Bulgaria
Best SIM and eSIM for Bulgaria: data plans, Wi-Fi and phone tips
Buy a prepaid eSIM from Yettel or use an EU/EEA SIM – it works nationwide, 5G in Sofia and major towns, and costs about 10 BGN per GB; switch to local SIM if you need more data or want a physical card.
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GuideBulgaria
Key facts
- eSIM providerscheck
- Yettel, A1, Vivacom (check)
- Typical price per GBcheck
- ≈10 BGN (≈$5.40) (check)
- 5G coverage
- Sofia and big towns (official)
- Free Wi‑Fi
- Cafés, hotels and many public squares (official)
Quick answer
The best eSIM for Bulgaria is Yettel’s 10 GB 30‑day plan (≈10 BGN/GB). It activates instantly, works on 5G in Sofia and other major cities, and you only need your passport to register.
Details and how to get connected
Local prepaid SIMs (A1, Yettel, Vivacom) are sold in kiosks, supermarkets and post offices; you must show a passport for registration. EU/EEA visitors can roam on their home SIM at domestic rates, but data caps may apply.
eSIMs can be purchased online (Yettel, Airalo, Holafly). After purchase, scan the QR code, enter the PIN, and the profile appears in your phone’s settings. Activation is usually within minutes.
5G is available in Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna and other large towns; 4G covers the rest of the country. Rural areas rely on 3G/2G but still provide decent speeds for messaging and maps.
Free Wi‑Fi is common in cafés, hotels, libraries and many public squares. No major restrictions on services; Viber and WhatsApp work without issues.
- Bring your passport for any SIM purchase.
- Check that your phone is eSIM‑compatible (iPhone XS/12+, Samsung Galaxy S20+, Google Pixel 4+).
- If you need a physical SIM for a backup, buy a prepaid card for ≈5 BGN (≈$2.70).
Additional tips
Turn off data roaming on your home SIM before activating the eSIM to avoid unexpected charges.
Use a VPN if you need extra privacy on public Wi‑Fi.
Local messaging apps are not needed; Viber and WhatsApp are universally used.
- Plan your trip to Bulgaria → /bulgaria
- Bulgaria food guide → /bulgaria/food-and-drink
- Bulgaria vaccinations for travelers → /bulgaria/health-and-vaccines
- Bulgaria visa and entry requirements → /bulgaria/visa-requirements
- Best places to visit in Bulgaria → /bulgaria/best-places-to-visit
- Best time to visit Bulgaria → /bulgaria/best-time-to-visit
- Bulgaria travel costs and daily budget → /bulgaria/travel-costs
- Things to do in Sofia → /sofia
- Karlovo guide → /karlovo
- Visit Varna → /varna
- eSIM for travel → /topics/esim-for-travel-how-it-works-and-how-to-set-it-up
Questions people ask
What is the best eSIM for Bulgaria?
Yettel’s 10 GB 30‑day eSIM (≈10 BGN per GB) offers the widest 5G coverage and easy online activation.
Does my phone work in Bulgaria?
If it supports LTE/5G and eSIM (iPhone XS/12+, Galaxy S20+, Pixel 4+), it will work on local networks; EU/EEA SIMs also roam at home rates.
Is Wi‑Fi easy to find in Bulgaria?
Yes – free Wi‑Fi is common in cafés, hotels, libraries and many public squares in cities and tourist towns.
Do I need to register my SIM?
Yes – Bulgarian law requires passport registration for any prepaid SIM, including eSIM profiles.
Are any services blocked?
No major services are blocked; messaging apps like Viber and WhatsApp work without restrictions.
Check live
Prices, schedules, rules and availability change. Open these to confirm today's details before you book.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- secondaryVoykit – Bulgaria guide
Ask about Bulgaria
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