Bulgaria and Ukraine: Find the Similarities and Differences (Part 2)

Crime and Safety

As of 2024, Ukraine’s crime index stands at approximately 46.7, while Bulgaria’s is around 38.0. However, crime rates vary significantly across different regions.

Bulgaria remains one of the safer countries in Europe. Especially in resort towns like Sunny Beach and Varna, crime levels are notably low, making these areas particularly attractive for Ukrainian families. According to a 2024 survey, 85% of tourists visiting Bulgaria’s coastline cited high safety standards as a key reason for choosing the destination.

The Bulgarian Ministry of Interior reported a 6% decline in overall crime in 2023 compared to the previous year. The safest areas were seaside regions such as Burgas and Sunny Beach.

You’ll notice that shop owners leave merchandise outside, beverage coolers remain unlocked, and many residents don’t even lock their apartments — clear signs of a trusting, safe community.

Perfect for relocating with children, wouldn’t you agree?

Resorts and Leisure

Bulgaria’s Black Sea resorts like Golden Sands and Sunny Beach are increasingly popular among Ukrainians for both living and vacationing. Easily accessible by air or car, these locations offer stunning natural beauty, beaches, and mountain resorts.

Beyond beach holidays, Bulgaria offers diverse cultural excursions, historic towns, ancient fortresses, wellness spas, and ski resorts during the winter months. Historic sites like Nessebar and Sozopol are state-protected or UNESCO-listed, providing safe and well-maintained tourist experiences. Travelers can even purchase special travel cards — visit all locations in the catalog (most entries costing no more than 5 BGN) and receive a reward. No need to search online for your next destination!

Costs

Ski Resorts:
Bulgaria’s leading ski destinations, Pamporovo and Bansko, are currently more affordable than Bukovel in Ukraine. While Bukovel accommodations start at €100 per night, in Bulgaria, you can enjoy an “all-inclusive” stay from just €40 per night.

Summer Resorts:
Prices in Sunny Beach and Aheloy are comparable to Koblevo but more affordable than Odesa. Resorts are modern and free from old Soviet-era buildings. Accommodation in budget-friendly complexes starts from only 17 BGN per night!

Average hotel rates:

• Odesa coast: €50–150 per night
• Sunny Beach: €40–80 per night during peak season

Banking System

1. Services and Mobile Apps

Ukraine:
A major advantage of Ukraine’s banking system is the advanced mobile services like Privat24, Oschad 24/7, Monobank, and the state platform Diia, which allows a wide range of administrative services via smartphone.
Money transfers between cards are instant and usually free, contributing to the highly digitalized and user-friendly banking experience.

Pros: high level of digitalization, instant transfers, broad functionality via smartphones.
Cons: dependence on internet connectivity (though basic operations often work even on weak signals).

Bulgaria:
While Bulgaria’s banking apps (such as UniCredit Bulbank, DSK Bank, Postbank) are convenient and growing in sophistication, there’s no equivalent to Diia. Transfers between banks are possible but often involve fees.

Pros: user-friendly apps, ongoing digital transformation.
Cons: fewer integrated services compared to Ukraine, and transfer fees are common.

2. Terminals and Payments

Card payments are widely accepted in Bulgaria. However, small shops might require a minimum purchase of 5 BGN for card payments. Taxis, especially in resort towns like Golden Sands and Sunny Beach, often lack terminals or taxi apps — trips are typically arranged via phone calls.

3. Money Transfers and Fees

Ukraine:
Card-to-card transfers are usually instant and free. International transfers via services like Wise or Western Union are available but can carry high fees.

Bulgaria:
Domestic transfers via bank apps are common but often come with a fee. Many residents use apps like Revolut or Wise, which are free and easy to open. However, if a Bulgarian IBAN is necessary, you’ll need a local bank account — an account application fee can be up to 200 BGN, without guarantee of approval.

Internet and Digital Services

Bulgaria boasts a well-developed internet infrastructure, ideal for remote workers and online businesses.

Options include:

• Roaming: Some Ukrainians still use Lifecell with “Gigabytes Without Borders” offering 30 GB/month for around 150 UAH.
• Prepaid SIMs: Providers like A1, Vivacom, and Yettel offer starter plans from 6–8 BGN/month.
• Contract Internet: Promotional plans start from 20 BGN/month for unlimited data and EU calls; standard rates are around 30 BGN/month. Contracts typically last two years, offering flexibility and reliability — no sudden service cut-offs as you might experience elsewhere.

Climate and Ecology

Bulgaria’s nature reserves, clean beaches, and mountain regions provide a healthy living environment. The Mediterranean-influenced climate, especially along the coast, offers mild winters and long, warm summers — a major draw for Ukrainians seeking to avoid harsh winters.

Ukraine:
Climate varies from temperate continental to subtropical in the south (Crimea).

• Average summer temperatures: +20°C to +25°C
• Winter temperatures: –8°C to 0°C
• Pollution remains high in industrial cities like Kyiv, Dnipro, and Kryvyi Rih.

Bulgaria:

• Predominantly temperate continental climate with Mediterranean influences near the coast.
• Summer temperatures: +22°C to +28°C
• Winter temperatures: 0°C to +5°C along the coast; –10°C in the mountains.
• Environmental improvements have been notable, with Bulgaria ranked 43rd globally in the 2023 Environmental Performance Index.

Key ecological differences:

• Black Sea coastline in Bulgaria enjoys a more tropical climate compared to Ukraine’s Odesa region.
• 60% of Bulgaria’s water bodies are classified as good quality, compared to much lower figures in Ukraine.
• Bulgaria produces fewer CO2 emissions per capita (5.4 tons vs. Ukraine’s 6.7 tons).

Living in Bulgaria — A Conscious Choice

We’ve walked you through Bulgaria’s climate, safety, internet infrastructure, banking system, and vibrant resort life. Despite some minor downsides, Bulgaria offers clear advantages.

Are you already imagining your new life here?
How to make it a reality?

The first and most crucial step is to visit Bulgaria as a tourist — for example, through a real estate discovery tour.

During the tour, you will:

• Explore potential properties
• Receive comprehensive legal and financial support
• Experience the local infrastructure firsthand

Book your real estate discovery tour today and start a brand-new chapter of your life in beautiful Bulgaria!