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kojidae

@kojidae

Serial expat

American expat in Bulgaria

Forum

588 posts

Contacts

45

About me

American

Lives in Gabrovo

Speaks English, Bulgarian

Registration: 10 April 2013

Activity

kojidae replied to a thread
4 years ago
Loïc

Medication in Bulgaria by Loïc

Good morning everyone, Whether it's a simple cold or a chronic illness, medication and medicine use vary from country to country and culture to culture. When you are used to certain brands or types of drugs, being in a country like Bulgaria ...

kojidae

For me I've found medications to be much cheaper in Bulgaria than in the US. (Both over-the-counter and prescription). This is especially true for antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication. I've found some drugs that are over-the-counter ... Read More

kojidae replied to a thread
4 years ago
Loïc

Medication in Bulgaria by Loïc

Good morning everyone, Whether it's a simple cold or a chronic illness, medication and medicine use vary from country to country and culture to culture. When you are used to certain brands or types of drugs, being in a country like Bulgaria ...

kojidae

Did you have a prescription for the rantidine? It is by prescription only in Bulgaria... not over the counter. Read More

kojidae replied to a thread
4 years ago
Timislov

how to get a long term visa by Timislov

Hello everyone, My name is Stephen and I am in Varna now. I have been spending my retirement traveling around Europe. Last year I was in Spain and the year before that I was in Slovakia. At the moment I am trying to figure out how to get a long ...

kojidae

The only thing I would add is if you have residency in another country, you can apply in that other country. (This is the only exception to applying in your country of origin) Read More

kojidae replied to a thread
4 years ago
RQuin

Starting kids in school when you arrive? by RQuin

My wife and I are considering relocating to Bulgaria in a few years when I retire, and we have small children. They would likely be 4-9 years old when we arrived. As expats working to get our residency permits, can they attend public schools? Or ...

kojidae

All of this really depends on where you move. The situation in the large cities is very different than the situation in smaller cities and villages. 1) Can they attend Bulgarian school. Yes. You will have to go talk to the director of the schools ... Read More

kojidae replied to a thread
5 years ago
stepool1970

Bus travel info' by stepool1970

Hi forum, I have a quick question...... I am visiting Bulgaria later this year in September and want to travel across from Sofia to Byala Ruse Province, by bus is it possible to buy bus tickets as a return as I have only bought as single in the ...

kojidae

Check out bus radar. It has english and you can book return tickets. Otherwise, you can buy return tickets at the station. Usually there is a no minimum for return, but there is a max (like you must use it in a week or 15 days). Read More

kojidae replied to a thread
5 years ago
Jules999

Brexit after-effects by Jules999

Hi, Does anybody know how Brexit is going to affect people from non EU countries buying property in Bulgaria? Or indeed how easy would it be for non EU citizens to rent property here too? I can't find this information on the government website. ...

kojidae

Brexit should only affect British citizens, not other non-eu countries. For other non-eu citizens, it should remain as it currently is. Read More

kojidae replied to a thread
5 years ago
kojidae

Got my Bulgarian Driving License! :) by kojidae

I finally passed the driving today. (After six months of paperwork hassles, lessons, and a test). If anyone else is from countries where you can't just exchange your license (ie- the US ) feel free to ask me questions if you are thinking about ...

kojidae

1. You must have lived in Bulgaria for 6 months (I believe) and have a residence permit 2. You need a high school diploma, notorized, apostilled by your state, and then translated into Bulgarian and legalized. 3. Take that diploma to your local ... Read More

kojidae replied to a thread
5 years ago
Johnkwt

Join health system by Johnkwt

Hi to all I have lived in sofia for 6 months. I am a UK national but have not lived there for many years so not paid national insurance etc. I have Bulgarian residence permit. I now wish to join the Bulgarian health system. Does anyone have ...

