At a glance
- Total time
- SIM on day one
- Official fees
- Low prices for data
- Where
- A1, Yettel or Vivacom shops
- Bulgarian needed?
- Contracts in Bulgarian
Bulgaria has fast, cheap mobile data and home internet. Three mobile networks cover the country: A1, Yettel and Vivacom. You can get a prepaid SIM on your first day, and a contract once you have a personal number.
Prepaid or contract?
| Prepaid | Contract | |
|---|---|---|
| What you need | Your passport or ID. Prepaid SIMs must be registered | ID and usually your Bulgarian personal number (LNCH) and address |
| Commitment | None | Usually 1 or 2 years |
| Good for | Your first weeks | Better value once you are settled |
Buy SIM cards in the operators’ own shops rather than kiosks, so they can register it properly and explain the plan in English.
Roaming
A Bulgarian plan works across the EU at no extra cost under EU “roam like at home” rules, within fair-use limits. If you keep a SIM from another EU country, the same applies in Bulgaria, but only for travel: operators can charge extra if you mainly live abroad.
Home internet
- Fibre is widely available in cities. Ask the owner or neighbours which providers already serve the building.
- Besides the three mobile operators, local cable and fibre companies often offer good prices. Bundles with TV and mobile can save money.
- In rented flats, internet is often already installed in the owner’s name. Agree in writing who pays.
Before you sign
- Ask for the contract in English, or have it explained.
- Check what it costs to leave early. Breaking a contract can mean paying several monthly fees.
- Check what happens when the promotional price ends.
What you will usually pay
Mobile and home internet cost much less than in most of Western Europe. Contract plans with plenty of data are often cheaper than a prepaid top-up of the same size, and home fibre often costs about the same as a mobile plan. Compare current offers on the operators’ websites, because promotions change often.
Good to know
- eSIM: all three mobile operators offer eSIMs. Ask in the shop if you don’t want a physical card.
- Keep your number: you can move your number to another operator. Ask the new operator to arrange it.
- Bulgarian numbers start with +359. Mobile numbers usually start with 87, 88, 89, 98 or 99 after the country code.
- 112 works from any phone, even without credit.
- Mobile internet at home: a 4G or 5G router can be a good choice in villages or for a short let, where fibre is not available.
When you move flat
- Tell your provider at least a month before you move.
- Ask whether they serve the new building. If they do, the contract can often move with you.
- If they don’t, ask how to end the contract without a penalty.
- Return any rented router or TV box, and keep the receipt.
Common mistakes
- Signing a two-year contract in your first weeks, before you know where you will live.
- Not checking the price after the promotional period ends.
- Keeping only a foreign SIM. Banks, couriers and offices often want a Bulgarian number.
If you can’t solve a problem with your operator, you can complain to the Communications Regulation Commission.
Sources
General information. Operators are listed in alphabetical order, not as recommendations.