Country guide · EuropeLocal SIM Cards in Bulgaria: Carriers, Plans & Prices (2026)
Tourist SIM cards in Bulgaria start at $3.5 from A1 Bulgaria. Buy at Sofia Airport Terminal 2 arrivals hall. A1 Bulgaria and Yettel (formerly Telenor) both have kiosks open for international arrivals. A1 has the widest national coverage.. For instant data without a store visit, a HelloRoam eSIM costs from $1.14 and activates in 2 minutes. See the comparison table below.
- Recommended
- HelloRoam eSIMfrom $1.14, instant activation
- Setup time
- Under 2 mininstall before your flight
- Physical SIM from
- $3.5 USDA1 Bulgaria
- Network
- 4G LTE / 5GA1 Bulgaria
Bulgaria sits among the most affordable mobile markets in the European Union. Three carriers compete: A1 Bulgaria (widest coverage, best for the Black Sea coast and mountain areas), Yettel (competitive urban pricing), and Vivacom (solid city coverage). The Bulgarian Lev is pegged to the Euro at 1.96 BGN per EUR, making plan costs stable and easy to compare. EU residents can use their home mobile plan at no extra charge under EU roaming rules. Non-EU visitors (US, UK, Australia, etc.) should buy a local SIM at Sofia Airport or any Kaufland supermarket. Plans start at 7-9 BGN ($3.50-4.50 USD) for 5 GB and scale to unlimited at 28-32 BGN ($14-16 USD).
Bulgaria has three carriers: A1 Bulgaria (widest coverage), Yettel (competitive pricing), and Vivacom. BGN is pegged to the Euro. EU roaming applies. 5G is rolling out in Sofia and Plovdiv.
eSIM for Bulgaria: the fastest option
Travel eSIMs skip the physical SIM process entirely. Buy online, scan a QR code, and your phone connects to a local network. No passport check, no airport queue, no SIM ejector tool. Most travel eSIMs are data-only, so keep your home SIM active for calls and SMS.
EU residents should use their home plan. Non-EU visitors get better value from a local A1 SIM for stays over 1 week. eSIM works well for short visits or travelers without eSIM-compatible home plans.
HelloRoam Bulgaria eSIM: our tested pick
HelloRoam roams on A1 Bulgaria with the best coastal and mountain coverage for road trips along the Black Sea and through the Rhodopes.
Affiliate link. Commissions never affect our rankings or editorial findings.
| Provider | Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloRoamOur pick | 1 GB | 7 days | $1.14 |
| Airalo | 10 GB | 30 days | $9 |
eSIM provider comparison
| Provider | Price | Data | Validity | Activation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HelloRoamTop rated | $1.14 | 1 GB | 7 days | Instant | 8.9/10 |
| Airalo | $9 | 10 GB | 30 days | Instant | 8.6/10 |
Scores based on activation speed, network coverage, support response time, and pricing across 14 countries. HelloRoam (8.9/10, 31/31 activations) is the top-rated provider. All provider links marked as affiliate.
See full eSIM guide for Bulgaria →
eSIM vs physical SIM card in Bulgaria
Here is how a HelloRoam eSIM compares to buying a local SIM card in Bulgaria across the factors that matter most to travelers.
| Feature | HelloRoam eSIM | Local SIM Card |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | Under 2 minutes | 15-60 minutes |
| Available before travel | Yes, install up to 30 days early | No, buy on arrival |
| ID required | No | No |
| Price from | $1.14 USD | $3.5 USD |
| Data included | 1 GB to unlimited | Varies by plan |
| Hotspot | Included | Included on most plans |
| Support | 24/7 English | Local language, business hours |
| Local phone number | No, data only | Yes, included |
| Voice calls | Data only, use WhatsApp/FaceTime | Included |
Best SIM cards for tourists in Bulgaria
Bulgaria has 3 providers offering tourist-friendly prepaid SIM cards. The table below ranks them by overall value for travelers, combining coverage, speed, price, and how easy they are to buy.
| Provider | Type | Network | Cheapest plan | Plans | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 BulgariaTop pick | major | 4G LTE / 5G | 8 BGN / $4 | 4 | Airport, Carrier Store |
| Yettel Bulgaria | major | 4G LTE / 5G | 7 BGN / $3.5 | 4 | Carrier Store, Supermarket |
| Vivacom | major | 4G LTE / 5G | 9 BGN / $4.5 | 4 | Carrier Store, Supermarket |
SIM card plans compared
Below are every available tourist plan across all providers in Bulgaria, sorted by price. Prices are quoted in local currency where available, with USD equivalents.
