
In Bulgaria, telephone numbers typically start with a 0, followed by a 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9, which represents the area code.
The country code for Bulgaria is +359, which you should use when dialing international calls.
For landline numbers, you'll usually see 7 digits, while mobile numbers have 9 digits.
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Types of Telephone Numbers
In Bulgaria, local numbers are specific to a geographic area and incur standard call charges, while toll-free numbers start with 0800 and allow callers to reach businesses without being charged for the call.
A typical Bulgarian phone number has 8 digits for local numbers, and when including the area code, it becomes 9 to 10 digits long, depending on the specific region.
Fixed-line numbers in Bulgaria can be quite complex, with domestic numbers limited to eight digits in length and area codes varying in length from one to five digits.
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Fixed Line
In Bulgaria, fixed-line numbers have a specific structure.
Domestic numbers are limited to eight digits in length.
Area codes vary in length from one to five digits, and subscriber number lengths vary accordingly, from seven digits down to three digits.
Subscriber numbers on digital switches in Sofia have seven-digit numbers, while on analog switches they had six.
In Plovdiv, Varna, and Ruse, both digital and analog switches have six-digit numbers.
In most other province capitals, lines on digital switches have six-digit numbers, and analog had five.
Larger areas, such as Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, and Burgas, are subdivided into zones.
Numbers starting with 2, 82, 92 are located in the Western suburbs of Sofia, while 7, 87, 97 are in the Eastern suburbs.
Numbers starting with 98 are in the central area of Sofia.
The first digit of a subscriber number also shows if it was operated by the Bulgarian Telecommunications Company (BTC) or another operator.
Numbers starting with 88 in Blagoevgrad were subscribed as digital, while numbers starting with a single 8 were analog before.
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Area codes are always cited with the trunk code.
When dialing, all subscriber numbers must be prefixed with trunk and area code except short codes.
Numbers starting with 700, 800, and 90x, as well as mobile ones, are prefixed by '0' only.
The trunk code 0 is replaced with the country code 359 when dialing from abroad.
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Mobile
Mobile numbers in Bulgaria are quite unique, with a mix of old and new systems. Until 20 July 2003, GSM networks used six-digit subscriber numbers, but this limit was soon overwhelmed.
To accommodate the growing number of subscribers, mobile operators introduced new access codes, with Mobiltel using three codes ((0)87, (0)88, (0)89) and Globul using two ((0)98 and (0)99). This change also led to the introduction of seven-digit subscriber numbers and single access codes per operator.
Dialing to a mobile network requires the access code together with the 0. This is because the access code is a required part of the mobile number.
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Understanding Telephone Number Format
Bulgarian phone numbers consist of a country code, area code, and subscriber number. The country code for Bulgaria is +359.
Area codes in Bulgaria typically have one to two digits. The area code for Sofia is 2.
A Bulgarian phone number might look like this: +359 2 1234567, where +359 is the country code, 2 is the area code for Sofia, and 1234567 is the subscriber number.
The correct format for a Bulgarian phone number is +359, followed by the area code without the leading zero, and then the local number.
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Area Codes and Calling
In Bulgaria, area codes are an essential part of making phone calls. They are used to identify the region or city where a phone number is located.
To make a call, you need to dial the trunk code 0 followed by the area code and the local phone number. For example, if you want to call a number in Sofia, you would dial 0 + 2 + the local phone number.
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Some area codes in Bulgaria are reserved for specific services or regions. For instance, area codes starting with 17x are used for paging services, while area codes starting with 30x are used for Smolyan Province codes.
Here's a breakdown of some common area codes in Bulgaria:
Mobile network operators in Bulgaria use specific area codes for their services. For example, the GSM/UMTS/LTE/NR mobile network Vivacom uses the area code 87, while the GSM/UMTS/LTE/NR mobile network A1 uses the area code 88.
Value-added services in Bulgaria use area codes starting with 90x, while Vratsa Province codes start with 91x.
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Calling and Dialing
Calling and dialing in Bulgaria is relatively straightforward. To call a number in Sofia, dial 02 xxx xxxx from inside Bulgaria or +359 2 xxx xxxx from outside Bulgaria.
Using local phone area codes in Bulgaria can boost business credibility and enhance customer engagement. This is because local numbers are less likely to be flagged as spam and customers are more likely to answer calls from familiar area codes.
To dial a Bulgarian phone number from abroad, enter your country's exit code, followed by Bulgaria's country code (+359), the area code without the leading zero, and the local number.
Dialing at the right time is also important, as making calls during business hours in Bulgaria increases the likelihood of your call being answered.
VoIP
VoIP offers a flexible solution for making and receiving calls, leveraging internet connectivity to provide clear audio and video quality. It's not location-bound like landlines, making it a great option for remote work or international business communications.
VoIP numbers can be more cost-effective than traditional landlines, especially for international calls. This is a game-changer for businesses looking to save on communication costs.
Virtual meetings are a breeze with VoIP, allowing for seamless communication with team members or clients from anywhere in the world. You can even use VoIP numbers for customer support teams to handle inquiries and provide remote technical assistance.
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Here are some key benefits of VoIP numbers:
- Virtual meetings with clear audio and video quality
- Cost-effective international business communications
- Flexible solution for customer support teams
- Remote technical assistance for troubleshooting and guidance
For example, a Bulgaria VoIP phone number like +359-66-4582391 can be used for various purposes, including virtual meetings and international business calls.
