Costs, networks and the best option for your trip — 2026
Internet in Bulgaria: Roaming vs. eSIM
The short answer
- Bulgaria is in the EU: “roam like at home” works with EU plans — but watch fair-use caps, and Swiss/UK plans follow their own (often pricey) rules
- Local eSIM at SimBalkan: from €2.50 (1 GB / 7 days) · 5 GB / 30 days at €5.20 · 10 GB / 30 days at €8.90
- You connect to the local networks: A1, Yettel, Vivacom
- Instant QR by email, installed in minutes, your number stays active
Roaming in Bulgaria
As an EU member, Bulgaria falls under the EU roaming regulation — EU contracts roam like at home. Two catches remain: many plans apply a reduced fair-use data cap abroad, and Swiss or UK plans follow separate, often expensive rules for Bulgaria.
A local eSIM therefore pays off mainly for heavy users, longer stays and Swiss/UK travellers — or simply to protect your home allowance.
Mobile networks in Bulgaria
Bulgaria is served by A1, Yettel, Vivacom. The SimBalkan eSIM connects automatically to the best available network — no manual carrier selection, and better combined rural coverage.
What does an eSIM for Bulgaria cost?
Data plans start at €2.50 (1 GB / 7 days). Popular for holidays: 5 GB / 30 days at €5.20. Streamers take 10 GB / 30 days at €8.90. For carefree use there's unlimited from €1.35/day with flexible duration. All prices are final — no subscription, no activation fee, top-ups go onto the same eSIM.
Practical tips
- Install on Wi-Fi before the trip — the plan only starts when the eSIM connects in the destination
- On arrival: set mobile data to the SimBalkan eSIM and enable its data roaming (no extra cost)
- Disable data roaming on your home SIM — number stays active for calls/WhatsApp without risk
- Compatibility check: dial *#06# — if an EID shows, your phone supports eSIM
Verdict
For short city trips, EU roaming is often enough in Bulgaria. For longer stays, heavy data use or Swiss/UK contracts, the local eSIM from €2.50 (1 GB / 7 days) is the more relaxed and usually cheaper choice.