kojidae

As far as I understand, foreigners can join the health system after they receive an EGN, which for non-eu is around 3-5 years of residency, depending on the reason for residency. At least that is how it worked for me and my friends. We were not ... Read More

kojidae replied to a thread
5 years ago
Diksha

Folktales and legends in Bulgaria by Diksha

Hello everyone, Time to spark your imagination! Below is a list of questions to pique your interest in folktales and legends associated with Bulgaria. 1. Name 3 popular legends that have been passed down from generation to generation in ...

kojidae

They made a movie about a piece of history. That would be similar to saying that the holocaust is folklore because movies were made about it. For all the vampire graves found in Bulgaria, I haven't heard a lot of Bulgarians talk about vampires ... Read More

kojidae replied to a thread
5 years ago
Diksha

Folktales and legends in Bulgaria by Diksha

Hello everyone, Time to spark your imagination! Below is a list of questions to pique your interest in folktales and legends associated with Bulgaria. 1. Name 3 popular legends that have been passed down from generation to generation in ...

kojidae

That is not really a folktale or legend. It is the ottoman blood tax, which was exacted all over southeastern Europe. Boys between 8-10 were taken to Istanbul for training and usually turned into soldiers. Up until the 1700s. Read More

kojidae replied to a thread
5 years ago
Cizooh

Safest place for a black couple to migrate to? by Cizooh

A black young couple planning on getting married ending of the month and we’ve been reading and researching for a while now. We are looking for a place for honeymoon and probably start life there. We shortlisted Bulgaria, Ukraine and ...

kojidae

I wonder what bubble one could live in to say that Bulgaria is not a racist country. The majority of Bulgarians I've met--from the sweetest old ladies to little children--are racist. That being said, many are not racist against blacks, ... Read More

kojidae replied to a thread
5 years ago
Sabinechapeaux

Buying a house in Bulgaria by Sabinechapeaux

Hi everyone, my name is Sabine. I'm coming in Bulgaria at the beginning of October with my family to visit and to buy a holiday home (maybe to live in BG later on). I'm planning a 17 days trip with appointments with estate agents and with the idea ...

kojidae

It is not true that you would need a visa for every visit. In case of no-deal, UK nationals would be able to stay in Bulgaria for up to 90 days without a visa, similar to many other non-eu countries. So they would only need a visa if they plan to ... Read More

kojidae replied to a thread
5 years ago
jeremie12

Varna...out of the frying pan and into the fire! by jeremie12

Hi Everybody.... I am swiss guy how left Switzerland looking for much better social contacts and start completely new life..i moved to Bulgaria 5 weeks ago..my first destination in Bulgaria was Plovdiv..very nice city with historical background, i ...

kojidae

I am confused because in Plovdiv I have often come across people who speak English. Not taxi drivers (honestly, not taxi drivers in any Bulgarian city) but definitely people in bars and restaurants. In Varna I also regularly come across people who ... Read More

kojidae replied to a thread
5 years ago
GuestPoster2579

Cycling clubs? by GuestPoster2579

Hey! Was wondering if there is any MTB or road cycling clubs (teams) anyone knows off or rides with. I want to keep on racing, but can’t find much information online:) maybe someone knows a forum for cyclists in Bulgaria?

kojidae

Most of the bike shops have their own clubs (it is usually younger/teens, but some have adult teams, too). Go into any shop and ask and you'll start to find them. Here's a list of the teams taking part in the Bulgaria MTB series... maybe ... Read More

kojidae replied to a thread
5 years ago
M3righ

non-eu resident traveling to Europe by M3righ

Hi guys, I'm a non european and i live in bulgaria and my husband is bulgarian. Can I travel with my residency card to europe? I cant find any info on this online, does my residency allows me to travel in europe? With my husband maybe? Thank ...

kojidae

It is worth noting that even though you need an entry visa, they should be issued free of charge and within a short time frame (15 days for schengen countries) based solely on your residency and proof of marriage. ... Read More