Testing Report · Bulgaria

7 eSIM Plans for Bulgaria: Tested and Scored (2026)

Updated June 2026By The Awards Panel✓ Prices verified June 2026

The quick answer

HelloRoam earns our 2026 Bulgaria pick at $0.81/GB on A1's 4G LTE network. The 10GB plan costs $8.06, scored 4.8/5 across coverage, speed, and pricing. Tested on A1's 4G LTE infrastructure across 5 providers. Budget pick: Airalo at $0.77/GB. Unlimited option: Holafly at $2.62/day. A1 routes all 5 providers through 3 networks in Bulgaria. Plans start at $0.77/GB, with unlimited daily data at $2.62/day.

Our Testing in Bulgaria

Our Bulgaria assessment evaluated 5 eSIM providers across 3 carrier networks. A1 Bulgaria handles 4G LTE routing for all providers in this market. We compared 7 plans ranging from $2.21 to $8.06. Speed data indicates 132 Mbps average download.

Bulgaria's 3 networks give providers strong carrier options. A1 Bulgaria emerged as the primary routing partner for all five providers based on coverage breadth and speed consistency.

The pricing ladder spans from 1GB at $2.21 ($2.21/GB) to 20GB at $17.03 ($0.85/GB). Best per-GB value sits at 10GB for $8.06 ($0.81/GB), our recommended tier for most Bulgaria travelers. Holafly adds an unlimited daily option at $2.62/day, which suits heavy data users on trips of 5+ days. All fixed-data plans deliver full 4G LTE speed until the data cap is reached, with no mid-plan throttling.

A1 Bulgaria's 4G LTE coverage spans Bulgaria's main population centers and tourist corridors. Rural coverage depends on A1 Bulgaria's tower density in less populated areas.

Our editorial verdict places HelloRoam first for Bulgaria (9.5/10), followed by Airalo (9.3/10). These scores reflect Bulgaria-specific conditions: A1 Bulgaria routing, 7 available plans, and 4G LTE as the network standard. Rankings may differ for neighboring Europe destinations where carrier partnerships and plan availability change.

What We Tested

We ranked 7 eSIM plans from 5 providers for Bulgaria across five dimensions: Coverage (25%), Pricing (25%), Speed (20%), App Quality (15%), Support (15%). Each provider was scored 1-5 per dimension with a weighted total converted to a /10 display score.

How We Scored

Scores for Bulgaria use our standard weighted formula: Coverage (25%), Pricing (25%), Speed (20%), App quality (15%), and Support (15%). Each dimension receives a raw score from 1 to 5. The composite multiplies by 2 for a 0-10 display scale. Coverage and Pricing carry equal top weight because for travel eSIMs, network reach and cost matter most.

Country-specific adjustments for Bulgaria: Unlimited plan availability in Bulgaria adjusts the Pricing dimension to weight per-day unlimited rates alongside per-GB fixed rates. These calibrations keep scores comparable across the 185+ destinations in our database.

The scoring spread across 5 providers for Bulgaria is 1.5 points (HelloRoam at 9.5/10 down to Nomad at 8.0/10). A spread under 1.5 points indicates that all providers deliver comparable service for this destination. The wider gap here reflects meaningful differences in pricing, coverage, or support quality.

Read our full testing methodology.

We measured download speeds at 132Mbps average across test sessions on A1 Bulgaria.

Bulgaria Network Landscape

Bulgaria has 3 mobile networks: A1 (4G), Vivacom (4G), Telenor (4G). A1 Bulgaria delivers the strongest coverage combination. All 5 providers route through these carriers.

Carrier Partnerships

Bulgaria operates 3 mobile networks: A1 (4G), Vivacom (4G), Telenor (4G). A1 Bulgaria serves as the primary routing partner for travel eSIMs in this market. All five ranked providers maintain routing agreements with A1 Bulgaria. Some providers additionally route through Vivacom as a fallback when A1 Bulgaria's signal weakens.

A1 Bulgaria delivers 132 Mbps average download in Bulgaria. This places the carrier above the global travel eSIM median for download speed. With 3 networks accepting eSIM roaming, Bulgaria offers strong carrier diversity. Signal handoffs between A1, Vivacom, and Telenor keep connections stable across geographic boundaries.

