Challenges I’ve Found Living in Bulgaria

Despite Bulgaria being overwhelmingly amazing, there are some challenges I’ve found living here, especially in rural Bulgaria.

[@jadecraig9830]

The real challenge in Bulgaria is to find good "maestors" for Building repairs as everything is basesd on relationships ...

[@MayainBulgaria]

I think this is true! Mostly people like doing their own little maintenance works if they can.

[@MayainBulgaria]

I think this is true! Mostly people like doing their own little maintenance works if they can.

[@svetdimitrov5642]

I think this is because all the good BG "maistors" are working in your countries...😂I wish you all the best in your life in Bulgaria!

[@Designer_TopG]

​@@MayainBulgaria Nice to meet you, im interested to get building house in mountains, low price ,

[@kingyordanov]

Loving Your Videos, keep them Coming!!!

[@kebergify]

Great information!! You are pretty brave and independent for taking on the challenges...the language barrier would be hard for me.

[@MayainBulgaria]

That’s probably the hardest bit about adventuring here. When you consider how friendly and helpful everyone is here in the south… it’s ok 😊

[@mickeyfrets]

Very informative video and beautifully presented. Thank you

[@MayainBulgaria]

Glad it's useful 🙏🤗

[@bernadettemcinerney7284]

Most countries do not allow the postage of liquid, especially containing alcohol, through the post office. You need a special business licence to have liquids shipped. This is certainly not unique to Bulgaria. Germany doesn't allow it either - unless, of course, you omit to tell them what is in your package, in which case you would incur a fine if the parcel was discovered to contain liquid under random x-raying.

[@MayainBulgaria]

Oh right! Yes I had no idea, I tend not to read the fine print 🤦‍♀️😅👀

[@ivayola]

I would add, common electricity outages in rural Bulgaria. For sure in my village in north-west Bulgaria we have more outages than in Sofia. So we always have candles around in the villages. (I think I actually saw you using the candles next to your laptop in one of the vids🙂).

[@MayainBulgaria]

We haven’t had too many electricity cuts. Only 5 mins here and there and I can’t remember when the last one was. I definitely got the candles for electricity outages and I also use them for relaxing bath time and candle gazing meditation.

[@kumchovulcho5906]

I don't see strange behavior of post-officers' actions. There is a law: ( *ЗАКОН ЗА ПОЩЕНСКИТЕ УСЛУГИ* ) where it is written what items can't be shipped (articles 90-93). For example article 90, paragraph (1), section 2: "оръжие, боеприпаси, пиротехнически изделия, взривни, *запалителни* или други опасни вещества и предмети;", also section 4: "4. предмети и вещества, които поради своето естество или опаковка представляват опасност за живота или здравето на пощенските служители или на други лица или *могат да замърсят или повредят други пратки и съоръжения;* " - I suppose that this reishi tincture contains some type of alcohol, right? And it can be considered as flammable? Or if it is not well-packed or carefully transported (while shipping) - it could leak and damage some of the other near standing shipped items. According next articles - post officers could insist opening of the shipped items and if the sender refuses to do that - then the post-officers could deny accepting the items. This is the law - I am not telling is it well-written or not but I suppose that post officers are in dilemma to break the law or not, and they prefer to not. :)

[@elfynevans1858]

Candle gazing is used to open up the pineal gland?

[@Tip_Top]

Power outages are a sign to relax and meditate by candlelight. I love them ❣️

[@leesweeney206]

Thanks Maya. Found this really helpful. Especially regarding the quality of the houses. I had considered buying and was told the owner recently had to repair some cracks. This house in question is already renovated and to a reasonable standard but your advice really opened my eyes and gave me something to think about. Looking at the other comments it seems you can forget about your conveniences too. I visited Bulgaria before. Not a small village but I also agree that you must learn Bulgarian if you plan to visit. I will be making another trip over soon and tried to contact the hotel and the desk clerk could not speak a word of english and it's a good sized hotel too. I never experienced such difficulty with communication as I did in Bulgaria. Some great tips 🙏

[@MayainBulgaria]

Hi Lee, I'm glad this was useful and provided a bit of insight to how different things are here in Bulgaria. There are always pro and cons to situations and everyone gets to choose their "pain". When I compare the UK pain to the Bulgaria type pains it's very clear which pain I can tolerate more easily compared to the benefits or pros of the place. I do lean into the energetic feel of a place quite heavily though so that's a big determining factor for me.

