Bulgaria is a country located in Southeast Europe, with a well-developed telecommunications infrastructure. The country has a large population, and telephony services are easily accessible to both residents and expatriates. This article provides information on telephone service in Bulgaria, including international and area codes, major telephone providers, procedures for arranging telephone connections, and payment options for telephone bills.
International Code and Area Codes
The international code for Bulgaria is +359. If you are calling Bulgaria from outside the country, you must dial this code before dialing the local number.
For local calls within Bulgaria, there are several area codes for popular expat destinations. The area code for the capital city of Sofia is 2, while the area code for the popular tourist destination of Plovdiv is 32. Other popular expat destinations in Bulgaria include Varna, Burgas, and Ruse.
Major Telephone Providers in Bulgaria
There are several major telephone providers in Bulgaria, both for landline and mobile services. These include:
Landline Providers
Vivacom: Vivacom is the largest landline provider in Bulgaria and offers fixed-line telephony, broadband internet, and television services. The company has a reputation for providing reliable services and has a large customer base across the country. Vivacom can be contacted at 123 for landline services.
Bulsatcom: Bulsatcom is another major landline provider in Bulgaria and offers fixed-line telephony, broadband internet, and television services. The company has a large network coverage and offers competitive pricing for its services. Bulsatcom can be contacted at 123 for landline services.
Mobile Providers
Telenor: Telenor is the largest mobile provider in Bulgaria and offers both prepaid and postpaid mobile services, as well as broadband internet. The company has a reputation for providing fast data speeds and extensive network coverage. Telenor can be contacted at *123 for mobile services.
Vivacom: In addition to its landline services, Vivacom is also a major mobile provider in Bulgaria. The company offers both prepaid and postpaid mobile services, as well as broadband internet. Vivacom is known for its competitive pricing and reliable network coverage. Vivacom can be contacted at *123 for mobile services.
Procedure for Arranging Telephone Connection
To arrange a telephone connection in Bulgaria, you must first choose a telecommunications provider and contact them to set up an account. The provider will ask for your personal information, including your name, address, and identification documents. You may also be asked to provide a deposit, which will be refunded when you close your account.
Once your account has been set up, the provider will send a technician to your home or business to install the necessary equipment. This may include a landline phone, modem, or router, depending on the services you have subscribed to. The technician will also test the equipment to ensure that it is working properly.
The time it takes to set up a telephone connection in Bulgaria can vary depending on the provider and the type of service you have subscribed to. In some cases, you may be able to get a same-day installation, while in other cases, it may take several days.
Payment Options for Telephone Bills
There are several payment options for telephone bills in Bulgaria. These include:
Bank Payment: Customers can pay their telephone bills through their bank account. This involves transferring the bill amount from your bank account to the provider’s bank account. Customers should ensure that they include their account number and the bill reference number when making the transfer.
Online Payments: Many providers offer online payment options, where customers can pay their bills using a credit or debit card. This is a convenient option that allows customers to pay their bills from anywhere with an internet connection. Customers can log in to their account on the provider’s website to make a payment.
In-Person Payments: Customers can also make payments in person at the provider’s office or at a designated payment center. Payments can be made using cash, check, or credit/debit card.
Mobile Payments: Some providers also offer mobile payment options, where customers can pay their bills using their mobile phone. This may involve using a mobile app or texting a payment code to the provider.
It is important to note that failure to pay your telephone bill on time may result in a disruption of service. Customers who are having trouble paying their bills should contact their provider to discuss payment options and avoid service disruptions.
Telephone service in Bulgaria is readily available to both residents and expatriates, with a well-developed telecommunications infrastructure and several major providers offering landline and mobile services. Customers can choose from a range of packages to suit their needs, and the process of arranging a telephone connection is relatively straightforward. Payment options for telephone bills are also varied, with bank payments, online payments, in-person payments, and mobile payment options available. Overall, Bulgaria offers a modern telecommunications infrastructure that is reliable and convenient for users.