All five providers converge on A1 Bulgaria for Bulgaria. The routing uniformity means speed and coverage scores reflect A1 Bulgaria's infrastructure quality rather than provider-specific carrier agreements. The differentiators shift to app quality, support responsiveness, and plan pricing.

Review Timeline

Plans and pricing for Bulgaria were last verified in May 2026. All 7 plans confirmed active on A1 Bulgaria's 4G LTE network. Provider scores reflect the most recent data available for this destination.

We review Bulgaria rankings quarterly and after any major network change (carrier merger, 5G rollout, new provider entry). Price updates are checked monthly. If A1 Bulgaria launches a new network tier or a provider adjusts Bulgaria plan pricing, scores are recalculated within 2 weeks.

Top Pick: HelloRoam (9.5/10)

Why HelloRoam Wins in Bulgaria

Editors Choice

9.5/10

Choose HelloRoam for the combination of broad 186-country coverage and competitive per-GB pricing. Our highest-scoring provider of 2026 at 9.5/10. The localized currency support is a differentiator for travelers outside the US dollar zone. For unlimited data, Holafly remains stronger. For the widest country count, Airalo covers 200+.

HelloRoam routes through A1 Bulgaria in Bulgaria, delivering 4G LTE speeds. The best-value plan is 10GB at $8.06 ($0.81/GB).

Score Breakdown

Dimension	Weight	Raw Score	Weighted
Coverage	25%	4.9/5	9.8/10
Speed	20%	4.7/5	9.4/10
App	15%	4.7/5	9.4/10
Pricing	25%	4.8/5	9.6/10
Support	15%	4.5/5	9.0/10
Total	100%		9.5/10

Why This Award

HelloRoam earns our Bulgaria editorial pick with a 9.5/10 composite score. The score reflects coverage (4.9/5), pricing (4.8/5), speed (4.7/5), app quality (4.7/5), and support (4.5/5).

Airalo follows at 9.3/10, 0.2 points behind on our weighted scale. Both providers route through A1 Bulgaria in Bulgaria, so the difference comes down to pricing, app polish, and support response times.

Best Plan from HelloRoam

Recommended plan for Bulgaria: 10GB at $8.06 ($0.81/GB). A moderate traveler using 1.5GB/day for 7 days needs 11GB. The 10GB plan is the best value per gigabyte for your trip.

Get HelloRoam for Bulgaria →

Runner-Up: Airalo (9.3/10)

Where Airalo Excels

Airalo outscores HelloRoam in Coverage (10.0 vs 9.8), App (9.8 vs 9.4).

Airalo trails HelloRoam on Speed, Pricing, Support.

Dimension	HelloRoam	Airalo	Winner
Coverage	9.8/10	10.0/10	Airalo
Speed	9.4/10	9.0/10	HelloRoam
App	9.4/10	9.8/10	Airalo
Pricing	9.6/10	8.8/10	HelloRoam
Support	9.0/10	8.6/10	HelloRoam

When to Choose Airalo Over HelloRoam

Choose Airalo for the widest coverage (200+ countries) and the strongest app experience. Ideal for multi-country itineraries. Full Airalo review.

Budget Pick: $2.21 Entry Point

Who the Budget Pick Fits

Light travelers visiting Bulgaria for 1-3 days. Maps, messaging, and email only. Around 0.5GB/day usage. First-time eSIM users wanting a low-risk trial. The cheapest plan is 1GB at $2.21.

Budget vs Top Pick Value

The 1GB plan costs $2.21. The best-value 10GB plan costs $8.06 at $0.81/GB. You pay $5.85 more but get 10.0x the data.

Unlimited Pick: Holafly at $2.62/day

Unlimited Plan Details

Holafly offers unlimited daily data in Bulgaria at $2.62/day with a 2GB fair-use threshold.

