Recommended eSIMs for Bulgaria: 2025 Latest Comparison Guide

Top 3 eSIMs for Bulgaria Travel Recommended by Experts

Elwin, Chief editor

If it's your first time using eSIM, saily.com is the best choice.

saily.com is the top brand recommended by eSIMingo as an eSIM that makes travel comfortable. Despite launching in March 2024, it boasts nearly 9,000 reviews and a high ★4.6 rating on Trustpilot, the world's largest review site (as of September 2025), proving its reliability.
Provided by the company known for the security service NordVPN, it offers robust free options like blocking malicious URLs and data saver via ad blocking. Compatible with Apple Pay & Google Pay, eliminating the need to enter card numbers.
Using coupon code "ESIMIN0948" grants a $5 discount, making it arguably the best value for money at the discounted price.

Sign up for saily.com

Jasmine, Expert

If you want to keep costs down, go to esim4travel.com

 

If sharing photos with friends, checking reviews, and navigating with Google Maps is all you need, the 1GB plan from esim4travel.com is perfect. If you run out of data, you can easily add a new plan. Nearly all plans are among the most affordable travel eSIM plans available. Use the exclusive eSIMingo coupon for even more savings!

Sign up for esim4travel.com

Lee, Tech director

Unlimited data? Nomad

 

When staying at budget hotels or suburban accommodations abroad, the WiFi signal is often weak, drops out occasionally, or isn't even provided at all. That's where Nomad comes in for working on my laptop while traveling overseas. No need to worry about data limits during trips for online meetings or OS updates. Use coupon code "ESIMTENNSZ" for a $5 discount, and you can even try 1GB of free connectivity before your trip as practice.

Sign up for Nomad

Benefits and Basic Knowledge of Using eSIMs for Bulgaria Travel

Bulgaria is a captivating Eastern European destination known for its Black Sea coast resorts, ancient ruins, and rich history. Sofia is renowned for the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and vibrant culture, while Plovdiv, one of Europe's oldest cities, boasts a Roman theater. Varna is a popular Black Sea resort, and Veliko Tarnovo is famous for its medieval Tsarevets Fortress. Local cuisine includes Shopska salad (tomato and cucumber), banitsa (cheese pastry), and kyavarma (stew), offering a delightful culinary experience. A reliable internet connection is essential to fully enjoy Bulgaria travel, and eSIMs provide a convenient solution, eliminating the need for physical SIM card swaps and enabling instant high-speed data access upon arrival. This article offers detailed guidance on choosing the best eSIM for Bulgaria.

Key Points and Comparison Criteria for Choosing an eSIM in Bulgaria

When selecting an eSIM for Bulgaria, consider data allowance, price, network coverage, connection speed, ease of activation, and customer support quality. Bulgaria's major telecom operators—A1, Telenor, and Vivacom—each have unique strengths. A1 is known for extensive coverage and high-speed 4G/5G, while Telenor offers great value for money. Short-term visitors may find 1–5GB plans suitable, while digital nomads or long-term travelers may prefer 10GB+ or unlimited plans. Below, we explain specific criteria for choosing an eSIM in Bulgaria.

Choosing Data Plans and Capacities for eSIMs in Bulgaria

Bulgaria's eSIM plans range from 1GB to unlimited data. For short-term travelers, 1GB (7 days, ~$4.50) or 5GB (30 days, ~$12.00) plans are ideal. For heavy users of video streaming or social media, 10GB+ or unlimited plans are recommended. Airalo offers plans from 1GB to 20GB starting at $4.50, Holafly provides unlimited data plans for worry-free usage, and Saily offers flexible 1GB to 20GB plans from $5.49. Choosing a plan based on stay duration and data needs is crucial.

Network Speed and Coverage of eSIMs in Bulgaria

Bulgaria's eSIMs support 3G, 4G, and 5G networks, providing fast and stable connections in urban areas like Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna. A1's 5G network offers speeds up to 500Mbps, and Telenor ensures reliable 4G/LTE connections. However, connectivity may be unstable in remote areas like the Rhodope Mountains. Airalo and ByteSIM leverage A1 and Telenor networks for broad coverage. Travelers should select providers based on their destination areas.

Comparison of Popular eSIM Providers in Bulgaria

Bulgaria offers a variety of eSIM providers, each with unique features. Below, we compare major providers like Airalo, Holafly, Saily, Nomad, Instabridge, ByteSIM, MobiMatter, eTravelSIM, aloSIM, Maya Mobile, and GigSky to highlight the best options for Bulgaria travelers.

Airalo: Instant Connectivity with eSIMs in Bulgaria

Airalo, available in over 200 countries, offers plans in Bulgaria from 1GB ($4.50) to 20GB ($26.00). Using A1 or Telenor networks, it features easy app-based purchase and activation. User reviews praise its stability in urban areas.

Holafly: The Appeal of Unlimited Data eSIMs in Bulgaria

Holafly offers unlimited data plans, ideal for travelers who want worry-free data usage. It supports 3G/4G/5G in Bulgaria with instant QR code activation. While voice calls and SMS are not available, VoIP apps can be used.

