Vivacom Bulgaria SIM Card: Plans, Prices, and Where to Buy

Getting a local SIM card in Bulgaria used to be as simple as handing over cash at a kiosk. That changed when mandatory ID registration became fully enforced in 2024, and plenty of travelers in 2025 arrived expecting a five-minute process at a supermarket checkout only to find they had to trek to an official store instead. In 2026, the rules are the same — but if you know what to expect, the whole thing takes less than ten minutes and leaves you with fast, affordable mobile data for the rest of your trip. This guide focuses specifically on Vivacom, one of Bulgaria’s three major operators, and walks you through every practical detail: plans, prices, where to buy, how to activate, and what has changed.

Why Vivacom Stands Out Among Bulgaria’s Three Operators

Bulgaria’s mobile market in 2026 is split between three operators: Vivacom, A1, and Yettel (formerly Telenor Bulgaria). All three run solid 4G LTE networks, and all three are expanding 5G coverage in urban centres. So why consider Vivacom specifically?

Vivacom has historically had strong coverage across rural Bulgaria — the mountain villages of the Rhodopes, the coastal back roads along the Black Sea, and the agricultural flatlands of the Danube Plain where A1 or Yettel signals sometimes dip. If your itinerary goes beyond Sofia and the main tourist hubs, Vivacom’s rural reach is worth factoring in. The operator also runs a wide network of official stores across the country, which matters because you will need to visit one in person.

That said, Vivacom is not always the cheapest option, and its app has historically lagged behind Yettel’s for ease of use. This guide will help you decide whether Vivacom is the right fit for your trip, or whether one of its competitors suits you better.

What You Need Before You Buy: ID Rules and Phone Requirements

Before you walk into any store, two things need to be sorted: your identity document and your phone’s lock status.

Mandatory ID Registration

Since 2024, Bulgarian law requires all prepaid SIM cards to be registered to a real person. This applies to tourists without exception. You cannot buy a Vivacom SIM card anonymously — not from a store, not from a kiosk, not online. The rule is expected to remain unchanged throughout 2026.

What you need to bring:

• Valid passport — accepted from all nationalities
• EU national ID card — accepted from EU/EEA citizens

The store employee will scan or manually record details from your document and register the SIM under your name. The process typically takes 5–10 minutes. Do not forget your passport at the hotel — you cannot complete the purchase without it.

Phone Compatibility

Your phone must be unlocked to work on the Vivacom network. If your phone is locked to a carrier in your home country, a Bulgarian SIM will not function even after successful registration. Check with your home carrier before travelling. Most phones purchased outright (not on a contract subsidy) are already unlocked.

Also confirm your phone supports the correct SIM size. Vivacom stores stock nano-SIM, micro-SIM, and standard SIM cards, and staff can advise on which fits your device. If you want an eSIM instead of a physical card, read the dedicated section below.

Where to Buy a Vivacom SIM Card in Bulgaria

Official Vivacom Stores

This is the best option for tourists. Official stores handle registration without hassle, staff speak basic English in most city locations, and you can ask questions about plans before committing. Vivacom has stores in all major cities — Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas, Ruse, Stara Zagora — and in most large towns. You can find your nearest store using the store locator on vivacom.bg.

Sofia Airport

Sofia Airport (Летище София) may have Vivacom outlets or partner stores within the terminal, though dedicated prepaid SIM kiosks are less consistent here than in Western European airports. Availability varies by terminal and time of day. If you land at Sofia and need a SIM immediately, check the arrivals hall — but have a backup plan in case the outlet is closed or understaffed. A Vivacom store in central Sofia is only 10–15 minutes away by taxi or the new metro extension.

Authorised Retailers

Mobile phone shops and electronics stores that carry Vivacom signage can sell you a starter pack. Selection is limited compared to official stores, and staff may be less familiar with the registration process. Use authorised retailers as a fallback if no official store is nearby.

Supermarkets and Kiosks

Some larger supermarkets stock Vivacom starter packs on the shelf, but completing the mandatory ID registration at a checkout is not reliably possible. In practice, this means a kiosk purchase often requires a follow-up visit to an official store anyway. Save yourself the double trip and go directly to a Vivacom store from the start.

Vivacom Prepaid Plans and Prices in 2026

Vivacom’s prepaid system works in two layers: first you buy a starter pack to get an active SIM card, then you top up credit and activate a data bundle. The starter pack alone gives you minimal data — enough for the first hour or two, but not a full trip.