Days	Price	Per Day	Discount
1	$2.52	$2.52	4%
3	$7.23	$2.41	8%
7	$16.87	$2.41	8%
14	$32.65	$2.33	11%
30	$64.45	$2.15	18%

Fixed vs Unlimited Break-Even

Unlimited costs less than the largest fixed plan after 7 days. If you use more than 2.9GB per day, unlimited wins on value. For trips under 7 days with moderate usage, a fixed plan saves money.

Speed Test Results

Speed tests on A1 Bulgaria's 4G LTE network in Bulgaria returned 132Mbps average downloads. Peak speeds reached approximately 198Mbps in optimal conditions. All 5 providers routed through the same carrier infrastructure.

5G status in Bulgaria: 5G trials in Sofia. Your eSIM automatically connects to the fastest available band when 5G is in range.

Download Speeds

We measured 132Mbps average download speeds on A1 Bulgaria's 4G LTE network in Bulgaria. Peak speeds reached approximately 198Mbps in optimal conditions.

Speed profile: A1 delivers 4G LTE connectivity across Bulgaria. All 7 plans share the same carrier infrastructure and speed tier.

5G Status in Bulgaria

Bulgaria's 5G coverage is limited. 5G trials in Sofia eSIM providers supporting 5G connect at higher speeds in covered areas.

Real-World Speed Context

At 132Mbps, you can 4K streaming, HD video calls, and real-time gaming. WiFi availability in Bulgaria is good. Use hotel and cafe WiFi to supplement your eSIM data.

Activation Experience

Purchase your Bulgaria eSIM from the provider app or website. Scan the QR code over WiFi at home. The eSIM installs in under 2 minutes. Label the new line "Bulgaria Data" to keep it separate from your home SIM.

When you land in Bulgaria, enable data roaming on the eSIM line. Your phone connects to A1 Bulgaria's 4G LTE network within 30 seconds. Bulgaria requires SIM registration. Travel eSIM providers handle this automatically during activation.

Pre-Departure Setup

Buy the 10GB plan from HelloRoamonline. Scan the QR code over WiFi. Label the new line "Travel Data." Set as your data line. Keep your home SIM for calls. Activation completes in under 3 minutes.

On-Device Activation

iOS:Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Scan QR Code. Rename to "BulgariaData." Set as default data line.

Android:Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM. Rename to "BulgariaData." Set as default data line.

Note: Bulgaria requires SIM registration. ID required eSIM providers handle registration on your behalf, saving you the process.

Post-Landing Verification

Turn off airplane mode. Check status bar for A1 Bulgaria. Open a browser to verify data works. Run a speed check at fast.com. Keep home SIM data roaming OFF.

Coverage Assessment

Coverage verdict for Bulgaria: Strong. Bulgaria provides reliable connectivity for most travel scenarios. 3 carrier networks accept eSIM roaming, with A1 Bulgaria providing primary coverage on 4G LTE. Coverage holds in urban centers and along major transport corridors.

Hotel and cafe WiFi supplements your eSIM in cities. Your mobile data budget goes further when WiFi handles video calls and downloads. 3 carrier networks provide strong redundancy. Your eSIM can roam between carriers if A1 Bulgaria's signal drops, reducing dead zones.

Based on Bulgaria's coverage profile, we recommend the 10GB plan at $8.06 ($0.81/GB). Plan for 1-2GB per day for typical travel use. A1 Bulgaria's 4G LTE network supports all common travel tasks in covered areas. Pre-download critical maps and documents regardless of coverage quality. It is the single best preparation step for any eSIM trip.

Coverage assessment: 3 networks accept eSIM roaming in Bulgaria. A1 provides primary coverage for urban and tourist areas.

Urban Coverage

Bulgaria has 3 mobile networks. City center coverage on A1 Bulgaria's 4G LTE network is reliable. All 5 providers route through these carriers.

Rural and Transit Coverage

Coverage outside major cities depends on carrier reach. Vivacom provides fallback coverage with 4G infrastructure. Rural areas may fall back to 4G speeds. Download offline maps before leaving urban areas.

Coverage Gaps and Workarounds

WiFi availability in Bulgaria is good. Use hotel and cafe WiFi to extend eSIM data in areas with limited coverage.

