If you are wondering what the best connectivity way when traveling to Bulgaria, local sim cards from Bulgaria mobile operators are the best choice. They help tourists to avoid high roaming charges and stay connected. This complete guide gives you best Bulgaria operators, and guides you where to buy a sim card, how to use, top-up and more.
Table of Contents
I. List of Mobile Operators in Bulgaria
1. Main Mobile Operators in Bulgaria
A1, Yettel, and Vivacom are three main mobile operators in Bulgaria.
- A1 offers a wide range of mobile services, including voice calls, SMS, and high-speed mobile internet with various data plans, allowing customers to choose options that suit their needs.
- Yettel provides creative and tailored solutions for mobile and fixed telecommunication services. It offers mobile voice, data and content services on both post- and pre-paid basis.
- Vivacom provides mobile and fixed voice services, high-speed mobile and fixed broadband, interactive and satellite TV, along with creative solutions for mobile devices.
2. Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in Bulgaria
MVNOs in Bulgaria typically offer a range of mobile services, including voice calls, SMS, and mobile data. They often provide budget-friendly offers and competitive rates, giving major mobile carriers a real challenge.
II. How to Choose the Best Bulgaria Mobile Operators
There are some key factors you should consider before choosing Bulgaria mobile operators.
- Network Coverage: Consider the coverage provided by different mobile operators.
- Data Speeds: If you require mobile data for internet access, check the data packages offered by different operators.
- Cost: Compare the pricing between different operators.
- Roaming: If you’re often jet-setting around Europe or find yourself dialing internationally quite a bit, it’s wise to look into some nifty packages that can help cut down on those pesky extra charges.
III. Best Mobile Operators in Bulgaria- Detailed Comparison
Now, let’s do a detailed side-by-side comparison of A1, Yettel, and Vivacom based on the key decision criteria:
| Mobile Operator | Market Share | Bandwidth | Coverage | 4G Coverage | Objects of Use | Average Price (USD) |
| A1 | High | High (5G and 4G) | Nationwide | 99.74% | General population | Higher |
| Yettel | Moderate | High (5G and 4G) | Nationwide | 98% | General population | Lower |
| Vivacom | High | High (4G) | Nationwide | 99% | General population | Moderate |
| Telekom | Moderate | Moderate (4G) | Main urban zones | 50% | General population | Pricier |
- A1 offers advertised download speeds of up to 370 Mbps on 5G and 300 Mbps on 4G plans. There are no hard data caps, but throttling might happen after specific usage thresholds.
- Yettel predicts average speeds of 177 Mbps down on its 5G network, while 4G LTE can reach 225 Mbps down during testing. Their plans come with soft data caps before speed reductions kick in.
- Vivacom claims real-world download speeds of up to 250 Mbps on 4G, showcasing a notably fast network. It’s important to note that Vivacom has not yet commercially launched 5G.
IV. Where to Buy SIM Card from Bulgaria Mobile Operators?
Wondering where to obtain SIM cards from the various providers in Bulgaria? Here are some options:
- Operator stores: Physical service locations are available in most cities where you can visit to purchase or swap SIM card. Bring ID proof and you can get set up pretty quickly.
- Online: The major carrier websites all have e-shops to easily order SIM cards or eSIM profiles for activation. These get conveniently delivered to your hotel or rented residence.
- Authorized Resellers: Plenty of electronics shops, newsstands and convenience stores sell SIM cards for the various networks. Look for branded vendor signs to identify which sell specific operator cards.
- Airports: The Sofia, Plovdiv and Varna airport arrivals areas have booths or vending machines to instantly get connected with local SIM card when landing in Bulgaria.
For short vacations, picking up SIM card at the airport means you have connectivity right away. For longer stays, visiting carrier retail shops can provide chance to understand plan options.
V. Do Mobile Operators in Bulgaria Offer eSIM?
Another option beyond physical SIM cards is eSIM or electronic SIM profiles. Remember check eSIM Compatible List before buying eSIM in Bulgaria. Here’s a breakdown of eSIM availability among top carriers:
- A1 – A1 introduced eSIM support in 2019 with plenty of compatible devices approved on its network. eSIM allows multiple numbers or dual SIM features.
- Yettel – As of 2022, eSIM functionality is enabled for Yettel customers using iPhone XS/XR models onwards or newer Android phones. Enables flexible dual SIM capabilities.
- Vivacom – Vivacom is a good choice for mobile users in Bulgaria, offering eSIM support, nationwide coverage, and high-quality services.
- esimbulgaria.net – Offer a range of eSIM plans for tourist with competitive price.
So both A1 and Yettel currently allow eSIM activation while Vivacom and Telekom do not officially support it. As more modern phones launch with eSIM standard, anticipation is that all carriers eventually add this functionality.
Esimbulgaria.net is a top provider of Bulgaria eSIM plans for travelers looking for an easy way to stay connected in Bulgaria. As the country’s #1 eSIM operator, they offer simple digital SIM solutions that allow you to leave your physical SIM card at home and avoid roaming fees abroad.
Best of all, esimbulgaria.net’s eSIMs deliver fast 4G/LTE speeds throughout Bulgaria so you can stream, chat and navigate with ease. Purchase online and the eSIM will be instantly delivered via email for quick installation upon arrival.
VI. FAQs about Bulgaria Mobile Operators
Which operator has the best mobile and data coverage in Bulgaria?
A1 and Yettel have the most extensive 4G population coverage at over 98%, with Vivacom also providing broad connectivity. All three have active investments improving rural infrastructure.
Which Bulgaria operator offers the fastest internet speeds?
Early 5G testing shows A1 and Yettel delivering max download speeds over 370 Mbps in ideal conditions. But Vivacom’s 4G network also remains impressively fast in real-world use.
Do all major networks in Bulgaria offer unlimited data plans?
A1, Yettel and Vivacom provide unlimited data plan options now but usually accompanied with speed throttling after certain thresholds hit. Telekom also advertises some uncapped data plans.
What’s the cheapest mobile operator for tourists visiting Bulgaria?
Yettel frequently offers very low-cost prepaid SIM cards ideal for short vacations. A1 and Vivacom also have tourist/visitor packages that provide cheaper short-term rates.
How can I top up my mobile credit in Bulgaria?
Topping up your mobile credit in Bulgaria is typically straightforward. You can use various methods such as purchasing top-up vouchers, using online top-up services through the operator’s website or mobile apps, or visiting retail stores and authorized resellers to recharge your account.
Are there any special requirements for purchasing and registering a SIM card in Bulgaria?
Yes, Bulgarian regulations require SIM card registration. When purchasing a SIM card, you will generally need to provide your passport or identification document for registration purposes. The staff at the point of sale will guide you through the registration process.
VII. Conclusion
Overall, A1 excels with top-tier infrastructure and premium positioning, Yettel captures market share with ultra low-cost plans and rates, and Vivacom leverages bundles to enable affordability. Ultimately your usage patterns and budget should drive operator selection. But with improving coverage and more competitive pricing lately, it’s a good time to take advantage of Bulgaria’s solid mobile networks especially with 5G expansions accelerating.
