Plovdiv, Bulgaria ๐ง๐ฌ
#771
42.141854, 24.749929
Nomad Score:
69%
Essentials
| ๐๏ธ City | Plovdiv is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, renowned for its historical significance and rich cultural heritage. |
| ๐ฅ Population | Approximately 350,000 residents. |
| ๐ป Internet Speed | Average download speeds of approximately 40-50 Mbps. |
| ๐ธ Currency & Banking | 1 BGN โ 0.57 USD; banks like DSK and UniCredit are widely available. |
| ๐ฐ Tap Water | Drinkable, however, bottled water is preferred for its taste. |
| ๐ Power | 230V, 50Hz, ๐ Type C/F sockets. |
| ๐ถ SIM Card | Major providers include A1, Telenor, and Vivacom, with prepaid options starting from 10 BGN. |
| ๐ณ Banking for Expats | Popular services include Revolut and local banks like DSK Bank. |
| ๐ Accommodation | Options range from hotels to serviced apartments; Airbnb is popular among expats. |
| ๐ณ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely in shops and restaurants. |
| ๐ Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Bansko Transfers offer a variety of short-term rental options. |
| ๐๏ธ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Plovdiv and The Old Town Hostel offer affordable lodging. |
Working and Networking
| ๐ข Best Coworking Space | PLOVDIV Co-working is popular among remote workers, featuring high-speed internet and a collaborative environment. |
| โ Best Cafe for Work | The Post is known for its good coffee and work-friendly atmosphere. |
| ๐ผ Networking Events | ICS (International Club Support) organizes regular meetups, especially for expats. |
| ๐ฅ Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in Plovdiv' host social gatherings. |
Transportation
| ๐ Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt and Yellow Taxi are popular for on-demand rides. |
| ๐ฒ Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rental shops, such as Velosipedi, offer affordable options. |
| ๐๏ธ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is around 90 km away at Burgas, approximately 1.5 hours drive. |
| โ๏ธ Top Regional Airline | Bulgaria Air connects Plovdiv with other regional cities. |
| โ๏ธ Top International Airline | Wizz Air and Ryanair provide flights to several European destinations. |
| ๐ฃ๏ธ Highway Access | Major road connections include A1 highway leading to Sofia and the Black Sea coast. |
| ๐ Main Train/Transit Hub | Plovdiv Central Railway Station offers passenger services to major Bulgarian cities. |
| ๐ Public Transport Passes | Monthly passes for local public transport start from around 40 BGN. |
| โ๏ธ Regional Travel | Buses and trains connect Plovdiv to cities like Sofia, Varna, and Burgas. |
Health and Wellness
| ๐ฅ Best Hospital | St. Georgi Hospital is the largest medical facility in the region. |
| ๐ง Yoga & Wellness Centers | Shanti Yoga Studio offers various yoga classes and wellness sessions. |
| ๐๏ธ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Multisport Club provides a range of fitness services including group classes. |
| ๐งบ Laundry Services | 24/7 laundries like Lavanda offer convenient washing services. |
Food and Drink
| ๐ฑ Best Food Delivery App | GetBugs and FoodPanda are popular for food delivery in Plovdiv. |
| ๐ฝ๏ธ Best Local Dish to Try | Banitsa, a traditional pastry filled with cheese and eggs, is a must-try. |
| ๐ฑ Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Jump and Green Kitchen are great places for plant-based meals. |
| ๐ซ Best Dessert Spots | Cafe Fantastic offers a variety of delicious desserts and pastries. |
| ๐ Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like the Central Market Hall provide fresh produce at low prices. |
| ๐ E-commerce/Online Store | Sites like Emag.bg and Technopolis offer a wide range of products online. |
| ๐ Grocery Delivery | eBag and ะะธะดะป offer grocery delivery services in Plovdiv. |
| ๐ธ Bar/Nightlife Area | Kapana district is known for vibrant nightlife with numerous bars and clubs. |
| ๐ป Local Brewery | Pirin Beer Brewery is a well-known local brewery offering tours and tastings. |
| ๐ท Wine Bars | Wine Bar Plovdiv features a variety of local and international wines. |
| ๐ฒ Street Food Stalls | Street food markets in Kapana offer delicious local snacks. |
