If you are on holiday in Bulgaria, you may be wondering what mobile data and internet are like here. It is positive that you have free WiFi in many public places. The downside is that these wireless networks are all unprotected and open. With a VPN, I use NordVPN * here, you can protect yourself very well. I’ll explain it in more detail later in the article.
How to get a mobile SIM card in Bulgaria
Getting a mobile SIM card in Bulgaria is incredibly cheap and easy!
- Head to a store
Firstly, you need to head to the nearest store that sells SIM cards.
- Purchase SIM card
A prepaid SIM card with 15 GB costs only 15 leva (about 7.50 euros) and you can simply buy it in the shop in just a few seconds!
- Insert the Bulgarian SIM card into your phone
Turn off your phone before inserting the SIM card. Turn your device back on afterwards and the SIM card should be activated. That’s really all it takes!
The data volume is valid for 30 days from the time of activation. Internet speeds in Bulgaria are consistently fast. In any case, it’s good enough for surfing, streaming, and just about any other online activity!
FAQ
Here is a brief summary of what you should know about mobile data in Bulgaria.
Are internet connections fast in Bulgaria?
Of course, whether an Internet connection is fast also depends on your ISP. Internet speeds in Bulgaria can be really fast though. Where I am right now I’m getting 469 Mbps download and 296 Mbps upload. 25 MBit/s are required for streaming in UHD or 4K.
Is it difficult to buy a mobile data SIM card in Bulgaria?
Not at all. In many countries you have to deal with paperwork and copies of your ID. Here you simply go to a shop and buy a prepaid SIM card for data with 15 GB for 15 leva (about 7.5 euros). That took me 5 minutes.
Will a VPN slow down my internet connection?
All VPNs slow down your internet speed a bit. It depends on the encryption and the distance from the server you are connected to. With the best VPNs, however, you won’t notice any (or hardly any) difference when you surf or stream.
Are VPNs legal in Bulgaria?
VPNs are legal in most countries, including Bulgaria. However, before you start your trip, find out whether you are allowed to use a VPN in your travel country.
Discover the best VPNs for Bulgaria here!
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