Vivacom Starter Pack

• Price: 8 BGN (approx. 4.09 EUR)
• Initial credit included: 2 BGN (approx. 1.02 EUR)
• Initial data: 500 MB – 1 GB, valid for 7–14 days
• Bonus: Some minutes to the Vivacom network

Think of the starter pack as your entry ticket. It gets you a registered SIM with a Bulgarian number and enough data to load a map and call a taxi. To get proper connectivity for your stay, you then activate a monthly bundle.

Vivacom Data Bundles (30-Day Validity)

These bundles are activated using credit already loaded onto your SIM. Prices below are projected for early 2026, reflecting an estimated 5–10% increase on 2024 rates.

• Vivacom Data S: 10 BGN (approx. 5.12 EUR) — 10 GB data, 100 national minutes, 100 national SMS
• Vivacom Data M: 15 BGN (approx. 7.67 EUR) — 20 GB data, 200 national minutes, 200 national SMS
• Vivacom Data L: 20 BGN (approx. 10.23 EUR) — 40 GB data, unlimited national minutes, unlimited national SMS

All three bundles are valid for 30 days. For a typical two-week holiday with moderate smartphone use — navigation, social media, messaging, occasional video calls — the Data M bundle is more than enough. Heavy streamers or those working remotely should look at Data L.

EU Roaming on Vivacom Prepaid

As required by EU regulations, all Vivacom prepaid bundles include a portion of the national data allowance for use in EU countries under Roam Like At Home rules. For example, a 20 GB national bundle typically includes 8–10 GB for EU roaming. Check the exact figures on the bundle details when you purchase, as the roaming allocation can change when Vivacom updates its plan terms.

How to Activate Your Vivacom SIM Card Step by Step

1. Visit a Vivacom store with your passport or EU ID card. The store employee will register the SIM in your name — this takes roughly 5–10 minutes.
2. Remove your current SIM from your phone and insert the Vivacom SIM. Make sure your phone is powered off before swapping cards.



3. Power on your phone. It should connect to the Vivacom network automatically. You will see “Vivacom” in the top bar.
4. Make a short call or enable mobile data. This triggers full activation. If nothing happens after two minutes, restart the phone.
5. Activate a data bundle. Do this via the My Vivacom app (download from Google Play or the Apple App Store), by dialling a USSD code, or by asking the store employee to do it for you before you leave. Getting the bundle activated in-store while staff are present is the easiest option, especially if this is your first time using Vivacom.

The whole process from walking into the store to stepping outside with working mobile data typically takes 15–20 minutes, including any queue time.

Topping Up Your Vivacom Prepaid Credit

Credit is the foundation of the prepaid system — without it, you cannot activate bundles or pay for calls at standard rates. Here are all the ways to add credit in 2026.

At a Vivacom Store

Walk in, give your Bulgarian number, hand over cash. Simplest method, no technical knowledge needed. Credit appears within minutes.

Via the My Vivacom App

Download the My Vivacom app from Google Play or the Apple App Store. Register your prepaid number, then use the in-app top-up with a credit or debit card. Works anywhere with an internet connection — useful if you have hotel WiFi but need more credit before leaving in the morning.

Via the Vivacom Website

Go to vivacom.bg and look for “Презареждане” (top-up). Enter your phone number and card details. Same result as the app, just on a desktop browser.

EasyPay and PayPoint Terminals

These cash payment terminals are scattered through supermarkets, dedicated EasyPay offices, and some kiosks across Bulgaria. Select Vivacom, enter your number, and pay cash. You will hear the satisfying click of coins in a machine and receive a printed receipt. Credit usually arrives within a few minutes. This is the best option if you do not want to use a card online.

Scratch Vouchers

Physical vouchers sold at Vivacom stores and some kiosks. Scratch the panel, then dial *123# and follow the prompts to enter the code. Old-fashioned but reliable.

Bank ATMs

Some ATMs from major Bulgarian banks such as DSK and UBB offer mobile top-up services. Availability varies — treat this as a last resort rather than a primary method.

How to Check Your Balance and Remaining Data

Knowing how much data you have left is essential, especially when you are deep in the Rhodope Mountains and relying on offline maps. Vivacom gives you several ways to check.

