kaminoge
Australian expat in Bulgaria
Forum posts
54
Contacts
5
About me
Australian
Lives in Sofia
Registration: 20 January 2013
Quilmes - the location, not the beer
Hi All, I'm considering a move to Argentina. If I do end up making it I'll be moving to Quilmes (just south of BA). Just wondering if anyone is familiar with the area and could give me an opinion on how it would be to live there. Thanks! Read More
American marriage certificate for Residential Visa by EuroAdventure
Greetings! My question for married couples who came to Bulgaria for retirement. How did you apply your marriage certificate to Immigration Service? They want us to apostle the document, to translate and legalize in Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At ...
Oops. Meant to say, that included our US marriage certificate. Read More
American marriage certificate for Residential Visa by EuroAdventure
Greetings! My question for married couples who came to Bulgaria for retirement. How did you apply your marriage certificate to Immigration Service? They want us to apostle the document, to translate and legalize in Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At ...
EVERYTHING that we submitted to them had to be translated, notorized and for legal documents apostilled. It was an enormous pain in the butt. And I was giving them the originals! Read More
Dress Maker in Sofia
Thanks. I wasn't looking for designer clothes. I ended up just getting the dress elsewhere. Read More
Dress Maker in Sofia
I'm looking to get a dress made in Sofia. I'm after recommendations for someone who can sew but who also speaks at least basic English so I can be clear about what I want. Any one got any tips? Read More
Buying wedding rings in Sofia by kaminoge
A bit obscure but the internet is always worth a try. I'm looking to buy 2 wedding rings in Sofia. Ideally I'd just like a regular jewelry shop... nothing super high end, where we could go to try on rings. We're after something pretty ...
kojidae thanks for the offer, if I find myself having to head out towards Pernik I'll contact you and get the details from you - I wouldn't go there just for this though. Presumably if there's someone in Pernik doing this then ... Read More
Buying wedding rings in Sofia by kaminoge
A bit obscure but the internet is always worth a try. I'm looking to buy 2 wedding rings in Sofia. Ideally I'd just like a regular jewelry shop... nothing super high end, where we could go to try on rings. We're after something pretty ...
I've never had anything disappear. But getting it from customs (as a non-Bulgarian speaker) is a huge pain. It definitely puts me off ordering from outside of the EU. Read More
Buying wedding rings in Sofia by kaminoge
A bit obscure but the internet is always worth a try. I'm looking to buy 2 wedding rings in Sofia. Ideally I'd just like a regular jewelry shop... nothing super high end, where we could go to try on rings. We're after something pretty ...
Do you have an issues with customs? I only ask because I've had horribe (and expensive) experiences with customs here taking things and then me having to take a lot of time and money to get them released. Read More
Buying wedding rings in Sofia by kaminoge
A bit obscure but the internet is always worth a try. I'm looking to buy 2 wedding rings in Sofia. Ideally I'd just like a regular jewelry shop... nothing super high end, where we could go to try on rings. We're after something pretty ...
Well so would I if I was in the States... but it really would be a lot more convenient to buy it here if I could find a suitable place. Read More
Buying wedding rings in Sofia
A bit obscure but the internet is always worth a try. I'm looking to buy 2 wedding rings in Sofia. Ideally I'd just like a regular jewelry shop... nothing super high end, where we could go to try on rings. We're after something pretty ... Read More
Relocating to Sofia - Need practical infos about safety etc by Loca86
Hello everybody, my name Is Maria, I am Italian and I have just received a job offer from a gaming company located in Sofia. Before accepting ( the offer is pretty good) I do have some concerns and I hope you can help me with that. 1) First of ...
Hi, 1) Yes. Like any city you would use common sense but it's a pretty safe feeling city (I'm a single woman living alone). 2) Very easy. Especially in Sofia so many Bulgarians speak good English. A lot of labels etc are in English and I ... Read More
Relocating to Sofia. Some questions! by Flying_Dutchm
Hi all, Maybe you guys can help me with some questions I have. I'm relocating to Sofia in the coming months with my dog. Which area would you recommend me based on the following: Close to city centre. Safe, quiet and with shops around for ...
There's no river or natural lake in Sofia and, like pretty much every other country in the world, they're not going to be at all keen on your dog taking a swim in the fountains etc! As someone else mentioned Pancharevo Lake is not too far ... Read More
current rules to live in Bulgaria full time by annanirvanna
Hi looking for precise info on moving to Bulgaria (BG) & living there permanently. I am a 64 year old UK citizen receiving pensions. I left UK 8 years ago to live in Sinai Egypt where hubby studied & later worked in the diving industry. ...