[@missg300]

​@@MayainBulgaria hi,im also seriously considering moving from the uk to Bulgaria. as far as paperwork was concerned,what did you have to do to be accepted as a citizen of Bulgaria and live there?

[@jameswalsh2427]

I am surprised the hotel clerk was not able to speak English as I have never experienced this in Bulgaria. I find most people up to 50 years speak some or enough English and I even hitch lifts in Bulgaria and find drivers generally like having me on board.

[@user-oy2nr5sr3n]

МОЯ ХУБАВА, КРАСИВА, ПРЕКРАСНА И ЛЮБИМА БЪЛГАРИЯ!

[@QuantumBraced]

I'm so used to shipping taking no effort. In the UK, Royal Mail offers free collection and they even bring a free label. Which means you don't even have to leave your house. You pack up the thing, go to the website, order the shipment, pay online, the next day the postman comes to your house and brings a label, slaps the label on the box and takes it, that's it... Really cheap too. Bulgaria is lovely and developing and modernizing quickly, but it's probably going to take another 10 years until things like that are available in the bigger cities, and maybe 20 years until they're available in the rural areas. Of course in developed countries there are also laws about what you can and cannot ship, but they just take your word for it, and if you're found to be in violation then you're in serious trouble, but they're not gonna open every package, that would be highly impractical with the volume of things that get shipped.

[@Keith-ui4tp]

Just come across your channel, great 💯.where in Bulgaria are you? I have land in veliko tarnovo but planning to buy house there also.

[@nastiadigital9403]

It's like that with the post office in Israel too and in many other countries so sis before you open a biz you have to check those things

[@ChefEarthenware]

Very interesting about the construction of the houses. Now I know why they are so cheap.

[@dobryden8558]

Also bear in mind during the winter in rural areas everywhere is very dark because there is no street lighting. Better I think to be in a town like Plovdiv and use a hotel\spa during the summer\winter.

[@ChefEarthenware]

@@dobryden8558 I used to live in a village with no street lighting. It was preferable to the local town. Any local troublemakers didn't want to be in an area where they can't see each other.

[@MayainBulgaria]

Totally agree, but he houses need a lot of tlc if they’re not renovated. However they are increasing in price because the demand is increasing.

[@katipohl2431]

Highly interesting.

[@waykiwayki]

"the men don't build houses well, and my amazon doesn't arrive next day."

[@jameswalsh2427]

Maya thank you for sharing this important information. I am planning permanently moving from Ireland, to live at my property in North East Bulgaria. Subscribed and liked. James J Walsh now in Marrakech, Morocco.

[@MayainBulgaria]

Amazing Morocco 😎 glad you enjoyed James 🤗

[@Designer_TopG]

What about private shipping company , like DHL. UPS. they must be available. Due to the post office not doing it.

[@user-nf2gj1fp1v]

well i never expected that somethings u ordered can come the next day, i live here and even one week is not possible like i have to wait maybe 3 weeks or month to take my thing and its annoying but its worth it ig

[@DanielSmith-ch7sp]

Loving everything you say.. I’m separated father with two lovely kids to the same mother. 12 Mads Max 21. .. Max is at uni doing fantastic and Mads has started secondary school where both love their dad and can visit Anytime . Soon il be looking to Bulgaria I love skiing and the beach

[@Radio280]

Same in the states. U can't send liquids, etc. There is a whole list of it. Is there an Amazon in Bulgaria? Where in Bulgaria r u exactly? What is the budget a couple can live normally in the villages in Bulgaria 🇧🇬?

[@MayainBulgaria]

I’d recommend no less than 500 euro budget per month. But it really depends on what food you choose. How much you drive/ shop etc. no Amazon in Bulgaria. I order from Amazon Germany.

[@cinziaferrini311]

😃🌟. Eccellente idea Natural dyes yout challenges are importante lessons for me thankes for the information you are very mach 🤗💞🦋🐝🌼

[@MayainBulgaria]

🙏🤗🌱

[@MayainBulgaria]

🙏🤗🌱 gracias 🙏

[@jaslahoria6455]

Good

[@mikelawton1920]

I found that the village PO seems to have a weight restriction. Over a kg and you need to go to the town PO. Plus when I post by "priority" post it is noted down and a barcode attached but if you just want a simple letter posted abroad that requires stamps, they tend not to have enough stamps. Luckily the mayor was able to supply a few extra... 😊 And if it is pension day you may be asked to come back the following day as it is too busy to do post. And if you have missed the collection to also come back the next day. But earlier. So you do not miss the van that collects the post!

