It’s crucial to get Yettel SIM cards and eSIM when in Bulgaria for staying connected, using maps & translation apps, contacting local businesses, updating friends & family, and ensuring safety. Explore everything you need to know about purchasing and utilizing Yettel telecom as you wander through the enchanting Eastern European destination with this comprehensive guide.

Yettel SIM cards and eSIM featured image

I. Quick facts about Yettel

Here is some fact information about Yettel provider you should know.:

  • Established in 2021
  • Get 4G/LTE coverage that blankets 99% of the population. 
  • Has affordable roaming rates in over 170 countries.
  • Over 5 million subscribers.
  • Provides excellent coverage throughout Bulgaria.
  • Offers a range of mobile services, including voice calling, text messaging, data, and internet connectivity.
Yettel mobile operator

II. Bulgaria Yettel Coverage and Speed in Bulgaria

Coverage and speed are two main factors tourists should consider when buying Yettel SIM card in Bulgaria.

1. Yettel Coverage in Bulgaria

Yettel sim cards and esim coverage in Bulgaria
  • Yettel provides coverage in various regions across the country, including urban areas, towns, and rural areas.
  • Yettel Bulgaria officially launched 5G services nationwide in June 2021, becoming a pioneer in the development of 5G in the country.

2. Yettel Speed

Yettel download speed
Yettel upload speed

According to Opensignal’s July 2023 Mobile Network Experience Report:

  • Yettel’s 5G Download Speed is reported to be 232.3Mbps, which is behind A1 and Vivacom.
  • Yettel shares the Upload Speed Experience award with A1, with statistically similar scores of 14.8-16Mbps.
  • Yettel speed is fast enough for browsing, emails, messaging, music & video streaming, maps, and calling over data.

Overall, Yettel provides strong coverage throughout Bulgaria. Whether you’re on a 5G or 4G network, Yettel users can expect reliable connectivity in almost every corner of the country.

III. Yettel connectivity options for travelers to Oman

Here are the main connectivity options by Yettel for travelers visiting Bulgaria.

Connectivity Options Pros Cons
Prepaid SIM Cards - Convenient and widely available - Need to purchase and activate a SIM card
- Can choose data plans that suit your needs - Requires a compatible unlocked device
- Allows for local calls and messaging - Limited to the coverage area
Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspots - Can connect multiple devices simultaneously - Additional device to carry
- Convenient for group travel - Need to rent or purchase the device
- Offers flexibility in choosing data plans - Coverage limited to Yettel's network
International Roaming - No need to change SIM cards or devices - Can be expensive for data usage
- Seamless connectivity in multiple countries - Limited to partner networks for service
- No need to find local SIM card providers - Data speeds may be slower than local SIMs
eSIM - No physical SIM card required - Limited availability in some countries
- Easy activation and flexibility - Requires a device compatible with eSIM
- Can switch between different carriers - Not all devices and carriers support eSIM
- No need to change SIM cards while traveling - Limited coverage in remote areas

In short, there are a range of options for travelers, including customizable prepaid SIMs, eSIM packages, voice and data plans. All of them are budget-friendly rates.

IV. Best Yettel SIM cards for tourists & cost

If you’re heading to Bulgaria, grabbing a prepaid SIM card is your best bet. Check out the table below for the various Yettel SIM card choices designed specifically for tourists like yourself.

Prepaid Plan Price (USD) Data Allowance Calling (Local/International) Roaming Options Validity Period
Plan 1 $15 5GB Unlimited local calls Limited roaming coverage and data 30 days
Plan 2 $25 10GB Unlimited local calls Roaming available with additional fees 30 days
Plan 3 $35 20GB Unlimited local calls Roaming available with additional fees 30 days
Plan 4 $50 30GB Unlimited local calls Roaming available with additional fees 30 days
Plan 5 $75 50GB Unlimited local calls Roaming available with additional fees 30 days

V. Does Yettel Bulgaria support eSIM?

Yes, Yettel launched eSIM support in mid-2022. You can now use eSIMs on compatible phones instead of regular SIM cards.

An eSIM is a digital SIM profile downloaded to your phone’s eSIM chip. There is no physical SIM card. You can store multiple eSIM profiles from different operators. if you have an eSIM phone and want to give it a try, see the eSIM Compatible Device List for the details on it.

Sure, you can totally experiment with a different carrier’s eSIM. For instance, you might want to check out esimbulgaria.net, which provides eSIMs that operate on A1’s network, giving you the flexibility to access various plans.


Discover Bulgaria Without Boundaries

Bulgaria eSIM 5 Days
Bulgaria eSIM 5 Days
From $3.61
Bulgaria eSIM 10 Days
Bulgaria eSIM 10 Days
From $3.82
Bulgaria eSIM 30 Days
Bulgaria eSIM 30 Days
From $4.30

VI. Where can you buy a Yettel SIM card and eSIM?

For travelers looking to purchase Yettel SIM cards and eSIM for connectivity in Bulgaria, there are a few main options for where to buy:

1.Where to buy Yettel SIM Card for Bulgaria

  • Yettel official stores or retail outlets
  • Mobile phone shops and electronics stores
  • Supermarkets and convenience stores
  • Airports (at kiosks or dedicated mobile operator booths)
  • Online through Yettel’s official website or authorized resellers

2. Where to buy Yettel Bulgaria eSIM

  • Yettel official stores or retail outlets (if eSIM activation is supported)
  • Yettel’s website (if they offer eSIM activation online)
  • Mobile phone shops and electronics stores (if they provide eSIM activation services)
  • Online through Yettel’s official website or authorized resellers that support eSIM activation
buying Yettel SIM Cards and eSIM

Tips for travelers when buying Yettel SIM Card in Bulgaria:

  • Make sure unlocked your mobile device.
  • Keep your passport handy when buying Bulgaria SIM Card
  • Consider data packages to choose the best options for your need.
  • If you need help with the SIM card or activating services, feel free to ask the store staff or customer service.

