Bulgaria Record number of Property Sales 2007
A total of 325 385 real estate deals were made in Bulgaria in 2007, which is 4% more than their number in 2006, and a new record. The data comes from a research of the Real Estate companies in Bulgaria, which also states that the largest number of real estate deals were made in VARNA, Sofia, Plovdiv, Burgas, Nessebar and Ruse.

The number of real estate deals is expected to remain the same in 2008, according to analysts, whereas their total value is expected to rise. The price of residential property in Bulgaria is predicted to rise in value in 2008. Click Here BULGARIA INVESTMENTS.

Bulgaria Selling to Spain
The Bulgarian Union of Tourism Investors (UTI) is starting a massive advertising campaign in Spain presenting Bulgaria as a tourist destination, its press service announced on Friday. The UTI is currently presenting Bulgaria in the Spanish capital Madrid, during the Day of Europe celebrations, which started on Friday.

UTI has also offered a joint initiative to one of the largest Spanish tourism companies, which intends to start charter flights to Bulgaria in the coming summer. Representatives of the Bulgarian Embassy in Spain announced another project advertising Bulgaria in Spain which will entail the presentation of the country as a golf destination, and efforts to attract Spanish golf companies as investors.

The results come out after a recent similar research by Teletext Holidays found the cost of food and drink in places such as Varna is much less than in many other European cities. A pint of beer and a Big Mac costs just GBP 1.49 in Bulgaria, making it the world's best value holiday hotspot for Brits, the survey claimed.

Bulgaria Fantastic Climate
Air temperatures in summer vary between 25°C and 35 °C, water temperatures between 17°C and 25°C. Bulgaria weather has more than 240 hours of sunshine in May and September and more than 300 in July and August. Many European travellers claim that BULGARIA is Eden on Earth because Bulgaria has everything: a sea, rivers and lakes, high mountains, virgin forests, plateaus and plains, hot and cold mineral springs.

Bulgaria Wine
The country's wines in fact, have earned multiple accolades on the worldwide scene and its flavours are rich and diverse.
The BULGARIAN WINE industry might be a relatively new feature on the worldwide scene, but the tradition here dates back centuries. As far as wine production goes, this is a very big business in Bulgaria. The country is estimated to have at least 80 industrial wineries and a host of small producers, as well. Cabernet Sauvignon is the most commonly produced type of wine, but you will also find Rkatzeteli, Merlot and Pimid are also quite popular. Bulgaria boasts some of the finest wines in the world and wine connoisseurs will find themselves right at home when living in Bulgaria.

Bulgaria Currency
The official currency in Bulgaria is the LEV which currently is attached to the Euro, at 1.95583 leva = 1 euro. The lev is expected to be replaced by the euro on 1 January 2012.

The English pound goes much further in BULGARIA at the moment compared to the rest of Europe, Due to the low cost of living.

Currency may be exchanged in all Bulgarian banks from Mondays through Fridays in the regular working hours without any commission charged. Money can be exchanged also in the numerous bureaux-de-change, some of which are open throughout the week, others operate non-stop, 24 hours 7 days a week.

Bulgaria remains largely a cash economy but main international credit cards can be used around Bulgaria. At the larger banks within every major town there are cash dispensers (Bankomats). Many services can be paid for with credit cards - mainly hotel bills, car rentals, luxury shops and restaurants, certain more expensive souvenirs, etc. Bulgarian citizens or residents may pay with debit or credit cards for their phone, water supply bills, as well as for big purchases, cellular phone bills or Internet service, etc.

