hi karolinka!

i've been a lurker on your blog for a few months now but thought i'd pipe in my two cents today.  i am a peace corps volunteer in pernik, bulgaria and have had the distinct pleasure of buying three phones in this country.  the most recent trip to the store found me buying a phone + simcard deal which put the price of the phone at 45 leva, all fees included.  as i simply needed a new phone at the time, i stuck my old simcard in the new phone and have had no problems since.  the new simcard has taken up residence in my desk and has yet to be used.

i have enjoyed reading this particular thread on your blog about living on your specific budget of 400 leva; this amount is akin to where we're at as volunteers and i can offer my experience as testimony that, while it is hard to operate within this budget when close to Sofia (or for that matter, IN Sofia) do not despair!  you can get a phone without completely blowing your budget.  you might just be a few levs shy of your original budget.  i commend you for giving it a go and hope you're able to find a store that will help you get a phone, so long as it's not the card you have problems with.
i am in sofia often and would love to meet up for coffee, or for a change of scenery.  i was not able to find your email address on the blog, but if you're interested, maybe you could write it in your comments here and i will get in touch with you?  i will be here until june!

best of luck!

sincerely,
amanda ludwig