I was beaten to it but basically I was just going to point out that since you're an EU citizen and Bulgaria (unlike Egypt or Thailand) is a member of the EU you will find it much easier to move here than you would to those places. You can pretty ... Read More
Summer in Sofia with Baby and Hubby
I cycle a lot here but honestly there's no way I'd do it with a baby along for the ride (if that's what you were planning to do). There's a big second hand bike market every weekend in the parking lot at Vasil Nevski stadium if you ... Read More
road side assistance
I use these people http://www.uab.org/car-repair/ I've found them very helpful when dealing with membership queries (they sent me an English translation of everything) BUT in the 2 years I've been a member I've never actually had to ... Read More
How can I survive in Bulgaria? by bttella1
I want to relocate to Bulgaria but I am wondering how I could survive in Bulgaria as a journalist/writer. I speak and write only in English Language. I also have experience in healthcare work. I have worked with elderly people in residential homes ...
1500 BGN is the same thing as 1500 lev. Lev is the name of the currency, BGN is the abbreviation for Bulgarian. It's roughly 750 euro. While you can certainly survive on it I'm not sure you'd want to if you're hoping to travel or ... Read More
Making friends in Bulgaria by Mmagi3
Hi everyone, I am a Canadian living/working in sofia. Now married to a Bulgarian guy! I find the language really difficult and social settings to become boring when there is NO english lol. Looking to meet other people in the same boat!
Hi, Well I'm not in the same boat (since I'm not married to a Bulgarian) but I'm a native English speaker who is always up for meeting new people if there's anything we have in common. I'll send you a pm. Read More
trip to Sofia
Sorry I have no real idea. I haven't been here that long myself. Hopefully someone who has more idea than me will come along and answer the question. What do you want the taxi driver for? If you're just staying in the city it would be easy enough ... Read More
trip to Sofia
Hi, I'm not sure what sort of help you'll need but I really find that nearly everyone here speaks English - most of them to a very high level. You could probably easily find a taxi driver who spoke decent English and who would be happy to drive you ... Read More
Air riffles / hunting guns in Bulgaria? by xpatbg
I read somewhere "The Hunting Culture is a large part of Bulgarian tradition", just wondering if the guns / ammo are available in what part of Bulgaria, the best hunting locations and whether its permitted on what conditions?
They do. It's in Bulgarian though. guns.bg/ Read More
Air riffles / hunting guns in Bulgaria? by xpatbg
I read somewhere "The Hunting Culture is a large part of Bulgarian tradition", just wondering if the guns / ammo are available in what part of Bulgaria, the best hunting locations and whether its permitted on what conditions?
I have no real idea but I do know there's a big shop here in Sofia (Pro Hunter VIP) which has lots of scary looking weaponery in it. Read More
Cost of living in Bulgaria by expat.com
Hi everybody, It would be very interesting to start a topic about the cost of living in Bulgaria. It would help a lot those who would like to move to Bulgaria. Don't forget to mention where you are living Let's compare the: > accommodation ...
I don't think anywhere is BAD. Some places are definitely more convenient but it really depends what you want. Do you want to be near the centre where you can easily get to a range of entertainment/restaurants etc? Are you happy to be a bit further ... Read More
looking for some guidelines of Sofia by epeniche
Hi, I have been reading all the information posted on this Blog and I found it really useful. I am planning to move to Sofia on an expatriate assignment and before I get in to the negotiation stage with the company I was looking for some guidelines ...
I just want to chip in with a few thoughts. 1. Driving in Sofia is really not that bad. I hadn't driven in 10 years before I came here and I'd never driven on the right hand side before and I've really had no problems. Yes, there are a lot of ... Read More
Buying a bicycle in Sofia by kaminoge
Any tips on where is a good place to buy a bicycle? Either used or new. I want something decent enough to be comfortable riding around town (and possibly to work which is about 15k) but not anything flashy. So far I've just found one bike shop ...
If you'd bothered to have read the posts you'd know I bought one at the second hand market months ago. Read More
Buying a bicycle in Sofia by kaminoge
Any tips on where is a good place to buy a bicycle? Either used or new. I want something decent enough to be comfortable riding around town (and possibly to work which is about 15k) but not anything flashy. So far I've just found one bike shop ...
The driver sits on the right of the car and drives on the left of the road. Read More
I am coming to Sofia and an hoping to be able to bike there ? by emelinevic
Is it possible to bike in Sofia between September and March? I am coming to Sofia and an hoping to be able to bike too, through Borisova Gradina. I will be living in Izgrev and working in the center so the garden is right in between. Thank you for ...
It's some kind of pepper spray. I went to a rather scary shop called "Pro Hunter VIP". They have a wide range of guns/swords/crossbows/ninja outfits (seriously!) and many other things that looked dangerous but I have no idea what they were. They ... Read More
Buying a bicycle in Sofia by kaminoge
Any tips on where is a good place to buy a bicycle? Either used or new. I want something decent enough to be comfortable riding around town (and possibly to work which is about 15k) but not anything flashy. So far I've just found one bike shop ...
