Staying in Touch with Loved Ones from Bulgaria

Published on May 5, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Moving to Bulgaria as an expat is an exciting adventure, but it’s natural to want to keep in touch with family and friends back home. Fortunately, with modern technology, maintaining these precious bonds has never been easier. In this article, we’ll explore the best ways to stay in contact with your loved ones from Bulgaria, covering the main internet service providers and communication tools available in the country.

The Bulgarian Digital Landscape: Connectivity on the Rise

Bulgaria has made significant strides in digital infrastructure in recent years. According to data from the International Telecommunication Union, Bulgaria’s internet penetration rate reached 70.2% in 2024, a significant increase from previous years. This rapid development means expats can enjoy reliable, fast connectivity to stay in touch with their loved ones.

The country has also invested heavily in 5G deployment, with coverage gradually expanding in major cities like Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna. This technology offers ultra-fast connection speeds, ideal for high-quality video calls and sharing large files.

The Connectivity Giants: Main Internet Service Providers in Bulgaria

To stay connected in Bulgaria, choosing a reliable internet service provider is essential. Here are the main players in the Bulgarian market:

1. A1 Bulgaria (formerly Mtel)

A1 Bulgaria is one of the leading telecommunications companies in Bulgaria. It offers a comprehensive range of services, including fixed and mobile internet, television, and telephony. A1 Bulgaria stands out for its extensive coverage, reaching over 99% of the Bulgarian population with its 4G network. The company was also a pioneer in deploying 5G in the country.

For expats, A1 Bulgaria offers attractive plans, including options with unlimited data and preferential rates for international calls. Their customer service is available in English, which can be a significant advantage for non-Bulgarian speakers.

2. Vivacom

Vivacom is another major player in the Bulgarian telecommunications market. The company boasts having the fastest mobile network in the country, a claim supported by independent tests. Vivacom offers 4G coverage to over 99.25% of the Bulgarian population and was one of the first operators to launch commercial 5G services in the country.

For expats, Vivacom offers flexible plans, including options with a large data volume and reduced rates for international calls. The company has also developed its own messaging and calling app, EON, which can be an interesting alternative to more well-known apps.

3. Telenor Bulgaria

Although Telenor sold its operations in Central and Eastern Europe, the company continues to operate in Bulgaria under the Telenor brand. It offers a full range of telecommunications services, with a particular focus on mobile solutions.

Telenor Bulgaria is known for its innovative plans, including options that allow you to roll over unused data from one month to the next. For expats, the company offers specific plans with advantageous rates for international calls and roaming.

4. Bulsatcom

While primarily known for its satellite television services, Bulsatcom has diversified into fixed and mobile internet. The company offers attractive bundled plans, including television, internet, and telephony.

For expats looking for an all-in-one solution, Bulsatcom can be an interesting option, especially if you want access to international TV channels in addition to a reliable internet connection.

Communicating Without Borders: Communication Tools Allowed in Bulgaria

As a member of the European Union, Bulgaria upholds the principles of freedom of expression and communication. Therefore, most popular communication tools worldwide are also allowed and widely used in Bulgaria. Here’s an overview of the main options available to you:

1. Instant Messaging and Calling Apps

WhatsApp, Viber, and Facebook Messenger are extremely popular in Bulgaria. These apps allow you to send text messages, photos, videos, and make free audio and video calls over the internet. According to a study by the Bulgarian National Statistical Institute in 2024, over 85% of internet users in Bulgaria regularly use these apps to communicate.

Viber, in particular, enjoys great popularity in Bulgaria. It is often used for both professional and personal communications. If your contacts in Bulgaria already use Viber, it might be wise to adopt it to facilitate communication.

2. Video Calling Platforms

Skype, Zoom, and Google Meet are all allowed and widely used in Bulgaria. These platforms are particularly useful for group video calls, allowing you to virtually gather the whole family or a group of friends.

Zoom gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic and remains a preferred choice for many Bulgarians for professional meetings and virtual social gatherings. According to a Statista survey in 2024, over 60% of Bulgarian companies regularly use Zoom or similar platforms for their communications.

3. Social Networks

Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn are all accessible and popular in Bulgaria. These platforms not only allow you to share updates about your life in Bulgaria with your loved ones but also to discover local culture and connect with other expats.

Facebook, in particular, remains very popular in Bulgaria. According to NapoleonCat statistics, in January 2025, there were approximately 3.8 million Facebook users in Bulgaria, representing about 55% of the total population.

