In general, how do Bulgarians feel about foreigners living and working in Bulgaria?
On the whole they have a very positive attitude towards foreigners; Bulgarians appreciate that they invest a lot of money in the country and realise the positive effects this has. They also accept foreigners well as business partners, considering them to be much more experienced than Bulgarian Businessmen are.
Is English widely spoken?
The English language is spoken mainly by young Bulgarians, whilst people in their 40s or 50s will probably understand what you are saying but be unable to reply (if you need to ask directions in the street you’d do better to ask a teenager then an old lady). Shop assistants in seaside resorts generally speak good English as it is an essential requirement for this kind of work; however, spoken English is not at all common amongst bureaucracy staff, train or bus cashiers and policemen.
Is the Bulgarian language difficult to learn?
Foreigners usually find both written and spoken Bulgarian very difficult to learn. The grammar is quite complicated as there are declensions and combinations of consonants which are not easy to understand or pronounce.
What is the best way to become part of the community in the Bulgarian village where we live (or are about to live)?
Give your neighbour a job! For example, you need someone to take care of your garden, keep an eye on the house while you are away, supply you with fresh eggs and home grown vegetables or chop you some wood. A helpful neighbour will definitely do all this, and much more, for a small sum of money (5 to 10 levs, being 2 to 5 euros), and s/he will look after your property as if it were their own. Word will soon spread, and before you know it you will be accepted by the whole village.
Should I take a gift when invited into a Bulgarian home?
Bulgarians are famous for their hospitality and frequently enjoy having guests round, often for no particular reason. If you are invited to a Bulgarian home and you are sure that it is just for a meal, not a special holiday or celebration, you do not have to bring a gift. But if you would like to be polite, some flowers for the hostess and sweets for the children would be quite acceptable.
Is the tap water safe to drink?
It is not considered unsafe to drink water from the tap - you will probably find it tastes a bit weird but that does not mean it will cause you any harm. If you have medical problems, however, or at least whilst you are getting used to the taste of it, it may be better to drink mineral water instead.
Water along the Black Sea coast is really soft and not particularly good at rinsing out soap.
