A1 Bulgaria SIM Card Review: Coverage, Plans & Tourist Options

You land at Sofia Airport, your phone shows “No Service,” and you need a map, a taxi app and a message to your host. Roaming charges can be painful, and Wi-Fi only helps once you are inside a café or hotel. A local prepaid SIM solves this cheaply, but the choices and rules confuse many visitors. This review covers A1 Bulgaria, formerly Mobiltel, in detail and compares it with Vivacom and Yettel. One important note first: the plan names and prices below are 2026 projections based on 2024 trends, so confirm the final details at the counter. All euro conversions use the fixed rate of 1 EUR = 1.95583 BGN.

What You Need Before You Buy Any SIM in Bulgaria

The rule is simple: bring your passport or EU national ID card. In 2026, every prepaid SIM in Bulgaria still has to be registered to a real identity, and all mobile operators apply this rule under national and EU regulations. No ID means no SIM.

You have three main places to buy:

• Official operator stores. A1, Vivacom and Yettel all have large retail networks in major cities, shopping malls and airports. This is the best option because staff handle registration and activation, and they can answer questions on the spot.
• Supermarkets and kiosks. Some starter packs may appear in larger chains such as Kaufland, Billa and Lidl. Activation may still need an online registration or a visit to a store, and it is unclear whether full self-registration for non-Bulgarian citizens will be widely available at kiosks, so do not count on it.
• Airports. Sofia Airport (Terminal 2) has dedicated stores for all three major operators. Plovdiv, Varna and Burgas airports also have options, but these may be more limited.

A1 Coverage: 4G, 5G and the Spots Where Signal Drops

A1 is known for its extensive network. Its 4G LTE coverage reaches over 99% of the population, which means that in towns, cities and most main roads you will rarely lose data. That includes the places most visitors go: Sofia, Plovdiv, the Black Sea coast and the main resorts.

The 5G network is expanding quickly. By 2026, A1 is expected to cover all major cities, tourist resorts and key transport routes, including significant stretches of the BDZ railway network. In practice, expect fast speeds in city centres and on main corridors, with 4G taking over elsewhere.

Be realistic about remote areas. High mountain valleys and very rural regions may still drop to 3G or 2G in specific spots. If you plan to hike in the Rila or Pirin mountains, the signal may flicker as you climb. Download offline maps before you leave the trailhead.

A1 Tourist and Starter Plans for 2026

A1 is expected to offer two types of prepaid entry products. Neither name is confirmed, so treat them as a guide to what you will see in the store.

A1 Tourist SIM Pack “Travel&Surf” (projected name)

This is the main product for visitors. The expected price is about 20 BGN (10.23 EUR). It includes:

• 20 GB of high-speed data (4G/5G)
• Unlimited national calls and SMS within the A1 network
• 500 national minutes to other networks
• 5 EUR of international credit for calls, SMS or roaming
• 30 days of validity

You can buy it in A1 retail stores and at Sofia Airport (Terminal 2). Store staff usually activate it when you pay.

Standard starter packs (for example “A1 Control”)

This is the cheaper basic option, at about 10 BGN (5.11 EUR). It comes with a small starting credit (for example 2 BGN), basic data (for example 2 GB) and minutes valid for 7 to 14 days. These packs are designed for people who top up straight away with a bundle they prefer. For a stay longer than a week, the tourist pack gives much better value.

How to Buy and Activate an A1 SIM Step by Step

1. Find an A1 store. Check A1.bg/magazini for locations. At Sofia Airport, look for the A1 store in the Terminal 2 arrivals area.
2. Show your ID. Hand your valid passport or EU national ID card to the sales assistant.
3. Choose your plan. Ask for a “Tourist SIM” or a specific prepaid plan. The assistant will guide you.
4. Pay. You can pay the initial fee in cash or by card.
5. Registration and activation. The assistant registers the SIM in your name and activates it. If you chose an eSIM, they give you a QR code to scan.
6. Test it. Insert the physical SIM or scan the eSIM QR code, then confirm you have signal and mobile data before you leave the counter.

The whole process should take 5 to 10 minutes. If you buy a SIM that is not activated by a store assistant, activation usually means inserting the SIM, waiting for the network to register, and possibly sending a specific SMS code or calling a free number. The starter pack includes instructions.

Topping Up and Managing Your Line

When your data or credit runs low, you have four ways to add more:

1. The My A1 Bulgaria app. Download it from the iOS App Store or Google Play, register your number, open the “Top-up” section, choose an amount or bundle, and pay by debit or credit card.
2. Online. Go to A1.bg/predplatena, enter your number, pick a top-up amount or bundle and pay securely.
3. Physical vouchers. Buy them at A1 stores, kiosks or supermarkets. Scratch off the coating to reveal the code, then dial *123*CODE# and press call. You can also enter the code in the app.
4. ATMs. Some bank ATMs allow direct top-ups for A1 numbers. Look for the A1 logo.

The My A1 Bulgaria app is the most useful tool for a prepaid user. You can check your remaining data, minutes and credit, activate new bundles, view usage history, contact customer support and manage roaming settings. Set it up on day one while you still have Wi-Fi.

A1 eSIM: How Setup Works

If your phone supports eSIM, you can skip the tiny plastic card. For A1, the eSIM is expected to be available on compatible devices when you buy in an A1 store. The assistant generates a QR code, and you scan it from your phone’s mobile settings. In 2026 you should still expect an in-store visit for the initial setup, so do not plan on arranging it fully from your sofa at home.

The main benefit is convenience. Your home SIM stays in the phone, so you can keep receiving bank codes and messages on your usual number while using the Bulgarian eSIM for data. Check before you travel that your phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible, because a locked phone will not accept a local profile.