[@MayainBulgaria]

Rather complex!! 🙃😆

[@branislavbosak]

backround is very telling about the state of the country

[@jadecraig9830]

Fully agree with you regarding the BG Post ! Very boring ...

[@MayainBulgaria]

Harmanli was ok but lyubimets was disappointing.

[@user-dg4qk1rj4z]

Did you find a way to mail the tinctures via the postal service or they won't accept it after all? I'm pretty sure the bottle can be wrapped securely and thrown around, it's just olden rules and practices in Bulgarian postal services that are there just to make life difficult for both staff and customers. But sending parcels in Bulgaria is cheap and reliable. And you may not declare there's a bottle of wine or rakia inside. They won't open it. Just make sure it's wrapped accordingly. Lastly, your English is great. German isn't widely spoken in Bulgaria, not comparable to English these days.

[@silkeharvey]

I don't use the post office if I can avoid it. The service is pointless. They refuse to send most things and they don't deliver to my place either. Econt or Speedy are much better options.

[@MayainBulgaria]

I agree. Love econt!

[@catapetrovich6688]

From what you're sayinh I get the impression that Bulgaria is not for you.

[@paulb1951]

Year later she’s still there, so probably just pointing out differences

[@gytisk6998]

Good video but im surprised you did not emphasize enough language barriers, ive been living in BG for a year and with limited BG life here is not easy, even in capital Sofia English knowledge is less than 50%. Having anything done in the government agencies is very frustrating even with my near B1 BG knowledge and having to rely on interpreters. I read and write near fluently but socializing is very difficult

[@kabartikami]

with limited BG, the language barrier is big problem live here

[@Soektomai]

This stil of explaining Videos will let your channel grow faster, best wishes! But İ like every stil anyway

[@MayainBulgaria]

Thank you 🙏 I appreciate it 🤗

[@PauloRidgeford]

How long have you been living there? I read that there are many natural disasters in Bulgaria, can you tell me about it and about the weather? Thank you in advance. You're so cute!

[@MayainBulgaria]

No natural disasters but the weather gets very hot in July and august!

[@hansr7681]

Thank you: Verry intresting information. Personally I received my GPS in rusian when I was renting a car in Burgas. Not immediately practical. Furtheron I'm not into buying at amazon but one does as he/she wants .

[@MayainBulgaria]

I hope you speak a bit of Russian! Or duolingo might have that as an option 🫣 just kidding! But that seems a funny and very unexpected situation to find yourself in !

[@hansr7681]

@@MayainBulgaria Indeed it was and I hope to move to that beautiful and free country ;-)

[@steveo2764]

Maya you mentioned the conservatory Windows you kept original and that they were cold you can buy a clear plastic kit that you put up over the windows and then heat shrink it with a hair dryer and it's very clear and would keep the room much warmer in the winter and it's of course removable I hope that helps sorry it's late I just saw your video

[@MayainBulgaria]

It helps! Thanks :) I’m actually looking forward to winter’s coziness already :))

[@steveo2764]

It sounds lovely I wish you all the best

[@stanimirgeorgiev.87]

Yes, so many challenges. You better go. Better for all of us.

[@mauriziogiusti1839]

Good Evening Maya...Did You try courier service " Speedy " in Harmanli......

[@MayainBulgaria]

I did! They didn’t want to help either 🙃

[@khankrum1]

Tea is my biggest problem, I do not enjoy coffee, especially that thick tar they like to drink!

[@margaridaribeiro2450]

It is also very annoying to drive 20 km to the next ATM. 🤦‍♀️

[@MayainBulgaria]

That’s so true 😅

[@user-dg4qk1rj4z]

It's annoying to have to use a bank account with all the fees, tracking and surveillance and control of everything that you buy or sell. Having cash in Bulgaria means you needn't worry about drawing from an ATM. And you are free to spend it wherever and however you like. So not having ATMs is an inconvenience for some, but also has its advantages.