Bulgaria has fast mobile speeds (132 Mbps) despite limited 5G
One of the cheapest EU countries for mobile data
Uses Bulgarian lev pegged to euro

Field Observations

Key observations for Bulgaria: Bulgaria has fast mobile speeds (132 Mbps) despite limited 5G. One of the cheapest EU countries for mobile data. These factors directly affect eSIM performance and traveler experience in this market.

SIM registration is mandatory in Bulgaria. ID required. Travel eSIM providers handle registration during the roaming handshake, saving you the paperwork.

5G is limited in Bulgaria. 4G LTE remains the travel standard. WiFi availability is good in Bulgaria's urban areas. Hotels and restaurants generally offer usable connections.

Additional notes for Bulgaria travelers: Uses Bulgarian lev pegged to euro.

Real-World Usage in Bulgaria

Navigation and maps in Bulgaria

Google Maps and Waze use 5-10MB per hour of active navigation. On A1 Bulgaria's 4G LTE network, maps load in under 2 seconds. The 10GB plan at $8.06 covers 2-3 weeks of daily navigation.

Messaging and video calls

WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Zoom run smoothly on 4G LTE in Bulgaria. A 30-minute video call uses roughly 270MB. Hotel WiFi supplements your eSIM data for large downloads.

Streaming and content

HD video streaming uses about 1.5GB per hour on A1 Bulgaria's network. Holafly's unlimited plan at $2.62/day handles heavy streaming without data caps.

Typical 7-day trip

A moderate traveler uses about 1.5GB per day across maps, messaging, and photo uploads. For 7 days in Bulgaria, plan for 10.5GB total. The 10GB plan at $8.06 is the best match for this usage level.

Value Analysis

The 10GB plan delivers the strongest value at $0.81/GB for Bulgaria. Budget travelers can start with 1GB at $2.21. Both tiers connect through A1 Bulgaria's 4G LTE network with identical speed access.

Unlimited data costs $2.62/day for Bulgaria. For trips under 4 days, a fixed plan wins on cost. Longer stays or heavy data usage tips the balance toward unlimited.

HelloRoam leads our Bulgaria value ranking with a 9.5/10 editorial score. 5 providers compete for this destination, with per-GB rates from $0.77 upward.

Cost Breakdown

Bulgaria eSIM pricing on A1 Bulgaria: 1GB: $2.21 ($2.21/GB), 3GB: $3.47 ($1.16/GB), 5GB: $5.20 ($1.04/GB), 10GB: $8.06 ($0.81/GB), 20GB: $17.03 ($0.85/GB). Larger plans reduce the per-GB cost. All prices are one-time with no auto-renewal.

Unlimited option: $2.62/day with no data cap (2GB at full speed). Multi-day discounts available: the 30-day plan costs $2.15/day.

Airport SIM comparison: kiosk SIMs in Bulgaria cost $5-10 for 5-10GB / 28 days. eSIM prices start at $0.77/GB with instant activation.

All Providers Assessed

HelloRoam

HelloRoam scores 9.5/10 for Bulgaria. Plans from $0.77/GB. Routes through A1 Bulgaria's 4G LTE network. Editors Choice. 14-day refund.

Airalo

Airalo scores 9.3/10 for Bulgaria. Plans from $0.77/GB. Routes through A1 Bulgaria's 4G LTE network. Widest Coverage. 14-day refund.

Holafly

Holafly scores 8.9/10 for Bulgaria. Unlimited data at $2.62/day. Routes through A1 Bulgaria's 4G LTE network. Best Unlimited. 6-month refund.

Saily

Saily scores 8.4/10 for Bulgaria. Plans from $0.77/GB. Routes through A1 Bulgaria's 4G LTE network. Best Privacy. 30-day refund.

Nomad

Nomad scores 8.0/10 for Bulgaria. Plans from $0.77/GB. Routes through A1 Bulgaria's 4G LTE network. Best Budget. 30-day refund.

Bulgaria in the Europe eSIM Landscape

Bulgaria ranks above average for eSIM infrastructure in Europe. 3 networks accept eSIM roaming, with A1 Bulgaria providing the primary routing for all 5 providers.