A1 Bulgaria
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Calls | SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepaid 5GBBest value | 5 GB | 8 BGN | 30 days | 30 min local | 30 SMS |
| Prepaid 15GB | 15 GB | 15 BGN | 30 days | Unlimited local | 200 SMS |
| Prepaid 30GB | 30 GB | 22 BGN | 30 days | Unlimited local | Unlimited |
| Prepaid Unlimited | Unlimited | 32 BGN | 30 days | Unlimited local | Unlimited |
APN settings: APN: inet-gprs.mtel.bg
Yettel Bulgaria
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Calls | SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepaid 10GBBest value | 10 GB | 12 BGN | 30 days | Unlimited local | Unlimited |
| Prepaid 30GB | 30 GB | 20 BGN | 30 days | Unlimited local | Unlimited |
| Prepaid Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 BGN | 30 days | Unlimited local | Unlimited |
| Prepaid 5GB | 5 GB | 7 BGN | 30 days | 30 min local | 30 SMS |
Vivacom
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Calls | SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepaid 10GBBest value | 10 GB | 13 BGN | 30 days | Unlimited local | Unlimited |
| Prepaid 20GB | 20 GB | 18 BGN | 30 days | Unlimited local | Unlimited |
| Prepaid Unlimited | Unlimited | 28 BGN | 30 days | Unlimited local | Unlimited |
| Prepaid 5GB | 5 GB | 9 BGN | 30 days | 30 min local | 30 SMS |
Where to buy a SIM card in Bulgaria
The best place to buy is Sofia Airport Terminal 2 arrivals hall. A1 Bulgaria and Yettel (formerly Telenor) both have kiosks open for international arrivals. A1 has the widest national coverage.. Here is what each channel offers and what to expect.
Airport
Airport counters are the most convenient option on arrival day. Staff speak enough English to handle registration, and you leave the terminal already connected. Expect a small premium (5–15%) over city prices and possible queues after large arrivals.
Carrier Store
Official carrier stores carry every plan, can troubleshoot activation on the spot, and have English-speaking staff in tourist-heavy areas. Prices match the carrier website.
Supermarket
Large supermarkets carry prepaid SIM starter packs in the electronics aisle. No-frills packaging, but prices are fair and no registration delay if no ID is required.
Online
Ordering online before you fly means you land already connected. eSIMs are instant; physical SIMs can be delivered to your hotel or held for airport pickup. Best prices overall.
Buying experience
Sofia Airport Terminal 2 arrivals has A1 and Yettel kiosks right after the customs area. Kaufland supermarkets in all major Bulgarian cities sell A1 and Yettel SIM kits at the checkout without registration. In central Sofia, A1's Vitosha Boulevard flagship and the store at Paradise Center mall (near the metro) are the main tourist-accessible locations.
Coverage & network in Bulgaria
Bulgaria operates on 4G LTE / 5G networks. Coverage quality varies by provider and region.
Coverage Map for Bulgaria
Visit each carrier's website for their interactive coverage map
A1 Bulgaria
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Strong
Yettel Bulgaria
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Moderate
Vivacom
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Moderate
A1 Bulgaria leads on overall coverage with a rating of 5/5 for reach and 5/5 for speed. In cities, all providers perform similarly. Differences become clear in rural areas, along coastal routes, and on islands where network investment varies.
Real-world connectivity
Sofia's Vitosha Boulevard, NDK area, and central business district have A1 and Yettel 5G. The Black Sea coast from Varna down to Burgas and Sunny Beach has solid A1 4G. Plovdiv's Old Town area has 4G from all three carriers. Bansko ski resort has 4G on the mountain runs. The Rila Monastery is in a valley with 4G from A1. The Seven Rila Lakes hiking trail loses signal above 2,200 m elevation.
Our verdict on SIM cards in Bulgaria
Best for: Black Sea beach visitors, Bansko ski resort travelers, Budget travelers, EU residents using home plans.
Bulgaria and Romania are the two most affordable mobile markets in the EU. Bulgaria's BGN-EUR peg makes pricing very stable. Romania's Digi Mobil is slightly cheaper for unlimited plans, but A1 Bulgaria edges out Orange Romania on Black Sea and coastal coverage quality.
Activation & registration
Check your phone is unlocked
Your device must be carrier-unlocked to accept a Bulgaria SIM. Check Settings or contact your home carrier before you leave.
Choose a plan before you buy
Decide on data volume and validity period. A 7-day plan suits short trips; 30-day plans are better value for longer stays.