| ๐ Popular International Cuisine | Plovdiv has diverse international offerings including Italian and Chinese restaurants. |
Culture and Attractions
| ๐๏ธ Must-See Landmarks | The Roman Theatre and the Old Town are essential sites to visit. |
| ๐๏ธ Museums & Art Venues | The Plovdiv City Art Gallery showcases local artists and exhibitions. |
| ๐ฐ Historical Sites | The Ancient Roman Stadium adds to the city's rich historical landscape. |
| ๐ Religious Sites | The Dzhumaya Mosque is a significant religious site reflecting the city's Ottoman history. |
| ๐ Annual Events | The Plovdiv Fair and the Night of Museums are popular annual cultural events. |
| ๐จ Cultural Districts | Kapana is a vibrant cultural district known for arts and crafts. |
| ๐ญ Theater Venues | The Plovdiv Drama Theatre offers a schedule of performances throughout the year. |
| ๐๏ธ Local Markets | The Kapana Market is known for its arts, crafts, and local delicacies. |
| ๐ผ Music Scene | Plovdiv hosts various music festivals, including the Roots in the Roof festival. |
| ๐จ Street Art | Graffiti neighborhoods in Kapana showcase vibrant street art. |
| ๐งโ๐ณ Cooking Classes | Cooking classes at the House of the chef can enrich your culinary experience. |
| ๐ฉโ๐จ Art Galleries | Art House Gallery features contemporary art from local talents. |
| ๐ฐ๏ธ Historic Buildings | The Ethnographic Museum housed in a 19th-century building is a must-visit. |
| ๐ด Local Heritage | The city is rich in cultural heritage, with influences from Thracian, Roman, and Ottoman times. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| ๐ Nearby Nature Escapes | Bachkovo Monastery and the Rhodope Mountains offer stunning natural scenery. |
| ๐๏ธ National Parks Nearby | The Central Balkan National Park is approximately 1.5 hours away, perfect for hiking. |
| ๐ฒ Cycling/Walking Paths | The Maritsa River promenade has dedicated cycling and walking paths. |
| ๐ Scenic Viewpoints | The Nebet Tepe offers panoramic views of the city. |
| ๐ฆ Birdwatching Locations | The surrounding regions near the Rhodope Mountains are excellent for birdwatching. |
| ๐ฅ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated fire sites in the parks around Plovdiv allow for bonfire gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| ๐ฆ Parcel Delivery Service | Services like Speedy and Econt provide reliable parcel delivery. |
| ๐ ๏ธ Tech Repair Services | Repair stores like Service Point cater to electronics repair needs. |
| ๐ Table Tennis Spots | Sports halls around the city host table tennis facilities. |
| ๐งโ๐ซ Language Classes | Various institutes offer Bulgarian language classes for expats, including Language School Plovdiv. |
| ๐ Libraries & Study Spots | The Regional Library 'Paissii Hilendarski' is a quiet space for reading and studying. |
| ๐๏ธ Community Centers | The Community Centre in the center of Plovdiv is active with cultural events. |
| ๐น๏ธ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming cafes provide platforms for both online and offline gaming. |
| ๐ฐ Casino & Gaming Halls | Plovdiv has several casinos, including Casino Royale, for gaming and nightlife. |
Business
| ๐ข Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. โฌ1,200 per mยฒ (e.g., 40 mยฒ = โฌ48,000). |
| ๐ข Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. โฌ1,000 per mยฒ (e.g., 40 mยฒ = โฌ40,000). |
| ๐ 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. โฌ1,400 per mยฒ (e.g., 60 mยฒ = โฌ84,000). |
| ๐ 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. โฌ1,200 per mยฒ (e.g., 60 mยฒ = โฌ72,000). |
| ๐ก 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. โฌ1,300 per mยฒ (e.g., 80 mยฒ = โฌ104,000). |
| ๐ก 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. โฌ1,100 per mยฒ (e.g., 80 mยฒ = โฌ88,000). |
| ๐ผ Corporate Tax | 10%. |
| ๐ต Dividend Withholding Tax | 5%. |
| ๐ฆ Tax System | Flat tax system with low income tax rates. |
| ๐ Highest Income Tax Bracket | 10%. |
| ๐งพ VAT | 20%. |
| ๐ Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Bulgaria has rigorous rules regarding CFCs. |
| ๐ Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on a percentage of the property's value. |
| ๐ Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 3% for property acquisitions. |