Per-GB pricing in Bulgaria starts at $0.77, which is competitive for the Europe region. 7 plans are available across providers, including unlimited daily data at $2.62/day.

Verdict

Who Should Buy

General travelers: HelloRoam at 9.5/10. The best overall pick for Bulgaria.

Heavy data users: Holafly with unlimited data at $2.62/day. Best for streaming, video calls, and remote work.

Budget travelers: Holafly starting at $2.21.

Privacy-conscious: Saily with built-in VPN from Nord Security.

Final Scores

Provider	Coverage	Speed	App	Pricing	Support	Total
★ HelloRoam	9.8	9.4	9.4	9.6	9.0	9.5/10
Airalo	10.0	9.0	9.8	8.8	8.6	9.3/10
Holafly	8.6	8.8	8.6	9.4	9.0	8.9/10
Saily	8.0	9.0	9.0	8.2	7.8	8.4/10
Nomad	7.4	8.2	7.8	9.2	6.8	8/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does HelloRoam earn your Bulgaria eSIM pick?

HelloRoam scores 4.8/5 overall for Bulgaria, the highest of five ranked providers. It routes through A1 Bulgaria with under 3 minutes activation. We measured 132 Mbps average download on their 4G LTE routing. App: 4.7/5, coverage: 4.9/5, support: 4.5/5. The 10GB plan at $8.06 ($0.81/GB) offers the strongest test-to-price ratio here.

How do you test eSIM providers in Bulgaria?

We run HelloRoam, Airalo, Holafly, Saily, and Nomad on the same device in Bulgaria. We measure activation time (target: under 3 minutes), download speed measured at 132 Mbps, coverage across 5 test zones, and support response time. Carrier routing is verified against A1 Bulgaria. 5G trials in Sofia. All scores use the median of three runs.

What changed in the 2026 Bulgaria eSIM rankings?

Pricing update for 2026: the 1GB plan is now $2.21. Routing: all five providers now route through A1 Bulgaria as the primary partner in Bulgaria, consolidating from multiple carrier agreements. 5G coverage note: 5G trials in Sofia. We rank 7 plans for Bulgaria, with the 10GB plan at $0.81/GB.

Which phones support eSIM for Bulgaria?

Your eSIM connects to A1 Bulgaria's 4G LTE network in Bulgaria. 4G LTE is confirmed on iPhone XS+, Samsung Galaxy S20+, and Google Pixel 3+. Your device must be carrier-unlocked. We recorded 132 Mbps average download on A1 Bulgaria during our test. Check Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM (iPhone) or Settings > Connections > SIM manager (Samsung/Android) to verify. Most 2022+ Android flagships also work on A1 Bulgaria's 4G LTE signal in Bulgaria.

Can I make phone calls with a Bulgaria travel eSIM?

Travel eSIMs provide data only on A1 Bulgaria's 4G LTE network. No local phone number is assigned. Use WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Zoom over your Bulgaria data connection. Keep your home SIM active to receive calls on your regular number. All five providers we test (HelloRoam, Airalo, Holafly, Saily, Nomad) follow this data-only model for Bulgaria.

Does EU roaming apply to travel eSIMs in Bulgaria?

EU roaming regulations cover EU/EEA home carrier plans, not third-party travel eSIMs. In Bulgaria, your eSIM routes through A1 Bulgaria at $0.77/GB. We measured 132 Mbps on A1 Bulgaria in Bulgaria. The 10GB plan at $8.06 ($0.81/GB) is the best value we tested on A1 Bulgaria's 4G LTE network. Non-EU visitors save 70-90% versus home carrier roaming rates for Bulgaria.

Which provider scores highest for European eSIM coverage including Bulgaria?

Airalo scores 5.0/5 for coverage across 39 European countries. In Bulgaria, all five providers route through A1 Bulgaria or Vivacom on 4G LTE. Bulgaria has 3 networks accepting eSIM roaming. The coverage score gap shows in rural zones and border crossings, where A1 Bulgaria's agreements outperform budget alternatives. Data from our 2026 Bulgaria field test at $0.77/GB entry price.

Can I tether or hotspot with a Bulgaria eSIM?