4. VoIP Services

Voice over IP (VoIP) services like Skype and Google Voice are allowed in Bulgaria. These services can be particularly useful for making low-cost international calls, especially to landlines.

5. Local Apps

While less known internationally, some local Bulgarian apps are gaining popularity. For example, Viber, though international, was developed by a company founded by Bulgarians and remains very popular in the country. Familiarizing yourself with these local apps can be a great way to integrate and communicate more easily with locals.

Optimizing Your Connectivity: Tips for Smooth Communication

Now that we’ve reviewed the main internet service providers and communication tools available in Bulgaria, here are some tips to optimize your connectivity and ensure smooth communication with your loved ones:

1. Choose the Right Internet Plan

Make sure to choose an internet plan that meets your needs. If you plan on making a lot of video calls, opt for a plan with a large data volume or, if possible, unlimited data. Compare offers from different providers and don’t hesitate to negotiate, as competition in the Bulgarian telecommunications market is strong.

2. Use Wi-Fi When Possible

To save your mobile data, connect to Wi-Fi whenever possible. Many cafes, restaurants, and public spaces in Bulgaria offer free Wi-Fi. However, make sure to use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks to protect your personal data.

3. Plan Your Calls

Consider the time difference when planning your calls with loved ones. Bulgaria is in the EET (Eastern European Time) time zone, which is GMT+2 in winter and GMT+3 in summer. Use apps like World Time Buddy to make scheduling your international calls easier.

4. Optimize Your Video Call Quality

To improve the quality of your video calls, ensure you have a good internet connection, close unnecessary background apps, and if possible, use a headset with a microphone for better audio quality.

5. Explore International Calling Options

If you need to make calls to landlines or mobile phones abroad, compare rates from different operators. Some Bulgarian providers offer special plans for international calls, which can be more economical than using your original plan.

6. Stay Informed About Updates

Communication apps are constantly updated with new features. Make sure to keep your apps up to date to benefit from the latest improvements in quality and security.

7. Diversify Your Communication Methods

Don’t limit yourself to just one app or communication method. Having multiple options at your disposal (e.g., WhatsApp for quick messages, Skype for group video calls, and email for more formal communications) will allow you to adapt to different situations and preferences of your loved ones.

Overcoming Challenges: Dealing with Connectivity Issues

Despite the progress made in Bulgaria’s digital infrastructure, you may occasionally encounter connectivity issues. Here are some tips to overcome them:

1. Have a Plan B

Always keep an alternative communication method at hand. For example, if your fixed internet connection is down, you can use your mobile phone’s hotspot as a temporary backup solution.

2. Use Speed Test Apps

Apps like Speedtest.net can help you check the quality of your internet connection. If you find your connection is consistently slow, don’t hesitate to contact your provider to resolve the issue.

3. Explore Offline Options

Some apps, like WhatsApp, allow you to record voice messages that can be sent later when the connection is restored. This is a great option for times when connectivity is unstable.

4. Consider a Signal Booster

If you live in an area with weak mobile signal, a signal booster can significantly improve the quality of your connection. However, make sure to choose a model approved by the Bulgarian authorities.

5. Stay Informed About Maintenance Work

Internet service providers usually announce planned maintenance work that could affect service. Follow your provider’s official social media pages to stay informed.

The Legal Aspect: Understanding Bulgarian Communications Regulations

While Bulgaria is generally open regarding online communication, it’s important to understand the legal framework to avoid any issues:

1. Data Protection

As an EU member, Bulgaria applies the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Ensure that the apps you use are GDPR-compliant to protect your personal data and that of your loved ones.

2. Freedom of Expression

Freedom of expression is protected in Bulgaria, but like in many countries, there are limits regarding hate speech, defamation, and disinformation. Be aware of these limits during your online communications.

3. Government Surveillance

While Bulgaria is not known for intensive internet surveillance, it is always recommended to use a VPN for added security, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks.

4. Copyright

Respect copyright laws when sharing content online. Bulgaria applies EU copyright directives, which can be stricter than in some non-European countries.

In conclusion, staying in touch with your loved ones from Bulgaria is easier than ever thanks to the country’s constantly improving digital infrastructure and the availability of a wide range of communication tools. By choosing the right internet service provider, using the appropriate apps, and following optimization tips, you can maintain strong bonds with your family and friends, wherever they are in the world. Remember that communication is a key element for a successful expat experience, so don’t hesitate to explore all the options available to you to stay connected.