Sofia, Bulgaria Report of what it's like to live there - 08/16/14
Personal Experiences from Sofia, Bulgaria
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No. Lived in Germany and Turkey.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Seattle, WA. Takes about 2.5 hours from Sofia to Munich and 9 hours to Washington from Munich.
3. How long have you lived here?
2 years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Government.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Excellent!!!! I mean it.. We live in Lozenetz and have a 3 BD, 4 BA, 225 m2 apartment. Those in Dragalevtsi and Boyana are also very nice (No apartments there. SFH only)
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
We shop only from Metro (German chain) and spend about 150 lev a week for groceries.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
I know it sounds odd and you cannot ship it, but STEAKS!!! No good quality steaks are available in Bulgaria. (recently Metro started selling Argentinian beef). Anything other, anywhere is just cheap cr*p.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Almost all of them are available here. VERY CHEAP!!
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
None.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
I have a nanny+housekeeper, and I pay 1200 lev/month. Mine is a little too expensive because she speaks two languages and has 20 years of childcare experience. You can find an average nanny for 700 lev a month.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes. One in Paradise Mall is my absolute favorite. (DoD personnel has free access to it as well, please ask your DATT).
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Just use the one at the Embassy.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
New generation is really good in English. Elderlies don't even speak a word of it.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes. Please take Sofia off of your list you are a disabled person. I have a double stroller and never got to push it on the street as there are no proper sidewalks. (I can only push it at the Malls) One exception is that all Metro stations have handicap elevator!
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
No. Cab drivers rip you off. No set taxi rules in Sofia.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
We have an SUV. In Lozenetz area, you will get to see Maseratis, Ferraris, Bentleys parked next to each other almost every night, along with their bodyguards in Mercedes, BMWs and Audis :) I can swear that I haven't seen that many in Germany in 3 years!!
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes. Very cheap as well. Internet + Unlimited calls to US and Europe + Cable TV is 45 lev/month with Blizoo.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
We use MTel and are very happy with it. For two cell phones + unlimited data, we pay 42 lev/month. (20 euros)
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Yes. Plenty but the pay is too low.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Lopyan kids.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
US employees are usually in nice suits. LES are dressed a bit more revealing.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
ATMs. Bulgaria is one of the major countries in counterfeiting!
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Gladly we have a pediatrician on post and he is really good. Medical care is terrible in Sofia. Bulgarians don't understand what "Sanitation" means!! Tokuda is the most popular hospital here, but provides awful care.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Doable. Not bad.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Dry hot summers, cold winters, and.... hail storms. Make sure to get hail coverage on your auto insurance.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
AAS is the best.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
My favorite is Montessori School in Studentskigrad. That is the only daycare that provides your choice of organic food for kids. Others are very typical, just famous by being in major housing areas. I would not recommend them as most of them have only 20-25 m2 rooms for 10 kids to play ALL DAY. And they serve cakes and cookies as snacks, I thinks that tells a lot.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes. Plenty. My son had yoga classes as well as swimming and piano. Kempinski hotel has good deals.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Happy. A very very happy community. So far anybody I talked to is very glad to be here. Embassy is really nice.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Plenty of Malls, restaurants, and Vitosha mountain hiking.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Yes for all. Almost all restaurants come with little playgrounds in Sofia. (But note, no high chairs at mall food courts).
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I think it is.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Haven't experienced any.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Sofia offers tons of indoor kiddo play areas. They are very nice and inexpensive. Great for parents with toddlers. Tap water is safe and tastes very good in here.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Buy a Martenitza on March 1, and wear it. It's a handmade bracelet that comes in only red and white that all the Bulgarians wear on that day.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Famous with rose oil, which I hate it..
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Cost of living is very low. We were able to save a lot in here. Sofia is close to Istanbul (1 hour flight or 4 hour drive) and Thessaloniki (same distance), so great for sightseeing. One thing will get you here as far as the culture: Bulgarians nod their heads in opposite direction than the rest of the world! So beware, no means yes, yes means no. Two types of weather here: Dust and mud. There's construction everywhere.
10. Can you save money?
YES..
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Alphabet is in cyrillic. You must learn the alphabet, not the language. Many words are in Latin roots, easy to understand.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Definetly!!
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Anything except your high heels. Yes, no sidewalks in Sofia, but all women on high heels!! Go figure.
4. But don't forget your:
Peanut butter..
