Do I really need an eSIM in Bulgaria if I have EU roaming?

EU roaming is possible, but many German plans limit your data abroad or throttle the speed after a few gigabytes. If you spend several weeks on the Black Sea coast or commute often between different regions, a dedicated Bulgaria data plan will make things much more relaxed.

Does the eSIM also work in rural areas and the Balkan Mountains?

In most tourist regions and larger cities you get a stable 4G signal. In very remote mountain regions or deep gorges the signal can be weaker. For hiking routes in the Rila or Balkan Mountains, a map section saved offline is a sensible addition.

Does the eSIM work in seaside resorts such as Sunny Beach or Varna?

Yes. The Black Sea coast is very well developed for tourism and is served with solid 4G coverage by A1 Bulgaria and Vivacom. In Nessebar, Sozopol and Albena too, you can surf and navigate reliably.

How much data do I need for a trip to Bulgaria?

For a week with navigation, social media and some streaming, 3–5 GB is enough. For round trips through several regions or longer stays, we recommend a 10 GB plan or an unlimited plan.

Do I need to think about the currency in Bulgaria, and do I pay in euros?

Bulgaria is an EU member but still uses the lev (BGN) as its currency. When paying on the go, it is handy to use mobile data to check current exchange rates or to keep an eye on card payments in your banking app, another good reason for a reliable eSIM.

How much does an eSIM for Bulgaria cost?

eSIM data plans for Bulgaria start at €1.19. You pay once for the data you choose — no contract, no monthly fee and no surprise roaming bill. Bigger data packs and longer validity cost more.

Which mobile networks does the eSIM use in Bulgaria?

In Bulgaria the eSIM connects automatically to local networks such as A1 Bulgaria, Vivacom, Yettel Bulgaria, on 4G/LTE and on 5G where it is available. Coverage in populated areas is around 90% of the population. Your phone always picks the strongest network nearby.

Will I keep my German phone number with an eSIM in Bulgaria?

Yes. Your German SIM and number stay active, and the travel eSIM runs alongside it as a data-only plan. You stay reachable on WhatsApp, iMessage or over Wi-Fi while browsing on the local network. Normal calls and texts still go through your German number, where roaming charges may apply.

Can I top up or extend my Bulgaria data plan?

Yes. When your data runs out or the plan expires, just buy another pack. The eSIM profile already on your phone stays in place, so there is nothing to reinstall and you stay online without a break.

Can I use the eSIM as a Wi-Fi hotspot in Bulgaria?

Yes. You can share the connection with a laptop, tablet or a travel companion through your phone's personal hotspot. Hotspot use comes out of the same data allowance, so choose a slightly larger pack if you plan to tether.

Should I install the eSIM before I leave or after I arrive?

Install it at home over Wi-Fi before you travel. The data plan switches on automatically when your phone joins a network in Bulgaria, so you are online the moment you land instead of hunting for airport Wi-Fi.

Will the eSIM work on my phone?

It works on any eSIM-capable phone, including iPhone XS and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later and Google Pixel 3 and later. The phone must also be unlocked (not tied to one network). To check yours, look for "Add eSIM" under Mobile Data or Connections in your settings.

eSIM plans for Bulgaria

Instant delivery

Bulgaria: your travel eSIM from €1.19 works as soon as you land and connects to A1 Bulgaria, Vivacom, Yettel Bulgaria (4G/LTE where available), network coverage 90% of the population. Install it by QR code before you leave Germany — no roaming charges, no SIM swap.

