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Here is a practical overview of emergency numbers, phone services and internet access in Bulgaria.
Emergency Services
The single European emergency number works throughout Bulgaria:
- Police — call 112;
- Fire and rescue — call 112;
- Ambulance — call 112;
- General emergency number — 112.
Calls to 112 are free and available 24 hours a day. Do not rely on legacy emergency numbers found in older guides.
Landlines
Many Bulgarian homes now use mobile or internet-based calling rather than a traditional landline. Availability, installation fees and monthly charges vary by building and provider.
To call a Bulgarian landline , dial: 0 + area code + subscriber number.
For international calls, mobile plans and internet-based services are usually more practical than hotel phones or payphones. Check your provider's roaming and international rates.
Payphones and their prepaid cards are now uncommon. Visitors generally use a local SIM, an eSIM or roaming.
For international calls, use the plus sign followed by the country code:
- Bulgaria to Russia: +7 + area code + subscriber number.
- Russia to Bulgaria: +359 + area code (without the initial 0) + subscriber number.
Selected Bulgarian area codes:
| Albena | 558 | Nessebar | 554 |
| Balchik | 579 | Plovdiv | 32 |
| Burgas | 56 | Sozopol | 5514 |
| Varna | 52 | Sofia | 2 |
| Dobrich | 58 | Targovishte | 601 |
Mobile Services
Bulgaria's main mobile operators include A1, Vivacom and Yettel. Prepaid SIMs, monthly plans, eSIM support and roaming terms vary, so compare the current offers directly:
- Vivacom — https://www.vivacom.bg/;
- Yettel — https://www.yettel.bg/;
- A1 — https://www.a1.bg/.
Operator websites provide current coverage, pricing and support information; English-language availability varies by page.
Internet
Fibre and cable internet are widely available in larger towns and resorts, although coverage varies by street and building. Residential prices and speeds depend on the provider and package.
Common options include fibre, cable, fixed wireless and 4G or 5G home internet. Compare installation, contract length, router fees and the guaranteed minimum speed.
Internet and television bundles are common. Ask whether the quoted price is promotional and what it becomes after the initial period.
If you own property in a Bulgarian resort , check both national operators and local providers. Confirm service availability for the exact address before signing a contract.
