tax on stock market in by appsperiphone
Hello! Moving somewhere in Europe with a law or zero capital gain tax. How is the situation in Bulgaria? Is it easy to relocate? Thank you.
you may find this link useful.https://www.minfin.bg/en/827?fbclid=IwAR32nQ5-fTJQBLqmE-NpnYRsTGb4gdPyjAfCoBfHmmjQGG1N8uwI-Y6Q78YThere is a possibility under the Bulgarian tax rules that you would not pay tax if your trading was set up in a pension ... Read More
New members of the Bulgaria forum, introduce yourselves here - 2024 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 your ...
Hi all.My wife and I moved here in 2007.We sold up from the UK lock stock and barrel stuck everything in investments and hoped to live off that until our pensions kicked in.Well we made it, my UK pension has just kicked in and my wife's was last ... Read More