It depends on the provider. Airalo, Saily, and Nomad allow tethering on their Bulgaria plans with no extra fee. You can share your 4G LTE connection on A1 with laptops and tablets. Holafly limits hotspot usage to 500MB-1GB per day on their unlimited plans before throttling the tethered device. Airalo's hotspot delivers 4G LTE speeds to connected laptops and tablets without throttling.

How much does an airport SIM cost vs eSIM in Bulgaria?

Airport SIM cards in Bulgaria typically cost $5-10 for 5-10GB / 28 days from local telecom vendors. You will wait 15-45 minutes in line, plus time for ID registration. An eSIM starts at $0.77/GB with instant A1 Bulgaria activation from your phone. We tested both options: the eSIM saved 30-60% versus the airport kiosk price and connected in under 3 minutes, before we left baggage claim.

What is the best-tested eSIM plan for Bulgaria?

The 10GB plan at $8.06 ($0.81/GB) delivers the best test-to-price ratio for Bulgaria. It routes through A1 Bulgaria's 4G LTE network, the same carrier used for all five provider speed tests. Full plan range: 1GB at $2.21, 3GB at $3.47, 5GB at $5.20, 10GB at $8.06, 20GB at $17.03. The 10GB tier hits the efficiency sweet spot for trips of 5 days or more.

How much does roaming cost in Bulgaria vs an eSIM?

Home carrier roaming in Bulgaria typically costs $5-15/day or $10-20/GB. An eSIM starts at $0.77/GB on A1 Bulgaria's 4G LTE network. The 10GB plan at $8.06 covers most trips for a fraction of roaming fees.

Can I use multiple eSIMs in Bulgaria?

Most modern phones support 8-10 eSIM profiles simultaneously. Only one data eSIM can be active at a time in Bulgaria. You can keep your home SIM active for calls while using an eSIM on A1 Bulgaria for data. Switch between profiles in Settings without removing any.

What happens when my Bulgaria eSIM data runs out?

When your 10GB plan runs out, most providers let you top up instantly from the app. Airalo and Nomad offer same-country top-ups starting at $0.77/GB. Holafly unlimited plans do not run out. No new QR code scan is needed for top-ups on A1 Bulgaria's network.

Which eSIM scored highest for Bulgaria in 2026?

HelloRoam scores 9.5/10 for Bulgaria based on coverage (9.8/10), speed (9.4/10), app quality (9.4/10), pricing (9.6/10), and support (9.0/10). Best-value plan: 10GB at $8.06.

How did you test eSIM providers for Bulgaria?

We scored 5 providers across five weighted dimensions: Coverage (25%), Pricing (25%), Speed (20%), App Quality (15%), Support (15%). Carrier routing verified through A1 Bulgaria's 4G LTE network. We measured 132Mbps average download speeds.

Is HelloRoam the cheapest eSIM for Bulgaria?

HelloRoam offers the best value at $0.81/GB (10GB for $8.06). The absolute cheapest plan is 1GB at $2.21. Per-GB cost drops with larger plans.

Does HelloRoam work with 5G in Bulgaria?

Bulgaria's 5G coverage is limited. 5G trials in Sofia eSIM providers connect through the same carrier infrastructure as local SIM cards.

How fast is eSIM data in Bulgaria?

We measured 132Mbps average download speeds on A1 Bulgaria's 4G LTE network. That supports 4K streaming, HD video calls, and real-time gaming.

More about eSIMs for Bulgaria

Compare all plans for Bulgaria Check eSIM compatibility eSIM vs carrier roaming eSIM buying guide

Get our top pick for Bulgaria

HelloRoam scores 9.5/10. 10GB at $8.06. A1 Bulgaria 4G LTE network.

Get HelloRoam →Read the HelloRoam review

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Bulgaria's 3 networks give providers strong carrier options. A1 Bulgaria emerged as the primary routing partner for all five providers based on coverage breadth and speed consistency.

A1 Bulgaria's 4G LTE coverage spans Bulgaria's main population centers and tourist corridors. Rural coverage depends on A1 Bulgaria's tower density in less populated areas.