The Truth About Living in Bulgaria vs Asia—What Nobody Tells You

28 Comments

1. 

   @OlgaProGoingPlaces 6か月 ago

   Sofia, Bulgaria is our new home. Want to talk to me about living in Bulgaria? Join the chat here 👉 https://olgapronkina.com/sofia

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   We are Olga and Rene. We spent 1 year in Turkey, travelled SE Asia and spend another year in Da Nang, Vietnam. Since 2024 we are living and Sofia, Bulgaria. On this channel you will find and reviews of local prices, cost of living, our daily life as foreigners. Subscribe to learn more about expat life in Bulgaria and the Balkans, Turkey, Greece and SE Asia!

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   00:00 What No One Tells You About Moving Abroad: Eastern Europe vs SE Asia
   00:20 Who should choose SE Asia vs who should choose Eastern Europe for relocation
   04:30 Bangkok, Thailand in 2025: Updated Costs of living
   06:00 Why Bulgaria in Eastern Europe is a hidden gem
   07:51 Costs of living comparison: Eastern Europe vs SE Asia. Which one gives you the best quality of living for the money?
   17:00 How easy it is to stay long-term / get a residency permit: Eastern Europe (Bulgaria) vs SE Asia
   18:30 Where did we like the weather more? Is it easy to tolerate the heat in SE Asia? How cold are the winters in Eastern Europe (Bulgaria)?
   20:16 Natural disasters: earthquakes, typhoons, flooding, burning&rain seasons: Thailand, Vietnam, Turkey, Bulgaria
   21:23 How good is WiFi? Thailand and Vietnam vs Bulgaria
   22:03 Personal safety: Eastern Europe vs SE Asia
   23:00 Social life & making friends
   24:18 Local mentality: Eastern Europe (Bulgaria) vs SE Asia (Thailand, Vietnam,)

   DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, medical, financial, or immigration advice. Always consult qualified professionals, such as immigration attorneys, tax experts, medical providers, or financial advisors, for up-to-date and personalized guidance.

   While we strive to provide accurate and timely information, laws, regulations, and guidelines can change frequently and may be subject to interpretation. We are not responsible for any decisions made based on the content of our videos, articles, or linked resources. Please conduct your own research and seek professional advice before making any travel, relocation, or financial decisions.

2. 

   @adnaneroglu2500 6か月 ago

   🙂🙋👏👍

3. 

   @wattsparkinson 6か月 ago

   Thank you for another excellent and informative video 🤩

4. 

   @ivogalabov1973 6か月 ago

   Sofia is great!

5. 

   @louis20122 6か月 ago

   I wish Eastern Europe is warmer. I am not a big fan of cold weather.

6. 

   @johndemerse9172 6か月 ago

   Always great to see you guys in a new video. Cheers from North Bay Ontario Canada.

7. 

   @kengraves6425 6か月 ago

   I think I would rather be at the beach if I were in Bulgaria.

8. 

   @jackoneil3933 6か月 ago

   Thank you Olga, for the insightful and useful perspectives. Your opinions between S.E. Asia and Eastern Europe is something I've been looking forward to for some time. Of course, as things are now more unaffordable than ever for many of us, relocating is not longer an option for more life for less money, but one of few options we have for having a life.

9. 

   @nadyadobreva9904 6か月 ago

   Do you want to have children one day? I am asking because many young people do not want to have children these days. I am in my 40s and I dont want to judge you, I am just curious. And yes, I understand the people who dont want children distracting them from their ways of living.❤

10. 

    @MilicaFazekas-s7q 6か月 ago

    Hey Olga, great video! 🙂I am coming in May with my child to Sofia to see how we like it! My plan is to start a business there – we are moving from Scandinavia. Is there any way I can connect with you?

    Could you perhaps make a video about kindergartens/schools that are in English or have an alternative approach to education? Thank you ❤️

11. 