Moving to Bulgaria
Moving to Bulgaria has become a very trendy thing for Brits and other expats to do. But, what can you really expect to find whilst living there? How do the people behave and will they really welcome you?
Today we'll explore some of the customs and traditions new expats are likely to run into whilst living in Bulgaria. The country's language does serve as a barrier to really acclimating in some cases, but many expats find plenty of English speakers and discover that the people are quite friendly and welcoming.
When living in Bulgaria there are a few things about the people you are soon to discover. Firstly, the Orthodox religion is very important to many residents here. Whilst many citizens are not overtly religious, they do tend to identify being Bulgarian with the religion. The church and common beliefs held Bulgarians together under many years of foreign rule.
Family is also a very important feature of Bulgarian life. In many cases you're going to find that society tends to revolve around the extended family and that most families maintain very close ties.
As you meet new people and learn more about the Bulgarian culture, there are a few things to keep in mind. These include: -
Pride:Bulgarians tend to be very proud of their traditions, culture and heritage. Their love for it is reflected in everything from food and songs to dances and jewelry. Respect the culture, history and beliefs of the people and you will not offend your neighbours. Try to learn as much about it as possible.
Formalities: Bulgarians maintain a fairly formal culture. When meeting new people, address them with appropriate courtesy titles until told to do otherwise. Kisses and hugs are reserved for close friends and family and handshakes and eye contact are fine for all others. Once you are accepted into the culture, the formal curtain will drop, just might take a little time.
Giving presents: Gift giving is an important part of culture, but it is wise to know the rules of the road. Do not give overly elaborate gifts. Keep the prices reasonable. When visiting a person's home, bring flowers for the hostess and wine or spirits for the host. In most other cases, gift giving is reserved for births, birthdays and Christmas.
Dining. If you receive an invitation to a Bulgarian house for a meal, congratulations! You are well on your way to fitting in. Whilst dining, wait for the hostess to signal the time to start eating and do try to take two servings as this shows appreciation for the meal.
Living in Bulgaria is an experience that many Brits and other expats from all over the world are enjoying greatly. The culture here is a little different than in other locations, however. Learn to understand and respect it and you will find yourself welcomed.

Bulgaria Communications
The country dialling code forBULGARIA is +359, followed by the relevant city code. Bulgaria is one of the few countries in Europe that has no peak or off-peak call times. Bulgaria has several mobile phone operators and Internet Service Providers, Internet cafes are on the increase within Varna BULGARIA

Radio stations including AM 24, FM 93 and shortwave 2 covering 525,511 of broadcast hours, Bulgaria passed a broadcasting law in 1996, National radio and TV were given the status of public services and granted independence. bTV, Bulgaria's first national commercial channel, was launched in May 2000 by Balkan News Corporation (part of Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation) and pulls in more than 35% of the TV audience. Nova TV won the bid for a second national commercial TV licence in 2003. Several privately-owned regional television stations are also on the air. Bulgaria has many commercial networks and Satellite TV is widely enjoyed Bulsatcom is the most popular with the British people, this service is very simular to sky with sport, movie, news channels in english, but at a third of the cost Most hotels and bars have satellite TV with a wealth of dubbed soap operas, European sport, BBC and CNN news. Lan Access is the most widespread internet access in Bulgaria over 60% of the consumers use this type of internet access, because of the very high speeds and very good support of the service. ADSL was introduced in Bulgaria after the privatization of the state monopoly BTC (Bulgarian Telecommunications Company) in 2004. Since then the availability has been widely increased and today, it is offered in 140 towns and villages around the country, increasing weekly. Many new communication companies have opened in Bulgaria, being able to see the great opportunity potential forecast in years to come.

A guide to life in Bulgaria

A guide to life in Bulgaria and a consideration of Bulgaria's future.
More and more expatriates are attracted to Bulgaria each year.
These expatriates are drawn by the climate, the safe sandy beaches, the incredibly low cost of living and low prices generally, the historical heritage that Bulgaria offers and the welcome they get from the friendly Bulgarians.
While Bulgaria does not yet have the same destination appeal of Spain or Portugal say, all that is about to change as Bulgaria gets closer to entry into the EU in 2007.
Those choosing a new life in Bulgaria now are getting in ahead of the pack as this country is about to become very fashionable.

If you are thinking that Bulgaria might be the place for you what can you expect from life in Bulgaria? And which areas are attracting the main influx of expatriates?
The biggest growth rates in terms of expat population increase are expected in the more desirable areas in and around the major resort centres of Varna and Burgas. With further population development expected in other selected ‘premium quality’ locations on the Black Sea coast.
British expats already living in Bulgaria are attracted to the fact that you are far less likely to become a victim of crime in Bulgaria than on any UK street nowadays. Street crime in Bulgaria is rare, and general crimes against ‘the person’ are statistically lower compared to western European countries.
On the whole Bulgaria is a peaceful, law abiding and trouble free country and Bulgarians are friendly, warm and welcoming people.
Expatriates attracted to Bulgaria are rewarded with great beaches a sunny climate and attractions as diverse as wine tasting, aqua parks, ancient monuments, nature parks, music and flower festivals.
And the cost of living is incredibly low.
The economic forecast for Bulgaria.
Since 1989 Bulgaria has been going through a successful transformation from a state controlled economy to an open market economy - so successful has the transformation proved to be that Bulgaria has been invited to join the European Union with membership time-tabled for 2007.
In general financial analysts agree that Bulgaria is currently undervalued, and therefore base costs are lower than the market realisation set against forecasts of growth and increased investment flows.