Tips for travelers when buying Yettel SIM Card in Bulgaria

  • Make sure unlocked your mobile device.
  • Keep your passport handy when buying Bulgaria SIM Card
  • Consider data packages to choose the best options for your need.
  • If you need help with the SIM card or activating services, feel free to ask the store staff or customer service.

VII. How to activate Yettel Bulgaria SIM/eSIM

Once you obtain Yettel SIM cards and eSIM, whether prepaid or rental, it will need to be activated before use on the network. The activation process generally involves:

1.How to use Yettel Bulgaria SIM Card

  • Insert the SIM Card: Power off your mobile device and locate the SIM card slot. Insert the Yettel SIM card into the appropriate slot.
  • Power On Your Device: Power on your device and wait for it to recognize the Yettel SIM card. The device should connect to the Yettel mobile network automatically.
  • Set Network Settings: In most cases, your device will automatically configure the network settings. 
  • Top Up or Activate a Plan: If your Yettel SIM card doesn’t come preloaded with a plan, you can top up your balance and activate a plan. 
  • Start Using Your Yettel SIM Card: Once your SIM card is activated and you have a plan or sufficient balance, you can start using your Yettel SIM card for making calls, sending texts, and accessing mobile data.

2. How to activate Yettel Bulgaria eSIM

  • Check Device Compatibility: Ensure that your device supports eSIM functionality.
  • Obtain an eSIM QR Code: Contact Yettel customer support or visit their website to obtain the eSIM QR code. 
  • Access eSIM Settings: On your device, navigate to the settings menu and find the section related to eSIM or cellular settings.
  • Add eSIM: Look for the option to add an eSIM and follow the prompts. You may be prompted to scan the QR code provided by Yettel.
  • Activate eSIM: Once the QR code is scanned and recognized, the eSIM activation process should begin automatically. 

Please check your detailed instructions below this article: How to Install Bulgaria eSIM: Full Guide

VIII. Bulgaria Yettel call and sms rates

Here is a table of Bulgaria Yettel Call & SMS rates:

Call Type Rate per Minute (USD)
Local Calls $0.10
International Calls (to select countries) $0.25 - $0.50 (varies by destination)
Incoming Calls (while roaming) $0.15 - $0.30 (varies by roaming location)
SMS (Local) $0.05
SMS (International) $0.15 - $0.25 (varies by destination)
SMS (While Roaming) $0.10 - $0.20 (varies by roaming location)

IX. Useful USSD codes for Yettel Bulgaria SIM/eSIM

Yettel support various USSD codes check your account or enable services quickly:

  • *111# – Check account balance and validity
  • *222# – Check remaining data balance
  • *101# – Check outstanding payments
  • *100*1# – Enable mobile data
  • *100*0# – Disable mobile data
  • *121*1# – Enable roaming
  • *121*0# – Disable roaming

X. How to top-up Yettel Bulgaria SIM/eSIM

You can recharge your Yettel prepaid credit using these methods:

  • Vouchers: The easiest way to top-up your Yettel prepaid SIM is buying a scratch-off top-up voucher from any shop. Denominations are 5, 10, 20, and 50 BGN. Scratch panel to reveal a recharge PIN.
  • Online top-up: You can also recharge online using Yettel’s website/app or via international top-up sites like Recharge.com. Enter your Yettel number and payment info to instantly add credit.
  • ATMs: Some banks in Bulgaria allow you to top-up your Yettel SIM using their ATMs. Just insert your bank card or cash, select “Mobile top-up”, enter your Yettel number and amount.

XI. Alternatives to Bulgaria Yettel

While Yettel has the best mobile network in Bulgaria, there are two other main operators:

  • A1: A1 Bulgaria has good 4G coverage and speeds across Bulgaria. Prepaid SIM cards start from 5 BGN. Data rates and call rates are similar to Yettel. worse coverage in rural areas.
  • Vivacom: Vivacom has decent 3G and 4G coverage in Bulgaria focused on main cities and towns. SIM cards start around 5 BGN. Data and calls are slightly more expensive than Yettel.
  • esimbulgaria.net: provides a range of eSIM data plans for tourists to stay connected in Bulgaria.

Connected wherever you roam. Go eSIM with esimbulgaria.net!

XII. FAQs about Yettel in Bulgaria

Does Yettel have good coverage in Bulgaria?

Yes, with 99% population coverage, Yettel has outstanding coverage throughout Bulgaria for calls, texts, and mobile data. Only a few remote areas have patchy reception.

Can I use my eSIM from home on Yettel Bulgaria?

Unfortunately, you can’t yet use eSIM profiles from foreign operators while roaming on Yettel Bulgaria. You need to get a dedicated Yettel SIM or eSIM.

Is 5G available on Yettel Bulgaria?

Not yet. Yettel is currently testing 5G but has not launched commercial 5G services. 4G speeds are still good averaging 35 Mbps down though.

How long is a Yettel SIM card valid for?

Yettel prepaid SIM cards and eSIM profiles typically expire after 6 months of no activity. As long as you top up/use the SIM once every 6 months, it will remain active.

XIII. Final words

Yettel SIM cards and eSIM provides excellent connectivity across Bulgaria so you can stay online for mobile data, calls, texts without paying expensive roaming fees. Their network offers outstanding coverage even while sightseeing in rural villages or ski mountains resorts. Yettel Prepaid SIMs are easy to set up and convenient to top-up on the go.