I love the graphic! I'm still waiting for my paperwork so I can drive but I'm sure I'll enjoy feeling like an orphan. It's going to be worse for me because I've never driven on the right before so I'm going to have to remember not to just do left ... Read More
I am coming to Sofia and an hoping to be able to bike there ? by emelinevic
Is it possible to bike in Sofia between September and March? I am coming to Sofia and an hoping to be able to bike too, through Borisova Gradina. I will be living in Izgrev and working in the center so the garden is right in between. Thank you for ...
I've had a few scares recently. I'm cycling to work while it's completely dark and that might make a difference, I have a lot less hassle in the afternoons when it's light. Today I just bought spray to protect myself in case it's needed. Read More
Buying a bicycle in Sofia by kaminoge
Any tips on where is a good place to buy a bicycle? Either used or new. I want something decent enough to be comfortable riding around town (and possibly to work which is about 15k) but not anything flashy. So far I've just found one bike shop ...
From what Bulgarians have told me it's a combination of 1) Bad roads (potholes etc) 2) Dangerous drivers 3) The dogs 4) The snow/ice in winter I'm managing to commute each day by bike (it's over 10k though so not everyone has such short commutes) ... Read More
Expat blog gatherings in Sofia by Julien
Hi all! What about meeting the other Sofia Expat.com members in real life? Organizing an Expat.com meet up would be an excellent way to know them! :) An Expat.com meet up can be a diner gathering, having coffee, a bring and share in a nice ...
Svetlanik I know that you were not making suggestions of where people need to meet. I was just pointing out that there is no "most popular place" where Americans meet other Americans which is what you asked for. For example I know many Americans who ... Read More
Expat blog gatherings in Sofia by Julien
Hi all! What about meeting the other Sofia Expat.com members in real life? Organizing an Expat.com meet up would be an excellent way to know them! :) An Expat.com meet up can be a diner gathering, having coffee, a bring and share in a nice ...
I'd also be happy to participate in actually meeting some people. Svetlanik different Americans will have different interests and so will meet each other in different ways. Most of the Americans I know don't set out to particularly meet other ... Read More
Buying a bicycle in Sofia by kaminoge
Any tips on where is a good place to buy a bicycle? Either used or new. I want something decent enough to be comfortable riding around town (and possibly to work which is about 15k) but not anything flashy. So far I've just found one bike shop ...
I've got no actual idea but I'd assume they must be open to buying bikes as well. Of course you'd have to expect a lot less money but the dealers must get the bikes from somewhere. Read More
I am coming to Sofia and an hoping to be able to bike there ? by emelinevic
Is it possible to bike in Sofia between September and March? I am coming to Sofia and an hoping to be able to bike too, through Borisova Gradina. I will be living in Izgrev and working in the center so the garden is right in between. Thank you for ...
Well I've only been here a few weeks (and I'm a bit of a wimp) so I have no idea how long I'll be biking for but I know some of my colleagues cycle all year round. And given that most of us live fairly centrally and we work outside the ring road (so ... Read More
I am looking for new friends by MariuszD
hi, I am new in Sofia. Happy to meet with English speaking friend. Mariusz
Pleased to hear that! Lets hope our experiences continue to be so positive. Read More
I am looking for new friends by MariuszD
hi, I am new in Sofia. Happy to meet with English speaking friend. Mariusz
I absolutely love it so far. The weather is amazing. The people are friendly. It's an easy city to get around (although I'm assured that gets worse once August is over) and despite some concerns I'm enjoying cycling. Also it's one of the easiest ... Read More
Bonjour :) by Dklasanova
Hi everybody! I'm looking for native french speakers or bulgarians with fluent french for an interesting job opprotunity! If you are interested please just let me know! Thanks in advance! Merci beaucoup a tout le monde!
Hmmmm well I don't speak a word of French but I'm pretty sure that says "I'm interested, can we communicate in French". Read More
Buying a bicycle in Sofia by kaminoge
Any tips on where is a good place to buy a bicycle? Either used or new. I want something decent enough to be comfortable riding around town (and possibly to work which is about 15k) but not anything flashy. So far I've just found one bike shop ...
I'm just putting an update here in case anyone is interested in this in the future. I discovered that there's loads of small bicycle shops around and the best way to find them is actually to google brands of bikes. One place that has several ... Read More
Buying a bicycle in Sofia by kaminoge
Any tips on where is a good place to buy a bicycle? Either used or new. I want something decent enough to be comfortable riding around town (and possibly to work which is about 15k) but not anything flashy. So far I've just found one bike shop ...