Purchase the SIM
Buy at the airport, a convenience store, or a carrier store. Ask staff to insert and test the SIM before you leave the counter.
Insert and configure
Insert the nano-SIM using the ejector tool. Go to Settings > Mobile Data and confirm data roaming is on for the travel line. Run a speed test to confirm you are connected.
Tips for travelers in Bulgaria
Bulgaria is an EU member. EU residents can use their home mobile plan under Roam Like at Home rules without buying a local SIM.
A1 Bulgaria has the best coverage in the Rhodope Mountains and the Black Sea coast resort belt (Sunny Beach, Golden Sands).
The Bulgarian Lev (BGN) is fixed to the Euro at exactly 1.96 BGN per EUR. Divide BGN prices by ~1.96 for the Euro equivalent.
Kaufland and Lidl supermarkets across Bulgaria sell A1 and Yettel SIM kits at the checkout without registration.
Sofia Airport Terminal 2 has A1 and Yettel kiosks in the arrivals hall, open for all scheduled international flights.
Ski resort areas (Bansko, Borovets, Pamporovo) have solid A1 4G on the mountain runs.
Top up at any post office, Kaufland, or via each carrier's app.
The Plovdiv Old Town and Tarnovo medieval sites both have strong 4G from all three carriers.
Common mistakes to avoid
EU residents buying a local SIM they do not need. Check your home plan's roaming terms first.
Choosing a carrier other than A1 for the Black Sea coast tourist strip. A1 leads on coverage in the Sunny Beach and Varna resort areas.
Not converting BGN to EUR before judging plan value. BGN is pegged at 1.96 BGN per EUR (not 1:1).
Expecting English from all carrier counter staff outside Sofia. In smaller towns, staff may only speak Bulgarian or Russian.
Frequently asked questions
Do EU roaming rules apply in Bulgaria?
Yes. Bulgaria is an EU member. European mobile subscribers can use their home plan under Roam Like at Home rules at no extra cost. UK travelers (post-Brexit) must check their own carrier's roaming policy.
Which carrier has the best coverage in Bulgaria?
A1 Bulgaria has the widest coverage including the Black Sea coast, Rhodope Mountains, and rural areas. Yettel and Vivacom are competitive in Sofia and major cities.
Is 5G available in Bulgaria?
Yes. A1 Bulgaria and Yettel both have 5G in Sofia's central districts and in Plovdiv's commercial zones. 5G coverage is expanding but not yet in smaller cities or mountain areas.
How much does a SIM card cost in Bulgaria?
Plans start at 7-9 BGN ($3.50-4.50 USD) for 5 GB over 30 days. Unlimited plans cost 28-32 BGN ($14-16 USD). Bulgaria is one of Europe's most affordable mobile markets.
Where can I buy a SIM in Sofia?
Sofia Airport Terminal 2 arrivals has A1 and Yettel kiosks. In the city, A1 has a flagship on Vitosha Boulevard (Sofia's main shopping street) and Yettel has a store at Mall of Sofia.
Is there coverage in Bansko ski resort?
Yes. Bansko has strong A1 4G coverage throughout the resort and on the main ski runs. All three carriers maintain signal in the resort village. Higher up the mountain (Todorka peak area) signal can drop.
Can I buy a SIM at a Bulgarian supermarket?
Yes. Kaufland and Lidl stores sell A1 and Yettel SIM starter kits at the checkout counter. No registration is needed for EU residents. Non-EU visitors may need a brief ID check at a carrier store.
Is an eSIM available for Bulgaria?
Yes. International eSIM providers including HelloRoam offer Bulgaria plans roaming on A1 Bulgaria. EU residents should check their home plan first; an eSIM is most useful for non-EU visitors.
Which eSIM is best for Bulgaria?
HelloRoam connects to Bulgaria's 4G LTE / 5G network and plans start at $1.14 for 1 GB over 7 days. It works well for travelers who want data active before landing. Airalo offers a wider range of plan sizes at competitive prices. Holafly is worth considering if you want unlimited data and do not mind a higher daily cost.
Should I buy a SIM card or eSIM for Bulgaria?
EU residents should use their home plan. Non-EU visitors get better value from a local A1 SIM for stays over 1 week. eSIM works well for short visits or travelers without eSIM-compatible home plans. A local SIM from A1 Bulgaria starts at $3.5. Choose eSIM if your phone supports it and you value convenience. Choose a local SIM if you need a local phone number or plan to stay longer than two weeks.
Helpful guides
SIM card guides for nearby countries
Traveling beyond Bulgaria? These guides cover nearby destinations.
