How to Call Bulgaria
Complete guide to dialing Bulgaria (country code +359)
Planning to connect with someone in Bulgaria? Whether you're calling for business, contacting family, or reaching out to friends, understanding how to call Bulgaria properly can save you time and avoid frustration. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about calling Bulgaria from anywhere in the world. We'll cover step-by-step dialing instructions, explain the country and area codes you'll need, highlight common mistakes people make when placing international calls, and share essential Bulgarian phone etiquette to help your conversations go smoothly. You'll also find a helpful list of important numbers to keep handy. By the end of this guide, you'll be confidently making calls to Bulgaria without any hassle or confusion.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
International Dialing Format Structure
To call Bulgaria from abroad, follow this format: Exit Code + 359 + Local Number (without leading 0). Bulgaria's country code is +359, and you must remove the first zero from Bulgarian phone numbers when dialing internationally.
Dialing from Different Countries
From USA:
Dial 011 (US exit code) + 359 + local number without the leading zero.
From UK:
Dial 00 (UK exit code) + 359 + local number without the leading zero.
From Other Countries:
Most countries use 00 as their exit code, but verify your country's specific code. Alternatively, use the + symbol, which automatically applies the correct exit code.
Step-by-Step Examples
Example 1: Calling a Sofia Landline from USA
Bulgarian number: 02 123 4567
- Remove the leading 0: 2 123 4567
- Dial: 011-359-2-123-4567
Example 2: Calling a Bulgarian Mobile from UK
Bulgarian mobile: 088 123 4567
- Remove the leading 0: 88 123 4567
- Dial: 00-359-88-123-4567
Example 3: Calling a Varna Landline from Any Country
Bulgarian number: 052 987 654
- Remove the leading 0: 52 987 654
- Using + symbol: +359-52-987-654
Important Notes About Bulgarian Numbers
Bulgarian landlines begin with area codes (2 for Sofia, 52 for Varna, 32 for Plovdiv), while mobile numbers start with 87, 88, 89, or 98. Always drop the leading zero when dialing internationally—this is crucial for successful connection.
Quick Reference Format
- From USA: 011-359-[number without 0]
- From UK: 00-359-[number without 0]
- Using mobile/VoIP: +359-[number without 0]
When someone shares a Bulgarian number starting with 0, remember that zero is only for domestic dialing within Bulgaria. International callers must always omit it and add their country's exit code before 359.
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Common Mistakes
When calling Bulgaria, avoid these common mistakes that can prevent your call from connecting:
Forgetting to drop the leading zero: Bulgarian phone numbers begin with 0 domestically, but you must remove it when dialing internationally. If a Sofia number is 02 123 4567 locally, dial +359 2 123 4567, not +359 02 123 4567.
Using incorrect exit codes: Many people dial 011 (US exit code) from countries that use different codes. From the UK, use 00; from mobile phones worldwide, use + instead of any exit code for simplicity.
Confusing the country code with area codes: The country code +359 comes first, followed by the area code without the zero. Don't accidentally dial the area code as part of the country code.
Including spaces incorrectly: While spaces don't affect connection, formatting inconsistently causes confusion. Standard format is +359 X XXX XXXX, where X is the area code (1-2 digits) followed by the local number.
Not accounting for time zones: Bulgaria uses Eastern European Time (EET/EEST). Calling at inappropriate hours wastes money and creates inconvenience, so always verify the time difference before dialing.
Cultural Etiquette
When calling someone in Bulgaria, phone etiquette reflects the country's blend of formal business culture and warm personal relationships.
Greetings matter. Start business calls with "Dobar den" (Good day) followed by your full name and purpose. Personal calls can begin more casually with "Zdrasti" (Hi) or "Alo."
Formality depends on context. Business calls require formal address using titles and surnames until invited otherwise. Use "Gospodin" (Mr.) or "Gospozha" (Mrs./Ms.). Personal calls among friends are relaxed and conversational, but maintain respect with older relatives or acquaintances.
Timing is important. Avoid calling between 2-4 PM, traditionally a rest period, especially in summer. Business calls should occur during standard office hours (9 AM-6 PM). Personal calls are welcome in early evening (6-9 PM), but avoid calling after 9:30 PM unless urgent or prearranged.
