Whether you’re planning a short trip to Sofia, skiing in Banska, or relaxing on the Black Sea coast, staying connected in Bulgaria is simple and affordable thanks to the country’s excellent prepaid SIM card options. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about prepaid SIM cards in Bulgaria — including coverage, pricing, registration, apps, and tourist-specific deals.
Basics
Bulgaria has a competitive mobile market dominated by three major telecom providers:
- A1 Bulgaria
- Yettel Bulgaria (formerly Telenor)
- Vivacom
Each operator offers reliable prepaid SIM card services, 4G LTE coverage (and limited 5G), plus English-friendly support — making them ideal for travelers, digital nomads, and expats.
Official Websites
To explore prepaid offers or register online, visit:
- A1: www.a1.bg
- Yettel: www.yettel.bg
- Vivacom: www.vivacom.bg
All sites have English-language versions.
Frequencies Used in Bulgaria
To ensure compatibility, check if your phone supports:
| Technology | Frequency Band |
|---|---|
| 2G | 900 MHz, 1800 MHz |
| 3G | 2100 MHz |
| 4G/LTE | 800, 1800, 2100 MHz |
| 5G | 3600 MHz (limited availability) |
Most modern unlocked smartphones work fine in Bulgaria.
Coverage & Speed
A1 Bulgaria
- Strong urban and rural 4G coverage.
- 5G available in Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna.
- High-speed LTE across major cities.
Yettel
- Excellent balance between speed and rural reach.
- Reliable internet for streaming, maps, and browsing.
Vivacom
- Fastest 5G speeds in testing (as of late 2024).
- Broad national 4G footprint.
At a Glance Comparison
| Feature | A1 | Yettel | Vivacom |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4G Coverage | Excellent | Excellent | Very Good |
| 5G Availability | Limited Cities | Limited Cities | Leading rollout |
| Tourist SIM | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| English Support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| App Availability | ✅ My A1 | ✅ Yettel App | ✅ Vivacom App |
Biometric User Registration
Since 2022, Bulgaria enforces biometric registration for all SIM card purchases. Tourists must present a valid passport at the point of sale. Registration is done in-store, typically taking 5–10 minutes.
Tip: Always buy from official stores or kiosks (airports, malls, or city centers) to ensure proper registration.
Device Registration
Device registration is not required in Bulgaria for foreign visitors. As long as your phone is unlocked, you’re good to go. No IMEI registration needed.
Mobile Apps (with Links)
All major providers have easy-to-use apps for checking balance, buying bundles, or topping up:
SIM Card Price
Prepaid SIM cards cost between 5–10 BGN (€2.50–€5) and often come with some starter credit.
Prepaid Plans (2025 Offers)
A1 Bulgaria
- A1 Tourist: 10 BGN = 4000 MB + 100 min (valid 10 days)
- Combo MAX: 15 BGN = 10 GB + 100 mins + 100 SMS (valid 30 days)
Yettel
- Tourist Package: 8.99 BGN = 8 GB + 100 mins (valid 15 days)
- Unlimited Net Plan: 19.99 BGN = unlimited data (fair use), valid 30 days
Vivacom
- Prepaid Start: 6.99 BGN = 3 GB + 100 mins
- Vivacom Tourist SIM: 9.99 BGN = 10 GB + 100 min (valid 10 days)
Data Add-Ons
When your package runs out, you can top up easily:
| Provider | Add-On | Price | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | 5 GB | 5 BGN | 7 days |
| Yettel | 10 GB | 9.99 BGN | 30 days |
| Vivacom | 7 GB | 6 BGN | 15 days |
Top-up online via card or scratch vouchers available in supermarkets, gas stations, or kiosks.
Tourist SIM Cards
All three providers offer ready-to-use Tourist SIMs:
- No contract, no need for Bulgarian address.
- Buy at Sofia Airport, train stations, or city centers.
- Includes data, calls, and SMS.
- English-speaking staff usually available at major tourist outlets.
Pro tip: Airport SIMs might cost slightly more than city prices.
Activation Process
Activation is usually automatic upon SIM insertion, especially if purchased from official stores. You might need to:
- Insert SIM
- Restart phone
- Wait for SMS confirmation
- Set up APN (Access Point Name) if not automatic (see website/app)
How to Check Remaining Balance
| Provider | USSD Code | App Option |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | *123# | My A1 app |
| Yettel | *123# | Yettel App |
| Vivacom | *102# | Vivacom App |
Apps provide full usage stats: data, minutes, SMS, and renewal dates.
Conclusion
Buying a prepaid SIM card in Bulgaria is a straightforward, budget-friendly way to stay connected whether you’re road-tripping, hiking, or working remotely. With robust 4G networks, generous data offers, and tourist-friendly packages from A1, Yettel, and Vivacom, you’ll have everything you need for a seamless experience.
If you’re flying into Sofia or Plovdiv, pick up a SIM right at the airport, download the relevant provider’s app, and enjoy high-speed internet and local rates across Bulgaria — no roaming fees, no surprises.