A1 vs Vivacom vs Yettel: Which Tourist Pack Suits You

All three operators offer strong 4G LTE coverage and expanding 5G. The differences are in the packs. These are projected names and figures:

• A1 “Travel&Surf”: about 20 BGN (10.23 EUR), 20 GB, 30 days, plus 5 EUR international credit. A strong all-rounder with excellent coverage and reliable service.



• Vivacom “ConnectBG”: about 18 BGN (9.20 EUR), 25 GB, 28 days, unlimited calls to Vivacom and 300 minutes to other networks. Vivacom often gives slightly larger data allowances for a similar price, and its 5G is expanding in coastal regions and ski resorts. Its app is “My Vivacom.”
• Yettel “Hello Bulgaria”: about 22 BGN (11.25 EUR), 18 GB, 30 days, unlimited calls to Yettel, 400 minutes to other networks and 100 international minutes to EU/US/Canada. This suits people who need to call home. Its app is “My Yettel.”

The simple rule: pick A1 for reliable coverage and balanced value, Vivacom for the most data per lev, and Yettel if you will make many international calls.

Wi-Fi in Bulgaria: Your Free Backup

Mobile data is the main tool, but Wi-Fi covers the gaps:

• Accommodation: Virtually all hotels, guesthouses and private rentals offer free Wi-Fi, though speed varies.
• Cafés, restaurants and bars: Most places in cities and resorts have free Wi-Fi. Look for a sign or just ask for the password.
• Shopping malls: All major malls offer free Wi-Fi.
• Sofia Metro: Free Wi-Fi is available in most underground stations and on newer train sets, but full coverage on every line is not guaranteed.
• Buses and trolleybuses: Few vehicles have Wi-Fi, mostly newer long-distance coaches.
• BDZ railway stations: Major stations such as Sofia Central, Plovdiv, Varna and Burgas are expected to offer free Wi-Fi in waiting areas by 2026, though not every station may be finished.
• BDZ trains: Free Wi-Fi is not standard. Some newer long-distance trains might have it, but use your mobile data for train journeys.
• Public hotspots: Some municipalities offer free Wi-Fi in squares or parks, but it can be inconsistent.

2026 Budget Reality

Expect starter packs and top-up bundles to cost roughly 5 to 10% more than in 2024 because of inflation. These are the projected 2026 figures:

Budget (basic starter packs)

• Vivacom “Vivacom Unlimited” starter: about 8 BGN (4.09 EUR), with 1 BGN credit and about 1 GB for 7 to 10 days
• Yettel “Yettel Pre-Paid” starter: about 9 BGN (4.60 EUR), with 1.50 BGN credit and about 1.5 GB for 10 days
• A1 “A1 Control” starter: about 10 BGN (5.11 EUR), with 2 BGN credit and about 2 GB for 7 to 14 days

Mid-range (full tourist packs)

• Vivacom “ConnectBG”: about 18 BGN (9.20 EUR), 25 GB
• A1 “Travel&Surf”: about 20 BGN (10.23 EUR), 20 GB

Comfortable (most inclusive pack)

• Yettel “Hello Bulgaria”: about 22 BGN (11.25 EUR), 18 GB plus 100 international minutes

For most visitors staying 1 to 4 weeks, a mid-range tourist pack is the best choice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Arriving without your passport or ID. It is mandatory for registration, so keep it in your hand luggage, not in your checked bag.
• Buying only a cheap starter pack for a long stay. The small credit and 1 to 2 GB vanish quickly, and you will end up topping up anyway.
• Assuming a supermarket SIM is ready to use. It may still need online registration or a store visit.
• Skipping the signal test. Check data before you leave the counter.
• Expecting full 5G everywhere. Mountains and remote villages may drop to 3G or 2G.
• Relying on train Wi-Fi. Use your mobile data on BDZ trains.
• Ignoring the validity period. A pack valid for 28 or 30 days expires on schedule, so check the end date in the app.
• Buying an eSIM for a locked phone. Confirm compatibility and unlock status first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a passport to buy a SIM card in Bulgaria?

Yes. In 2026, you must show a valid passport or EU national ID card to buy any prepaid SIM. All mobile operators require registration under national and EU regulations, so staff cannot sell you an activated SIM without identification. Keep your document accessible when you reach the store.

Is A1 good for tourists in Bulgaria?

Yes. A1 offers 4G LTE coverage reaching over 99% of the population, and its 5G is expanding across major cities, resorts and key transport routes. Its projected Travel&Surf pack gives 20 GB for about 20 BGN (10.23 EUR). Very remote mountain areas may still have limited signal.

How much does an A1 tourist SIM cost in 2026?

The projected A1 Tourist SIM Pack “Travel&Surf” costs about 20 BGN (10.23 EUR). It includes 20 GB of data, unlimited A1 calls and SMS, 500 minutes to other networks, 5 EUR of international credit and 30 days of validity. A basic A1 Control starter costs about 10 BGN (5.11 EUR).

Can I get an A1 eSIM as a tourist?

It is expected, on compatible devices. You buy it in an A1 store, where staff register it and give you a QR code to scan. Plan for an in-store visit for setup in 2026. Make sure your phone is eSIM-compatible and unlocked before you travel.

How do I top up an A1 prepaid number?

Use the My A1 Bulgaria app, or go to A1.bg/predplatena and pay by card. You can also buy a voucher at an A1 store, kiosk or supermarket, scratch it, and dial *123*CODE#. Some bank ATMs with the A1 logo also allow direct top-ups.

📷 Featured image by Anastasia Voronina on Unsplash.