Thanks. I'll check those options out. It's funny, everyone keeps trying to put me off cycling but I see loads of other people doing it. And I figure if I survived cycling for 5 years in Beijing traffic I think I can probably cope here too! Also the ... Read More
Buying a bicycle in Sofia
Any tips on where is a good place to buy a bicycle? Either used or new. I want something decent enough to be comfortable riding around town (and possibly to work which is about 15k) but not anything flashy. So far I've just found one bike shop ... Read More
Places to visit in Sofia by Julie
Hi, For the ones living in Sofia, what would you suggest to discover the region? When you have friends or family visiting you, where do you go with them? What are the must-see places in Sofia, the tourist sites? How to visit the region in ...
I'd recommend checking out the free tours first of all. There's a free 2 hour walking tour, a free cycling tour (although you have to hire a bike if you don't have your own) and a free hiking tour. They are all reviewed on trip adviser. Read More
Swimming in Sofia
Thanks! That looks perfect for what I'm after. And if my cut and paste into google is correct then it's not too far from where I'll be living. Read More
Swimming in Sofia
Hi All, I'm after a good, year round, swimming pool in Sofia. Any recommendations. The bigger the pool the better, I'm only interested in lap swimming so I don't care about extra facilities like spas etc. Thanks for any tips. Read More
I am looking for new friends by MariuszD
hi, I am new in Sofia. Happy to meet with English speaking friend. Mariusz
Hi, I'm not in Sofia yet but I'll be arriving in just over 2 weeks (at the start of August). I'd love to meet a few people and get to know a little bit about life there. Maybe we can meet up once I arrive. Read More
Riding a scooter in Sofia by kaminoge
Hi All, I'm moving to Sofia in a few months and I'm wondering how it would be to ride a scooter there. Weather wise would it be a feasible thing year round? Anything else I need to take into account? At first I was planning to buy a used car but ...
Thanks. I've decided to go with getting a car. Read More
Riding a scooter in Sofia by kaminoge
Hi All, I'm moving to Sofia in a few months and I'm wondering how it would be to ride a scooter there. Weather wise would it be a feasible thing year round? Anything else I need to take into account? At first I was planning to buy a used car but ...
Hi, Thanks for your reply. If I do end up getting a scooter I'll definitely contact you for details of the mechanic. For now I'm waiting to find out more information about where I'll be living and whether or not I'll have parking. Hopefully I will. Read More
Riding a scooter in Sofia by kaminoge
Hi All, I'm moving to Sofia in a few months and I'm wondering how it would be to ride a scooter there. Weather wise would it be a feasible thing year round? Anything else I need to take into account? At first I was planning to buy a used car but ...
Thanks for the reply. I think I've decided against the scooter option for now. If I do decide to get one and occasionally rent a car that would just be for weekends I want to go out of town etc. I'm not American so I have no idea how much it costs ... Read More
Riding a scooter in Sofia
Hi All, I'm moving to Sofia in a few months and I'm wondering how it would be to ride a scooter there. Weather wise would it be a feasible thing year round? Anything else I need to take into account? At first I was planning to buy a used car but ... Read More
Bulgarian Food by PumpkinPie
I'm curious what expats think of Bulgarian cuisine. How do you like it? Do you have any favourites? Have you ever cooked something Bulgarian yourself?
I'm glad to hear the vegies look good. I'm also moving to Bulgaria and, as a vegetarian, I'm hoping not to find it too challenging. Read More
Give me your advice! by kaminoge
Hi All, I'll be moving to Sofia in August. That sounds like a long time away but time goes fast and I'm already starting to get prepared. I thought I'd make a post on here and ask those of you who made the move if there's any tips or things that ...
Thanks for all the tips. I hope you're enjoying your new home! I've had almost a decade of living in countries where I need to point to get what I want so I'm not too worried about embarrassing myself - think of it as good practice for charades. I ... Read More
Give me your advice! by kaminoge
Hi All, I'll be moving to Sofia in August. That sounds like a long time away but time goes fast and I'm already starting to get prepared. I thought I'd make a post on here and ask those of you who made the move if there's any tips or things that ...
Thanks! Sounds like I can just get stuff there. Good to know. Read More
Give me your advice! by kaminoge
Hi All, I'll be moving to Sofia in August. That sounds like a long time away but time goes fast and I'm already starting to get prepared. I thought I'd make a post on here and ask those of you who made the move if there's any tips or things that ...
Thanks for the tips. I don't think I'll be getting a house near where I work - the location is a bit outside the city and they said that single people generally prefer to live in the city and commute. That's why I'm interested in what areas of the ... Read More
Give me your advice!
Hi All, I'll be moving to Sofia in August. That sounds like a long time away but time goes fast and I'm already starting to get prepared. I thought I'd make a post on here and ask those of you who made the move if there's any tips or things that ... Read More