Only around 38% of the population in Bulgaria has a land based telephone line, although these figures are increasing drastically despite the quality of the phone service still being substandard. The call completion rate is still only a frustrating 45 %.

Telephone lines are sometimes still insulated with paper and many areas are still using obsolete switching technology.

Dialing Out

The telecommunications system allows a direct dialing service to 58 countries, although it all can seem outdated by our standards:

If you wish to dial to a country not within the list of 58, you will need to call through the operator by dialing 0123.

If you are trying to make an international call from a private house, phone the telephone operator who will arrange the call and phone you back when the lines are available. Sometimes you may have to wait up to half an hour, especially if you are in a small or remote town.

Major hotels and resorts, however, are normally equipped with a 'Betkom' direct dial service to Europe, Asia and Africa which has a digital display screen, and which operates with a phone card that can be purchased at any nearby kiosk.

National and international phone calls, telegram and fax services are also offered by the Sofia Central Post Office and by post offices in every town in the country.

Useful Numbers & Codes
(In a table format)

Bulgaria country code: 359

Bulgaria city codes:

Burgas 56
Kardjali 361
Pazardjik 34
Plovdiv 32
Ruse 82
Sofia 2
Varna 52

0123 - operator for international calls (if no direct phone call is possible)
120 - wake up call
121 - operator for long-distance calls within the country
140 – to send telegrams
144 - telephone information for office phone numbers
145 - telephone information for home numbers
146 - Emergency Road Service
150 - Emergency Medical Aid
166 - Police/Road patrols
175 - weather forecast
180 - exact time ("speaking" clock)

Airline offices in Sofia :

Airline Address Telephone (++359 2)
Aeroflot - 2 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd. 981-49-43, 980-00-67, fax: 873-998
Air France - 36 Al. Stamboliiski Blvd. 987-73-25
Al Italia - 40 Graf Ignatiev Str. 808-786, 808-601
Aua Austrian Airlines - 68 Knyaginya Str., Maria-Louisa Blvd 327-061, 327-057, fax: 334-003
British Airways - 56 Alabin Str. 981-70-00
CSA - 9 Suborna Str. 981-54-08
Lufthansa - 9 Suborna Str. 980-41-01, 980-41-41, fax: 981-29-11
Swissair - 66 Knyaginya Maria-Louisa Blvd 931-08-71, fax: 931-15-59
Turkish Airlines - 11A Suborna Str. 874-220, 883-596

Mobile Phones

Due to the high growth rate of telephone subscribers and their unsatisfactory quality, Bulgaria has seen a rapid increase in the use of mobile phones.

The cellular market in Bulgaria will grow further and much competition on the service side is expected. European suppliers dominate the equipment market, although handsets are also being supplied by Motorola.

Internet

You can get access to the Internet in many of the Internet cafes and clubs, which can be found at practically every bigger street. The normal price per hour is about 1 lev (€1.95).