[@kumchovulcho5906]

I don't see strange behavior of post-officers' actions. There is a law: ( *ЗАКОН ЗА ПОЩЕНСКИТЕ УСЛУГИ* ) where it is written what items can't be shipped (articles 90-93). For example article 90, paragraph (1), section 2: "оръжие, боеприпаси, пиротехнически изделия, взривни, *запалителни* или други опасни вещества и предмети;", also section 4: "4. предмети и вещества, които поради своето естество или опаковка представляват опасност за живота или здравето на пощенските служители или на други лица или *могат да замърсят или повредят други пратки и съоръжения;* " - I suppose that this reishi tincture contains some type of alcohol, right? And it can be considered as flammable? Or if it is not well-packed or carefully transported (while shipping) - it could leak and damage some of the other near standing shipped items. According next articles - post officers could insist opening of the shipped items and if the sender refuses to do that - then the post-officers could deny accepting the items. This is the law - I am not telling is it well-written or not but I suppose that post officers are in dilemma to break the law or not, and they prefer to not. :)

[@MayainBulgaria]

I did have it in bubble wrap and it is alcohol based, yes. They did post it in the end but it takes very long to process and I’d need to drive 30 min to harmanli every time if need to post it 🙃 it’s manageable, but not easy.

[@cinziaferrini311]

Sto cercando di condividere i tuoi video 🤞

[@MayainBulgaria]

Grazie mille! Lo apprezzo 🙏

[@Blah115]

Well thats annoying to you and your business but actually its a great policy.

[@idvanov]

Pack the mushrooms in some cartoon box, with old magazines or newspaper, groceries flyers and when they ask you what is in the box you tell them just couple pairs of socks. But wrap whole box in brown scotch tape. :D

[@MayainBulgaria]

They actually cut the tape open 😅 really crazy but they insist to see the item.

[@idvanov]

@@MayainBulgaria 😱😠🤬😤 well, just send it via econt or someone else post office operator, but not via bulgarian post !😵‍💫

[@alexanderacostaosorio]

AliExpress takes 30 to 40 days.

[@MayainBulgaria]

Thank you! Yes my friend aliexpress occasionally too 👌

[@ivangeorgiev763]

Use Dpd or also known as speedy

[@MayainBulgaria]

Tried and failed a bit. Post is a little complex for unusual items like mushroom tincture

[@ivangeorgiev763]

@@MayainBulgaria just order collection and don’t tell them what really is

[@klipklick6067]

Brace yourself, here comes a critique… This video is a good example of a foreigner’s naivety about living outside their normal experiences (here, there, or anywhere…). I particularly enjoy watching the smiling foreigner complain with a tone indicating HOW IT SHOULD BE. The constant, smiling part that does not match the message is the most irritating. … think this post will be allowed to be seen publicly?

[@missg300]

you obviously don't understand human body language. This lady isn't complaining. all she is doing is making comparisons between Bulgaria and more modern countries and making people aware that they shouldn't be expecting to go to Bulgaria and still have all the amenities they have back in there own country.

[@MrFooChops]

I didn't hear her complain once. Just pointing out differences so that people know what to expect if thry decide to live there

[@kayenta2664]

@@MrFooChops The fact that these differences come as a surprise says a lot.

[@georgigeorgiev3506]

Относно майсторите има добри и фирми има добри.Ама Вие искате по-евтино и си ги взимате от пътя.За Господина дето се възмущава че в хотела не знаели Английски.Ами в Ангглийските хотели да не би да знаят Български.Аз като работих 17г.на вън първо започнах да уча езика.Ами тук в България има Англичани живеят по 20г.и една дума на Български не знаят и се стрдят че бабите на село не говорят Английски.То в интерест на истината бабите понаучиха някой Английска дума, покрай тях,но Англичаните нито една.Тук живеят и Немци,Руснаци,Нидерландци,Израелци,Украйнци,Беларуси,Французи,Китайци,Японци и от къде ли не.Според вашата логика Ние трябва да сме ВУНДЕРКИНКИ. Стойте си в Англия и няма да имате проблеми с ЕЗИКА.

[@davidbulley4393]

How are you talking with your teeth closed?

[@PerdoSanchez-st8ib]

Please, do not come to Bulgaria. Here you could be get hurt in car accident or be eaten by stray dogs (Google this news: A pack of dogs killed a woman in the town of Dolna Oryahovitsa ). For same money you can find house in Spain.

[@lucoverdulve6780]

Please move and go somewhere else and stop complaining