Since Bulgaria is in the EU, can I use my Italian operator's roaming?

As an EU member, Bulgaria sees many Italian operators apply EU roaming rates. However, basic or prepaid plans often exclude free roaming. It is worth checking your contract before leaving: if costs are high, a local eSIM with Datiovunque is much cheaper.

Does the network work in the mountains too, for example near the Rila Monastery?

Yes, the main Bulgarian mountain attractions, including the Rila Monastery and ski resorts such as Bansko, have 4G/LTE coverage from the main operators. Nationwide coverage is 90% of the territory, so it may drop in the remotest areas, but the tourist circuits are generally well served.

Must I bring an adapter for the power sockets in Bulgaria?

No, Bulgarian sockets are Type C/F, the standard European two-round-pin kind already common in Italy. No adapter is needed: you can charge phones and devices without problems.

Is there a time difference between Rome and Bulgaria?

Yes, Bulgaria is on UTC+2, while Rome on standard time is on UTC+1. There is therefore a one-hour difference: at 10:00 in Rome it is 11:00 in Bulgaria. In summer, with daylight saving time, both countries move forward one hour and the difference remains unchanged.

If I travel on to Romania or Greece, can I use the same Bulgarian eSIM?

That depends on the plan you choose. Certain eSIMs available on Datiovunque are valid for the whole Balkan region or for several European countries, ideal for a multi-country itinerary. Before buying, check the geographic coverage of the specific plan to see whether it also includes neighbouring countries.

How much does an eSIM for Bulgaria cost?

eSIM plans for Bulgaria start from €1.19. You pay once for the amount of data you choose — no subscription, no monthly fees and no hidden roaming charges. Plans with more data or longer validity cost more.

Can I keep my Italian number with the eSIM in Bulgaria?

Yes. Your Italian SIM and number stay active — the travel eSIM works alongside it as a data-only line. You stay reachable on WhatsApp, iMessage or Wi-Fi while you use the local network to browse. Traditional calls and SMS still go through your Italian number.

Should I activate the eSIM before or after I leave?

Install the eSIM at home, on Wi-Fi, before you leave. The data plan then activates automatically when you connect in Bulgaria. That way you are online as soon as you arrive, without looking for airport Wi-Fi or buying a local SIM.

Can I top up or renew the plan for Bulgaria?

Yes. When the data runs out or the validity expires, just buy a new plan — the eSIM profile already installed is kept and does not need to be installed again. You stay connected without interruption.

Can I share the connection (hotspot) in Bulgaria?

Yes. You can share the connection in Bulgaria through a personal hotspot with a computer, tablet or other devices. Shared data is deducted from your plan, so allow a few extra gigabytes if you expect to use the hotspot often.

How many GB do I need for Bulgaria?

For a normal trip, 1–3 GB a week is enough for maps, messages and occasional browsing. With social media and photo sharing allow about 5 GB; for streaming, video calls or a hotspot count on 10 GB or more. If the volume is not enough, you can buy an additional plan at any time.

Is the eSIM compatible with my phone?

The eSIM works with all compatible devices — including iPhone XS and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, and Google Pixel 3 and later. The phone must also be free of operator locks (not blocked). You can check compatibility in the settings under "Mobile data", or by dialling *#06# to see whether an EID code is shown.

eSIM plans for Bulgaria

Instant delivery

Your eSIM for Bulgaria is available from €1.19 and active straight away: in Bulgaria it connects to the A1 Bulgaria, Vivacom, Yettel Bulgaria networks (4G/LTE, 5G where available), coverage 90%. Install it by QR code before you leave — no roaming and no SIM swap.

Your selection

Select a plan

Payment methods

Instant email delivery
30-day returns
Support in Italian
Visa · Mastercard · PayPal (including Pay in 3) · Apple Pay · Google Pay · Satispay

eSIM for Bulgaria — at a glance

From: €1.19
Local networks: A1 Bulgaria, Vivacom, Yettel Bulgaria
Technology: 4G/LTE
Network coverage: 90%
Activation: QR code — install before you leave
Recommended 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 is one of Europe's hidden gems: Orthodox monasteries perched among the Balkan mountains, golden Black Sea beaches, Sofia blending Soviet architecture and hipster cafes. But wandering between Plovdiv, the Rila Monastery and the coast of Varna with no connection is a risk not worth taking. Road signs in Cyrillic, offline maps that update too late, local restaurants to find on the fly: having dependable mobile data right from landing is no luxury, it is a practical necessity. With an eSIM set up before departure, you are online as soon as you walk out of Sofia airport.

Direct flight from Rome

About 2h 30min (Rome Fiumicino – Sofia)

Time zone

UTC+2 (+1 hour ahead of Rome)

Best season

May–June and September for the coast and for the mountains; December–March for skiing in Bansko

Power socket

Type C/F — no adapter required when coming from Italy

Why you should use an eSIM in Bulgaria

Bulgaria belongs to the European Union, yet it is outside the free roaming area of all Italian operators: ordinary roaming rates often still apply, especially with basic plans. This makes a local eSIM particularly good value. The three main Bulgarian operators — A1 Bulgaria, Telenor Bulgaria and Vivacom — guarantee 4G/LTE coverage of 90% of the territory, taking in the most visited mountain areas such as Pirin National Park. In a land where Cyrillic letters complicate even a simple address search, having Google Maps always on is essential. In addition, Bulgaria is the ideal entry point for exploring the Balkans: activating a stable connection from arrival lets you organise onward travel to Romania, Greece or Turkey in real time. With Datiovunque, the eSIM is ready on your device even before you board.

Network coverage in Bulgaria

Operator

A1 Bulgaria

+ Vivacom

Technology

4G/LTE

Coverage

90%

Installing an eSIM for Bulgaria: how does it work?

1
Buy the plan
Choose the right data plan for Bulgaria and complete your purchase.
2
Scan the QR code
Open the email that holds the QR code and point your smartphone's camera at it.
3
Activate the eSIM
Follow your device's instructions to add the eSIM as a data plan.
4
Start browsing
Turn the eSIM on once you land in Bulgaria and get online straight away.

1
Buy the plan
Choose the right data plan for Bulgaria and complete your purchase.
2
Scan the QR code
Open the email that holds the QR code and point your smartphone's camera at it.
3
Activate the eSIM
Follow your device's instructions to add the eSIM as a data plan.
4
Start browsing
Turn the eSIM on once you land in Bulgaria and get online straight away.

Which eSIM plan fits you best?

Holidaymakers

Going away for 1-2 weeks? Pick a plan with 3-5 GB for maps, photos and messages.

Business travellers

For video conferencing and email while travelling, we suggest at least 5 GB or an unlimited plan.

Backpackers

A longer trip is better served by 10+ GB, or by a regional plan that spans multiple countries.

Families

For families with several devices we recommend a plan with tethering support and enough data.

Which suits Bulgaria best: an eSIM, a local SIM or a Wi-Fi hotspot?

	eSIM	Local SIM	Wi-Fi hotspot
Activation	Instant (QR code)	Bought locally	Pick-up/delivery
Setup	2 minutes	SIM swap needed	Extra device
Price	From €1.19	€5–30	€5–15/day
Network	Local 4G/LTE	Local 4G/LTE	Local 4G/LTE
Devices	1 smartphone	1 smartphone	Up to 5 devices
Flexibility	Top up at any time	Fixed data allowance	Daily rental
Recommended	Ideal for travellers	For long stays	For groups/families

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Common questions about the eSIM for Bulgaria

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