Dialing Example
To dial a Bulgarian phone number, you'll want to know the right format to use. From inside Bulgaria, dial the area code with the leading zero, followed by the local number, like this: 02 xxx xxxx.
If you're calling from outside Bulgaria, things get a bit different. You'll need to dial your country's exit code, followed by Bulgaria's country code (+359), the area code without the leading zero, and the local number.
For example, to call a number in Sofia, you would dial +359 2 xxx xxxx from outside Bulgaria.
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Successful Dialing Tips
Dialing a Bulgarian phone number can be a bit tricky, especially if you're calling from abroad. Ensure you include the correct country code (+359) to avoid misdialing.

Using the right format is key, so always include the country code and area code to build trust with the recipient. They can easily identify the origin of the call, which is a big plus.
Timing is everything when it comes to dialing. Make sure to call during business hours in Bulgaria to increase the likelihood of your call being answered.
To dial a Bulgarian phone number from abroad, you need to enter your country's exit code, followed by Bulgaria's country code (+359), the area code without the leading zero, and the local number.
An identifiable caller ID can significantly improve answer rates, as recipients are more likely to pick up calls from known numbers.
Here are some key dialing tips to keep in mind:
- Include the correct country code (+359) and area code.
- Dial during business hours in Bulgaria.
- Use an identifiable caller ID.
Calling from Abroad
Calling from Abroad is a straightforward process. To dial a Bulgarian phone number from abroad, you'll need to enter your country's exit code, followed by Bulgaria's country code (+359), the area code without the leading zero, and the local number.
This sequence might look a bit daunting at first, but trust me, it's not that complicated. Just make sure to include the country code (+359) for Bulgaria.
To illustrate this, let's take a look at a dialing example. If you're calling a number in Sofia, you would dial +359 2 xxx xxxx from outside Bulgaria. The "2" in this example is the area code for Sofia, without the leading zero.
The country code for Bulgaria is +359, and you'll need to include this when dialing from abroad.
Business and Telephone Numbers
Having a Bulgarian phone number for your business can make a big difference in how customers perceive you. Establishing credibility with a local number is a great way to target local customers and build trust.
A local Bulgarian phone number provides accessibility without needing a traditional call center, making it easier for customers to reach you.
If you want to achieve nationwide reach in Bulgaria, consider using a toll-free number. This allows customers to call your business at no charge, improving service and projecting a professional image.
A toll-free number is a convenient option for customers, and it's a great way to expand your business reach.
You can also boost brand recognition with a customized vanity number. For example, a legal firm might use 0800-LAW-HELP to make their number memorable.
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Telephone Number Structure
In Bulgaria, a typical phone number has a distinct structure. A Bulgarian phone number typically has 8 digits for local numbers.
The number of digits can change depending on the region, with some numbers becoming 9 to 10 digits long when including the area code. This variation is due to the different area codes used across the country.
Landline
Landline numbers are known for their reliability and stable connections.
They are tied to a physical location, making them less flexible compared to mobile and VoIP numbers.
Superior call quality is often provided by landline numbers.
Landline numbers are less susceptible to signal issues compared to other types of numbers.
How Many Digits in a Typical Number?
A typical Bulgarian phone number has 8 digits for local numbers.
In some regions, including the area code, a Bulgarian phone number can be 9 to 10 digits long.
Verification and Validation
Verifying a Bulgarian phone number is straightforward. Check if it follows the format +359, area code without the leading zero, and local number.
To confirm the validity of a Bulgarian phone number, you can use online validation tools. These tools can quickly check if the number meets the standard format.
If you're unsure about a phone number's validity, contact the local telecom provider for confirmation. They can verify the number for you.
You can also check if the phone number is valid by looking at its format. If it matches the +359, area code without the leading zero, and local number format, it's likely valid.
Entering Telephone Numbers
To dial a phone number in Bulgaria internationally, start with the international access code, followed by Bulgaria's country code, and then the local number. No special symbols or spacing are required.
The international access code is typically represented by a plus sign (+) or exit code, and Bulgaria's country code is 359. Simply add this code immediately after the exit code or plus sign.
For domestic calls, within Bulgaria, simply dial the local number directly. No additional codes or symbols are needed.
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Bulgarian area codes do not start with a zero, and you should add the one- or two-digit area code of the person you are calling. For example, Sofia's area code is 2, and Plovdiv's is 32.
Here's a table of area codes for major cities in Bulgaria:
You can also refer to the tables below for more area codes of major cities in Bulgaria for both international and domestic calls.
Country Code and International Calling
To call a Bulgarian phone number from abroad, you need to enter the Bulgaria country code, which is 359. This code is necessary to route the call to Bulgaria from your international location.
The country code should be entered immediately after the exit code or plus sign. For example, if you're calling from the US, you would dial +359 followed by the area code and phone number.
Here's a breakdown of the Bulgaria country code and area codes:
You can use this table to look up the area code for the city or province you're trying to reach. Keep in mind that area codes in Bulgaria can be quite long, often consisting of three or four digits.
To make an international call to Bulgaria, simply dial the exit code (usually + or 00), followed by the country code 359, the area code, and the phone number.
Frequently Asked Questions
What number is 0888888888?
The Bulgarian cell phone number is 0888 888 888. This number has been associated with a string of tragic events, including three deaths over a ten-year period.
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