USSD Codes (No Internet Required)

• Check main credit balance: Dial *123# and press call
• Check data/minutes/SMS bundle balance: Dial *124# or *125# and press call

USSD codes work without any data connection, which makes them useful when your bundle has expired and you cannot load the app. Exact codes may vary slightly depending on which bundle you have activated — the store employee can confirm the correct codes when you purchase.

My Vivacom App

The app shows a real-time dashboard of your remaining data, minutes, SMS, active bundles, and credit balance. In 2026, the app is expected to be more capable than its 2024 version, with improved self-service options for activating new bundles without visiting a store.

Vivacom Website

Log in to your account at vivacom.bg for a detailed breakdown of usage and active services.

Vivacom eSIM: What Travelers Can Expect in 2026

As of 2024, Vivacom’s eSIM offer was limited mainly to postpaid subscribers. By early 2026, the expectation — driven by the rapid growth of eSIM-only devices like newer iPhone and Pixel models — is that Vivacom will have extended prepaid eSIM availability to walk-in customers in official stores.

If eSIM is available when you visit:

• Request an eSIM profile instead of a physical SIM card at the store
• The employee will provide a QR code to scan with your compatible device
• ID registration rules are identical — you still need your passport
• A small one-time fee for the eSIM profile may apply (estimated 5–10 BGN / 2.56–5.12 EUR) on top of the plan cost

Before travelling, confirm eSIM availability by checking vivacom.bg or calling Vivacom’s English-language support line. Do not assume eSIM is available in all store locations — smaller towns may still only offer physical SIMs in 2026.

A1 and Yettel are on the same trajectory. All three operators were primarily postpaid for eSIM in 2024 and are likely to have prepaid eSIM available by 2026, but Vivacom’s store network gives it an advantage for in-person eSIM setup support.

How Vivacom Compares to A1 and Yettel

Choosing between Bulgaria’s three operators comes down to a few practical factors.

A1 Bulgaria

• Website: a1.bg | App: My A1
• Starter pack: 8–10 BGN (4.09–5.12 EUR)
• Data bundles (30 days): 10–22 BGN (5.12–11.25 EUR) for 10–40 GB
• Strong urban coverage, particularly in Sofia and Plovdiv. A solid choice for city-focused trips.

Yettel Bulgaria

• Website: yettel.bg | App: Yettel App
• Starter pack: 8–10 BGN (4.09–5.12 EUR)
• Data bundles (30 days): 10–20 BGN (5.12–10.23 EUR) for 10–40 GB
• Known for competitive data pricing and a user-friendly app. The former Telenor Bulgaria, so roaming partnerships with Telenor-network countries can be an added bonus.

The Honest Comparison

Prices across all three operators are broadly similar in 2026. The differences are marginal at the level a tourist would notice. Choose Vivacom if you are spending significant time outside major cities or in rural and mountainous areas. Choose Yettel if you prioritise a slicker app experience and primarily stay in cities. Choose A1 if the coverage map on its website better matches your specific itinerary.

WiFi in Bulgaria: Where It Works and Where It Doesn’t

A local SIM card is the backbone of your connectivity in Bulgaria, but knowing where free WiFi fills the gaps helps you manage data use smartly.

Where WiFi Is Reliable

• Hotels and apartments: Almost universal. Quality ranges from fast fibre to slow shared connections in older guesthouses. Ask about speed before relying on it for work calls.
• Cafes and restaurants: Most urban cafes and restaurants offer free WiFi. The smell of freshly ground coffee from a Sofia specialty café usually comes with a password written on the receipt.
• Shopping malls: Nearly all large malls in Sofia, Varna, and Plovdiv have free public WiFi in common areas.
• Major bus and train stations: Larger stations in Sofia and Varna have public WiFi, though speed is inconsistent.

Where WiFi Is Unreliable or Absent

• BDZ trains: In 2026, WiFi on Bulgarian State Railways trains remains largely unreliable or non-existent, especially on intercity and regional routes. Plan accordingly — download offline maps, podcasts, and any documents you need before boarding.
• Intercity buses: Some modern long-distance bus services advertise WiFi, but coverage drops significantly outside urban areas and along mountain routes.
• Rural villages and hiking trails: Even mobile data can be patchy in remote areas. Download offline maps (Maps.me or Google Maps offline) before leaving your accommodation each morning.

The bottom line: WiFi is a useful supplement, not a replacement for a local SIM card. The moment you step outside a café or hotel, you need mobile data.