    @freyagrayden9851 6か月 ago

    There is apparently …….as a reaction to US Tarrifs……a new residency program coming to Vietnam as a way to generate government revenue……I had rumours of both a retirement and remote worker visa.

12. 

    @user-hs7lc6hk2z 6か月 ago

    Olga, I appreciate the info and also you have beautiful eyes

13. 

    @danni11uk 6か月 ago

    Hi great video, can you share what is your definition of early retirement goal, in terms of numbers, lifestyle and ultimate location wise?

14. 

    @ashvoj 6か月 ago

    I'd say the major downsides of Bulgaria are:
    1- Hazardous air pollution
    2- Poor healthcare quality
    3- Weather (mostly winter months)
    4- Balkan mentality
    5- Language barrier

15. 

    @MissionPossibleFI 6か月 ago

    So true on so many levels. Thank you

16. 

    @Iuckylukey 6か月 ago

    You should try Spain in winter, its perfect. Marbella, Tarifa.

17. 

    @japper484 6か月 ago

    Move your business to ASEAN and enjoy more than affordable lifestyle…

18. 

    @StaikoneOldschoolev 6か月 ago

    Hello, thank you for the valuable insights and tips about digital nomad life in Southeast Asia and Bulgaria. It's well-presented, but I have to disagree on the affordability of Sofia compared to Bangkok. In reality, these two capitals are not really comparable. Bangkok is much more developed and safer than Sofia.
    When it comes to rent, in Bangkok, you'll get access to amenities like a swimming pool, a gym, 24/7 security, and sometimes even a parking spot included in the rent. These features are missing in Sofia. Also, the costs for water and electricity are lower in Thailand.
    Another thing is that people in Thailand tend to be friendlier and more welcoming. When it comes to healthcare… oh, that's a big issue in Bulgaria. The healthcare system there is among the worst in Europe, and especially in the EU. Plus, most doctors don't speak English.
    Lastly, rent is not just about the apartment itself—it's also about the overall experience, vibe, and safety that the city offers. There’s more to say, but this message is getting too long.

19. 

    @WilliamFluery 6か月 ago

    I’ll be back when you are back in SE Asia.

20. 

    @kennethkilpatrick3758 6か月 ago

    You give very good information. I'm heading to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Still very affordable, and super easy for 55+ to stay long term. Huge choice in very affordable restaurants and street food. And safe. Very hot climate, but at least no winter. Will travel to Bangkok for better medical.

21. 

    @yo9fld 6か月 ago

    Great video! Have you ever been in Romania? What's your opinion? I'm from Bucuresti Romania.

22. 

    @PCP1323 6か月 ago

    You are rightm but Sofia is not only sunshine. The infrastructure is not as developed as in Poland or Hungary. Graffitis everywhere give the feeling like its a city no one is taken care of. Basically you can only stay in the city center of Sofia. Otherwise very good and friendly people!

23. 

    @john99776 6か月 ago

    Very well done. Thanks.

24. 

    @irenag3994 6か月 ago

    Just wondering about your comment on the limited use of English by office personnel – do you avoid using your Russian to communicate with Bulgarians? I know that young people don’t speak Russian but the older generation that was forced to learn it in school can be helpful.

25. 

    @tinkoeftimov9453 6か月 ago

    Hello and welcome!

    You are not the first!

    Make at home in Bulgaria!

26. 

    @aidannewton 6か月 ago

    Unfortunately Bulgaria wouldn’t work for us as they do not allow dual citizenship for people who naturalize and I would be required to forfeit my Canadian citizenship which leads to me losing my army pension. Eastern Europe as a whole is a great deal, but our priority with having our daughter is finding a place that leads to a second citizenship.

27. 

    @only1kingofsing 6か月 ago

    Have you bumped into Alina Mcleod yet, you 2 should make a video together.

28. 

    @Nupraptor4 6か月 ago

    The internet in Sofia is great. I paid around €20/month and had a stable 500 Mbps connection 👍 What I also liked a lot was that there are free public WiFi networks everywhere and also in all the cafes and restaurants 🎉