Saily: The Ultimate Choice for eSIMs in Bulgaria

Saily, provided by NordVPN, is ideal for Bulgaria with plans from 1GB ($5.49) to 20GB ($29.99). Its user-friendly app and security features stand out, with high-speed connections in Sofia and Varna earning praise.

Nomad: Flexible eSIM Plans in Bulgaria

Nomad offers 1GB to 10GB plans with guaranteed high-speed connections in Bulgaria. Its app simplifies data management, making it suitable for tourists and short-term visitors. Prices start at $5.00.

Instabridge: Cost-Effective eSIMs in Bulgaria

Instabridge provides affordable 4G/5G plans in Bulgaria starting at $2/GB, with instant app-based activation and 24/7 support.

ByteSIM: 5G-Compatible eSIMs in Bulgaria

ByteSIM uses A1 and Telenor 5G networks for fast, stable connections, with unlimited data plans ideal for 1080p streaming. It offers robust 24/7 support.

MobiMatter: Affordable eSIMs in Bulgaria

MobiMatter offers cost-effective 4G/5G plans in Bulgaria starting at $1.99/GB, with instant activation and multilingual support, perfect for budget-conscious travelers.

eTravelSIM: Diverse Data Plans in Bulgaria

eTravelSIM provides plans from 1GB to 50GB with instant activation, earning high user ratings for reliability in Bulgaria.

aloSIM: Easy-to-Use eSIMs in Bulgaria

aloSIM offers affordable, high-speed plans using A1's network, with 1GB ($4.50) to 10GB ($20.00) options and a user-friendly app for data management.

Maya Mobile: Unlimited Data eSIM Option in Bulgaria

Maya Mobile provides unlimited data plans and flexible durations up to 90 days, ideal for long-term travelers. Wi-Fi hotspot functionality is included.

GigSky: eSIMs with Free Trial in Bulgaria

GigSky offers a 100MB free trial for connection testing and affordable 1GB/7-day plans, with easy app-based data management in Bulgaria.

eSIM Activation Steps and Precautions in Bulgaria

Activating an eSIM is straightforward, but precautions are necessary. After purchase, scan the QR code to add the data plan and enable data roaming upon arrival in Bulgaria. Ensure your device is eSIM-compatible and not carrier-locked. In remote areas like the Rhodope Mountains, network registration may take time, so verify connectivity immediately upon arrival. Follow these steps for a smooth connection.

How to Prepare an eSIM Before Arriving in Bulgaria

Purchasing and setting up an eSIM via app or QR code before arriving in Bulgaria ensures instant connectivity upon landing. Airalo and Saily apps enable completion in minutes.

Troubleshooting eSIM Issues in Bulgaria

If connectivity issues arise, try toggling airplane mode, re-scanning the QR code, or contacting the provider's support. ByteSIM and MobiMatter offer 24/7 support for quick resolution.

eSIM vs. Physical SIM in Bulgaria

Physical SIMs are available in Bulgaria, but eSIMs offer greater convenience. Physical SIMs, costing around $5 for 5GB, require passport registration at airports or stores, while eSIMs enable instant online activation. A1 and Telenor physical SIMs include voice calls, but eSIMs are typically data-only.

Using eSIMs During Bulgaria Travel

eSIMs enhance various travel scenarios in Bulgaria, from photographing the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia and posting to social media, to using map apps at Plovdiv's Roman theater or online guides at Varna's Black Sea beaches. High-speed connectivity enriches your journey. Below are specific use cases.

Using eSIMs at Bulgaria's Tourist Attractions

At Rila Monastery or Veliko Tarnovo's Tsarevets Fortress, eSIMs enable access to online guides and translation apps, enhancing real-time information and tourism experiences.

Benefits of eSIMs for Business Use in Bulgaria

Business travelers can use eSIMs for video conferencing and cloud services. Saily and ByteSIM's 5G connections ensure stable communication, boosting work efficiency.

Cost-Saving Tips for Using eSIMs in Bulgaria

eSIMs help avoid expensive roaming fees, significantly reducing costs. Use Airalo's WELCOME10 code or Saily's promotions for additional discounts. Regional plans can also cover nearby countries like Romania or Serbia.

FAQ for Using eSIMs in Bulgaria

Below are common questions and answers about using eSIMs in Bulgaria.

Which Devices Can Use eSIMs in Bulgaria?

eSIMs are compatible with devices like iPhone XR and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, and Google Pixel 4 and later. Verify device compatibility beforehand.

Can You Share Data with eSIMs in Bulgaria?

Holafly and Maya Mobile support data sharing (hotspot) functionality, though some plans may have restrictions, so check before purchasing.

eSIM Bulgaria Summary

For Bulgaria travel, choosing an eSIM like Airalo, Holafly, or Saily based on your needs and budget ensures a reliable internet connection. Whether exploring Sofia or Plovdiv, enjoying Varna's beach resorts, or conducting business, high-speed, stable connectivity enhances your trip. Compare data capacity, coverage, and cost-effectiveness to select the best eSIM, allowing you to fully enjoy Bulgaria's history, culture, and cuisine. Plan ahead for a seamless communication experience and the ultimate travel adventure!