Be prepared to talk. Bulgarians appreciate direct conversation over voice messages when possible. If leaving a voicemail, keep it brief but include your name, number, and reason for calling clearly.
Cultural considerations include that many Bulgarians, particularly older generations, may speak directly and get to the point quickly—this isn't rudeness but efficiency. Mobile phones are ubiquitous, so people expect accessibility, though it's polite to ask "Is this a good time?" when calling. Building rapport through brief pleasant conversation before business matters is appreciated.
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Emergency Numbers
Police: 166
Ambulance: 150
Fire Department: 160
Universal Emergency Number: 112
The pan-European emergency number 112 connects you to all emergency services and is the most reliable option for tourists. English-speaking operators are typically available when calling 112, though response times may vary in rural areas.
All emergency numbers in Bulgaria are free to call from both landlines and mobile phones, operating 24/7 throughout the year. No area code is required when dialing these numbers.
Mountain Rescue Service: 02 963 2172 (particularly useful if hiking or skiing in Bulgaria's mountainous regions)
When calling, clearly state your location, the nature of the emergency, and whether anyone requires immediate medical attention. For non-urgent police matters, tourist police can be reached at specific numbers in major cities like Sofia and Plovdiv.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 11 800 – Directory assistance for Bulgarian phone numbers and addresses
- 12 40 – International directory assistance for numbers abroad
Operators & Helplines
- 0123 – International operator for assisted calls and collect calls
- +359 2 933 5826 – Tourist Information Center (multilingual support)
Embassy Contacts
Most embassies are located in Sofia. Contact your embassy before traveling for current numbers, or search "Embassy of [country] Bulgaria" online.
Additional Services
- 0700 10 010 – Time check service
- 16 100 – Road assistance (Union of Bulgarian Motorists)
- 178 – Crisis hotline for mental health support
- Local municipality numbers – For public services, waste collection schedules, and local information
Always verify current numbers before traveling, as services occasionally change.
Tips for Calling Bulgaria
When calling Bulgaria, factor in their time zone of UTC+2 (UTC+3 during daylight saving time from late March to late October). If you're calling from New York, add 7 hours to your local time; from London, add 2 hours.
For business calls, aim for 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM Bulgarian time, Monday through Friday. Always schedule important calls in advance—Bulgarians appreciate professionalism and punctuality. Avoid calling during lunch hours (12:30-2:00 PM) when many businesses close.
Consider off-peak calling rates if using traditional phone services—typically evenings and weekends offer better rates. However, internet-based calling apps often eliminate this concern.
Avoid calling on major holidays: New Year's Day, Liberation Day (March 3), Easter Monday, Labor Day (May 1), St. George's Day (May 6), Education and Culture Day (May 24), Unification Day (September 6), Independence Day (September 22), and Christmas (December 25-26).
For clear communication, speak slowly and distinctly. Many Bulgarians speak English, but confirming language preferences beforehand helps. Keep background noise minimal, and confirm key details in writing via email when possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Bulgaria is +359. You need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Bulgaria from anywhere in the world. It identifies Bulgaria within the global telephone numbering system.
To dial Bulgaria from your cell phone, start with + (or 011 in some countries), then dial 359 (Bulgaria's country code), followed by the area code without the leading zero, and finally the local phone number. For example: +359 2 XXX XXXX for Sofia.
Yes, you must drop the leading zero from the Bulgarian area code when calling from abroad. For example, Sofia's area code is 02 locally, but you dial +359 2 when calling internationally. The zero is only used for domestic calls within Bulgaria.
The cheapest way to call Bulgaria is using ZippCall, which offers affordable pay-as-you-go international calling rates. With ZippCall, you can call from your web browser, iPhone, or Android device with no contracts, no subscriptions, and no hidden fees—just transparent, low-cost rates for calling Bulgaria.
In Bulgaria, dial 112 for all emergencies (police, ambulance, fire). This is the universal European emergency number and works from any phone. You can also use specific numbers: 150 for ambulance, 160 for fire, and 166 for police.
Yes, you can easily call Bulgaria directly from your web browser using ZippCall. Simply visit the ZippCall website, enter the Bulgarian phone number you want to reach, and make your call without needing to download any software or apps.
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