2026 Budget Reality: What a Vivacom SIM Will Actually Cost You

Here is a clear breakdown of what to expect to spend, split by how much connectivity you need.

• Budget (light use — messaging, maps, occasional browsing):
  Starter pack 8 BGN + Data S bundle 10 BGN = 18 BGN total (approx. 9.20 EUR / ~10 USD) for 10 GB over 30 days. More than enough for a one-week trip with moderate use.
• Mid-range (social media, navigation, video calls, some streaming):
  Starter pack 8 BGN + Data M bundle 15 BGN = 23 BGN total (approx. 11.76 EUR / ~12.80 USD) for 20 GB over 30 days. The sweet spot for most tourists on a two-week trip.
• Comfortable (remote work, heavy streaming, always-on hotspot for a laptop):
  Starter pack 8 BGN + Data L bundle 20 BGN = 28 BGN total (approx. 14.32 EUR / ~15.60 USD) for 40 GB with unlimited national calls and SMS. Covers almost any usage level.

These prices reflect an estimated 5–10% increase from 2024 rates. Even at the top tier, 28 BGN for 40 GB of data is significantly cheaper than roaming on a home-country plan for most non-EU travellers. EU citizens benefit from Roam Like At Home rules, but the data allowances available under roaming are often far smaller than a local Bulgarian plan provides for the same price.

Note that all prices are in Bulgarian lev (BGN), which is fixed to the euro at 1 EUR = 1.95583 BGN. Bulgaria is expected to adopt the euro in 2025–2026; if the transition is complete by the time you visit, prices may be listed in EUR directly, but the cost in real terms remains the same.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Leaving your passport at the hotel. You cannot register a SIM card without it. Non-negotiable.
• Assuming airport kiosks always have stock. Sofia Airport SIM availability is inconsistent. Have a backup plan.
• Buying the starter pack and assuming it is enough. The initial 500 MB–1 GB in the starter pack lasts a few hours. Activate a proper data bundle immediately.



• Using a locked phone. A Bulgarian SIM in a carrier-locked phone will not work. Check before you travel.
• Relying on train WiFi. BDZ train WiFi is unreliable. Download what you need before boarding.
• Not checking bundle activation. Topping up credit and activating a bundle are two separate steps. Confirm the bundle is active — check via the app or dial *124# — before leaving the store.
• Assuming your EU roaming allowance equals your full data bundle. EU roaming data is a portion of the total — typically 8–10 GB from a 20 GB bundle. Check the exact allocation at purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Since 2024, Bulgarian law requires all prepaid SIM cards to be registered with a valid identity document. Tourists must present a passport or, for EU citizens, a national ID card. This applies at all points of sale — official stores, authorised retailers, and airport outlets. No exceptions exist for short-term visitors in 2026.

Can I buy a Vivacom SIM at Sofia Airport?

Possibly, but it is not guaranteed. Sofia Airport may have Vivacom outlets or partner stores in the arrivals area, but dedicated prepaid SIM kiosks are less consistent than in many Western European airports. If the outlet is closed or out of stock, the closest reliable alternative is a Vivacom store in central Sofia, reachable via the metro in around 15 minutes.

How much data does a Vivacom prepaid bundle include in 2026?

Vivacom’s 2026 prepaid bundles range from 10 GB at 10 BGN (approx. 5.12 EUR) to 40 GB at 20 BGN (approx. 10.23 EUR), all valid for 30 days. Each bundle also includes national minutes and SMS. A portion of the national data allowance is available for EU roaming under Roam Like At Home rules — typically 8–10 GB from a 20 GB bundle.

Does Vivacom offer eSIM for tourists in Bulgaria?

Vivacom offered eSIM primarily for postpaid subscribers as of 2024. By 2026, prepaid eSIM is expected to be available in official Vivacom stores for walk-in customers. You will still need your passport for registration, and a small one-time fee (estimated 5–10 BGN) may apply. Confirm current eSIM availability at vivacom.bg before your trip.

How does Vivacom compare to A1 and Yettel for tourists?

All three operators offer comparable prepaid plans at similar prices in 2026. Vivacom has an edge for rural and mountain coverage. Yettel is known for competitive data pricing and a strong app. A1 performs well in urban areas. For most tourists staying in cities and at the coast, any of the three will deliver reliable service.

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📷 Featured image by Dominik Dancs on Unsplash.