Your selection

Select a plan

Payment methods

Instant email delivery
30-day refund on unused eSIMs
Support in English
Visa · Mastercard · Maestro · Apple Pay · PayPal

eSIM for Bulgaria at a glance

Price from: €1.19
Local networks: A1 Bulgaria, Vivacom, Yettel Bulgaria
Technology: 4G/LTE
Network coverage: 90% of the population
Activation: QR code — install before you leave
Suggested data: 1–3 GB light use · 5 GB with social media · 10 GB+ streaming

All eSIM plans for Bulgaria

Data	Validity	Price
Unlimited	1 day	€1.19
Unlimited	3 days	€3.99
Unlimited	5 days	€5.99
Unlimited	7 days	€8.49
Unlimited	10 days	€11.49
Unlimited	15 days	€16.99
Unlimited	30 days	€32.99
1 GB	7 days	€1.99
2 GB	15 days	€2.49
3 GB	30 days	€2.99
5 GB	30 days	€4.49
10 GB	30 days	€7.49
20 GB	30 days	€11.99
50 GB	30 days	€24.49

Bulgaria surprises with an impressive variety: golden sandy beaches on the Black Sea coast, medieval monasteries in the Balkan Mountains, lively alleys in the old town of Plovdiv and the pulsing nightlife of Sofia. If you are on the move here, you need reliable mobile data for navigating off the beaten track, restaurant tips and spontaneous trip plans. With a Reisechip eSIM you are online as you land in Sofia, surfing on A1 Bulgaria's 4G network and sparing yourself annoying roaming surprises. No SIM swap, no queuing at the airport: just scan the QR code and discover Bulgaria.

Flight time from Germany

about 2–3 hours

Time zone

UTC+2 (1 hour ahead of CET)

Best time to travel

June–September

Plug type

Type C/F (same as Germany)

Why get an eSIM for Bulgaria?

Bulgaria is part of the EU, but many German mobile plans use up their roaming allowance abroad much faster or noticeably throttle the speed. When you move between a Black Sea resort, the Bansko ski area and the capital Sofia, you need a consistently good network. A1 Bulgaria covers around 90% of the country with 4G/LTE, including popular tourist areas such as Nessebar, Sunny Beach and the Rila Monastery. You install a Reisechip eSIM at your leisure before you leave and activate it right when you land. That way you are ready to navigate immediately, without losing time at a phone shop. Your German number stays active on your regular SIM, and the eSIM takes care of your data communication only.

What is network coverage like in Bulgaria?

Network operator

A1 Bulgaria

+ Vivacom

Technology

4G/LTE

Coverage

90% of the population

How do I install an eSIM for Bulgaria?

1
Buy a plan
Pick the data plan for Bulgaria that fits your trip and check out.
2
Scan the QR code
Open the email with your QR code and scan it with your phone's camera while you are still in Germany.
3
Add the eSIM
Follow the steps on your phone to add the eSIM as a data plan. Your German SIM stays in place.
4
Go online
Switch on the eSIM when you land in Bulgaria and you are online straight away.

1
Buy a plan
Pick the data plan for Bulgaria that fits your trip and check out.
2
Scan the QR code
Open the email with your QR code and scan it with your phone's camera while you are still in Germany.
3
Add the eSIM
Follow the steps on your phone to add the eSIM as a data plan. Your German SIM stays in place.
4
Go online
Switch on the eSIM when you land in Bulgaria and you are online straight away.

Which eSIM plan suits me?

Holiday

Away for 1–2 weeks? A 3–5 GB plan covers maps, photos and messages.

Business trip

For video calls and email on the go, choose at least 5 GB or an unlimited plan.

Backpacking

On longer trips, a 10 GB+ plan or a regional plan for several countries pays off.

Family

With several devices, pick a plan with hotspot support and enough data for everyone.

eSIM vs. local SIM vs. Wi-Fi hotspot — what works best for Bulgaria?

	eSIM	Local SIM card	Wi-Fi hotspot
Activation	Instant (QR code)	Buy on arrival	Pick-up or delivery
Setup	2 minutes	SIM swap needed	Extra device
Price	From €1.19	€5–30	€5–15 per day
Network	Local 4G/LTE	Local 4G/LTE	Local 4G/LTE
Devices	1 smartphone	1 smartphone	Up to 5 devices
Flexibility	Top up any time	Fixed allowance	Daily rental
Best for	Most travellers	Long stays	Groups and families

eSIM for Bulgaria: frequently asked questions

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