Helpful information
Practical guide to lifestyle in Bulgaria
Practical guide to lifestyle in Bulgaria
Most of Bulgaria's major cities have a significant expat community, and this number will increase as more people consider moving and adopting the country as their new home.
Health care in Bulgaria
The National Health Service is available to all residents of Bulgaria (including foreigners) and is managed by the Regional Health Centres. The doctors and nurses who work in this medical service are very well trained and provide first-class medical care despite their limited capacity.
Everyone who works in Bulgaria, including foreigners, must pay health insurance premiums and can make an appointment with a doctor of their choice, so most people choose a doctor who is close to their home or who speaks their native language. In Bulgaria, physicians, whenever possible, carry out diagnosis and treatment themselves, before referring patients to other institutions or specialists.
Bulgaria's private healthcare system often employs public sector doctors, while private clinics and hospitals offer a more modern and pleasant environment. Private health insurance is expensive compared to the cost of public health care premiums, but much cheaper than fees in other countries.
Transportation in Bulgaria
All modes of transport, including air, rail, road and water, are well developed, which makes it easier to live in Bulgaria and move around the country.
If you choose to drive, you can use your national driving license in combination with an international driving license for up to one year. After that, you will need to obtain a local license. Drinking restrictions are practically zero and you can be fined for even 0.05% blood alcohol content, so it's best to avoid drinking while driving.
Expats in Bulgaria should remember to drive on the right side of the road, overtake on the left, and never turn right at a red light.
Bulgarian roads are generally in poor condition, the lanes are not always marked. Locals can drive a little recklessly, at high speeds and changing lanes without indicating a turn.
In rural areas, you need to watch out for animals on the road, especially when harvesting. Horses and donkeys with carts are still widely used as a mode of transport - and you will see them everywhere, along with the more modern, popular 4x4 cars, Mercedes, Audi and BMW.
The road transport network consists of limited access roads, first class roads, second and third class roads. Bus transport is widely available, with express buses serving most major cities in the country.
Rail transport in Bulgaria is affordable and quite comfortable. The railway network serves all the vast settlements in Bulgaria. Railroads were designed to reach less accessible places and serve destinations with fewer passengers. Tickets can be purchased at railway stations, city transport offices, and travel agencies. On GBrazpisanie.com you can find more information about bus and train routes.
Safety in Bulgaria
For many people the lifestyle in Bulgaria is very attractive. Relaxing on the beach in the summer, skiing in the winter, playing golf and hiking in the mountains - it's all about what you'll enjoy. The vast landscape of Bulgaria opens up many new possibilities.
Sheep and goats roam freely in the fields without fences, and many locals grow their own produce at home. But while living in Bulgaria is magical, there are a few safety tips to be aware of. Pickpockets and swindlers operate in city centers and tourist resorts, especially in crowded places such as buses and busy streets. Thefts from hotel rooms in popular tourist areas have also increased.
It is important to note that if you need to contact the emergency service in Bulgaria, you should call 112.
Health care in Bulgaria
The National Health Service is available to all residents of Bulgaria (including foreigners) and is managed by the Regional Health Centres. The doctors and nurses who work in this medical service are very well trained and provide first-class medical care despite their limited capacity.
Everyone who works in Bulgaria, including foreigners, must pay health insurance premiums and can make an appointment with a doctor of their choice, so most people choose a doctor who is close to their home or who speaks their native language. In Bulgaria, physicians, whenever possible, carry out diagnosis and treatment themselves, before referring patients to other institutions or specialists.
Bulgaria's private healthcare system often employs public sector doctors, while private clinics and hospitals offer a more modern and pleasant environment. Private health insurance is expensive compared to the cost of public health care premiums, but much cheaper than fees in other countries.
Transportation in Bulgaria
All modes of transport, including air, rail, road and water, are well developed, which makes it easier to live in Bulgaria and move around the country.
If you choose to drive, you can use your national driving license in combination with an international driving license for up to one year. After that, you will need to obtain a local license. Drinking restrictions are practically zero and you can be fined for even 0.05% blood alcohol content, so it's best to avoid drinking while driving.
Expats in Bulgaria should remember to drive on the right side of the road, overtake on the left, and never turn right at a red light.
Bulgarian roads are generally in poor condition, the lanes are not always marked. Locals can drive a little recklessly, at high speeds and changing lanes without indicating a turn.
In rural areas, you need to watch out for animals on the road, especially when harvesting. Horses and donkeys with carts are still widely used as a mode of transport - and you will see them everywhere, along with the more modern, popular 4x4 cars, Mercedes, Audi and BMW.
The road transport network consists of limited access roads, first class roads, second and third class roads. Bus transport is widely available, with express buses serving most major cities in the country.
Rail transport in Bulgaria is affordable and quite comfortable. The railway network serves all the vast settlements in Bulgaria. Railroads were designed to reach less accessible places and serve destinations with fewer passengers. Tickets can be purchased at railway stations, city transport offices, and travel agencies. On GBrazpisanie.com you can find more information about bus and train routes.
Safety in Bulgaria
For many people the lifestyle in Bulgaria is very attractive. Relaxing on the beach in the summer, skiing in the winter, playing golf and hiking in the mountains - it's all about what you'll enjoy. The vast landscape of Bulgaria opens up many new possibilities.
Sheep and goats roam freely in the fields without fences, and many locals grow their own produce at home. But while living in Bulgaria is magical, there are a few safety tips to be aware of. Pickpockets and swindlers operate in city centers and tourist resorts, especially in crowded places such as buses and busy streets. Thefts from hotel rooms in popular tourist areas have also increased.
It is important to note that if you need to contact the emergency service in Bulgaria, you should call 112.