Sofia, Bulgaria Report of what it's like to live there - 11/23/14
Personal Experiences from Sofia, Bulgaria
Sofia, Bulgaria
11/23/14
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No- 6 before.
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?
Washington DC.
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 work.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Small apartments downtown and small houses by the mountain. No closets or storage rooms.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Same or higher than DC.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Nothing.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
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?
10 levas p hour, US Embasy rate
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes, expensive or free at the Embassy.
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?
We pay with cash to eliminate the fees.
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?
None.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Taxis, less than DC.
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?
Same as DC.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, inexpensive.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Local providers.
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?
No.
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?
NO.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Same as every Embassy, public usually casual.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Like any other major city.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care is bad in Sofia.
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?
OK away from downtown.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Bring your MED's.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
DC weather, colder in the winter.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
AAS is outstanding.
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?
Yes, around US$400.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Not many.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
MID size. Like always, few create issues hat affect everyone. 2015 is a big rotation year.
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?
Movies, clubs, trips.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
You need to find your own entertainment, there is little Embassy community.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
In country not many, travel through Europe.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Black sea and few old cities in Bulgaria, other countries around Sofia or flying to northern Europe.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Not much.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Easy life, could travel to Greece, Istanbul and near countries.
10. Can you save money?
NO.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
How far south it is to do road trips and Sofia is not Europe but an old Russian culture.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
NO, one tour is enough, we don't repeat countries.
