Here are some tips for new arrivals to Plovdiv.

English-language social life

  • Jazz Cafe has meetups on most Wednesday evenings. Book and poetry groups meet at Jazz Cafe as well.

  • The Turtle House sports bar has English-friendly events.

  • There are other bars popular with foreigners – ask for recommendations in the Expats in Plovdiv group

  • Offline Cafe has board games

Event calendars

Learn Bulgarian

Bulgarian news in English

Transport

Cabs

  • Eko Taxi have an English Viber bot that almost always works and an app that often works.

  • Other apps include Taxistars, Taxi1, and TaxiMe.

  • Don’t take informal cabs that are parked at the train and bus stations, or at least bargain hard before you get in.

  • I’ve had no trouble taking branded cabs that are parked at taxi stands.

City buses

  • Google Maps shows the routes, but don’t believe its schedules.

  • This site also shows the routes and says it shows schedules, but I’m not convinced they’re accurate.
  • Fare:
    • During January 2026: 1 lev or 51 euro cents.
    • Starting February: 50 euro cents.
    • There are no transfers. You pay for each bus.
    • If a sign says “билети при шофьора” you pay the driver; otherwise, a conductor will approach you.
    • Use coins or a small bill.

Trains

  • You can buy tickets online about two weeks before the trip.

  • Put the PDF ticket on your phone to show the conductor.

Deliveries & shopping

Grocery delivery

  • My favorite for selection and service: Ebag. Scroll down and click “Switch to English.” Use the Bulgarian version of the site for details about ingredients.

Package delivery

  • Many online sellers let you send packages to a nearby Ekont or Speedy office or locker so you don’t have to stay home.

  • If you’re ordering something big, look for an additional fee for bringing it up to your flat. This might be called “качване.” Otherwise, delivery will be to the entrance of the building.

Online shopping

Prefer Bulgaria-based sellers for easier shipping. A sample:

  • Emag: wide variety, sellers may not be as reliable as Amazon
  • Technopolis: tech and home appliances with a decent return policy
  • Search Expats in Plovdiv for other sites

To use Amazon.de:

  • Set your delivery address to Bulgaria to see available products.
  • If you order 49 euros’ worth of Amazon-fulfilled products, shipping is free. It takes about 7-10 days.

Other sites: Make sure they ship from within the EU to avoid possible customs hassles.

Books in other languages

  • Книжарница Хобит has books in English: location

  • The big chain stores usually have an English section

  • Libristo.eu has books in many languages.

  • Audiobooks in English, Bulgarian, and some other languages: Storytel

Immigration department

  • The staff speak little English. Bring a Bulgarian speaker until you learn enough Bulgarian.

  • Location. Tell a cab driver you want the Паспортна служба (pahsPORTna SLOOZHbah) on ulitsa Volga.

  • Go to the machine to the left of the entrance and take a number.

  • Small offices across the street from the entrance will help you with forms. I like this guy, who speaks English:

Health and grooming

  • Find a doctor and make an appointment online with Superdoc.

  • Find a hair stylist and make an appointment online with Studio24.

Why is the water off?