Bulgaria is an affordable, emerging European country that is becoming ever more popular with international expatriates.

Compared to most other countries in the European Union, Bulgaria is relatively cheap and much more affordable place to live.

Here are some sample prices of common items (NOV 2007):

1. Monthly rent in Sofia city (2 Bedroom apartment) – 400 Euros
2. City bus ticket in Sofia – 0.45 Euros
3. Taxi fare in Sofia – 0.30 Euros per kilometer
4. Bread – 0.45 Euros
5. Marlboro cigarettes – 1.60 Euros
6. Restaurant bill for two – 15 Euros
7. Sofia daycare for a month – 150 Euros
8. Internet service for a month – 12 Euros
9. Coffee in a Bulgarian restaurant – 0.50 Euros
10. Sofia Cinema ticket – 3.00 Euros
11. Beer at a nice Sofia bar – 1.50 Euros

THE HEALTH SYSTEM

The healthcare system in Bulgaria is organised and managed by the Ministry of Health. The contributions to the healthcare system are managed by National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). Healthcare contributions are paid by all persons working under the terms of employment contracts and self-employed persons and are deducted from the monthly remuneration paid by employers (for persons working under the terms of employment contracts), along with other payable social insurance contributions. Self-employed persons pay their healthcare contributions themselves.

Insured persons are entitled to use the services of medical professionals and healthcare facilities who/which have concluded a contract with the National Health Insurance Fund.

EDUCATION

Newcomers to Bulgaria essentially have two options when it comes to education. Either to enrol their children in a private or state school operating within the Bulgarian system, or to send their children to an international school in the country