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Roaming in Bulgaria: extra charges on an EU SIM?

If you call, text and use mobile data in Bulgaria on a SIM from an EU operator, the general rule is that your home plan conditions apply; the European Commission calls this «Roam like at home». For someone coming from Turkey, the key question is which operator the SIM belongs to.

EU membership and rights · Last reviewed: 2026-10-07

What the rule says

According to the European Commission page, users can call, text and use mobile data when travelling within the EU at the same price as at home. The rules started on 15 June 2017 and were enhanced on 1 July 2022. For unlimited or very cheap plans, operators may apply a fair use limit and must alert the customer as the limit approaches.

What is not covered

  • Non-terrestrial (satellite) networks on planes and boats.
  • The United Kingdom: after Brexit it is outside this rule.
  • Permanent roaming: if you use an EU SIM longer in another EU country than in your home country over a period of four months, the operator may take measures.
  • Value-added services, such as airline or insurance helplines.

What this means if you are moving to Bulgaria

  1. Check which operator your SIM belongs to

    The rule covers SIMs of operators in the EU. If you use a Turkish SIM in Bulgaria, charges follow your own operator's roaming terms; this page does not show them, so ask your operator.

  2. For a long stay, consider a local plan

    If you will stay more than four months, using a foreign EU SIM can be restricted. A local plan is more predictable; check prices on the operators' own sites.

  3. How to complain

    Object to your operator in writing first. The Communications Regulation Commission (КРС) has «For consumers» and «Complaints» sections on its site; check there whether roaming disputes are handled.

Figures change

Fair use limits and wholesale price caps change over time. This article gives no figures; the European Commission page and your operator's terms are what count.

Frequently asked questions

Will I pay extra in Bulgaria with an EU SIM?

Generally no — your home tariff applies. Exceptions are the fair use limit, permanent roaming and satellite networks.

Does the rule cover a Turkish SIM in Bulgaria?

The European Commission page describes users of EU operators. A Turkish SIM is charged under your own operator's roaming terms, so ask them.

Sources

The information on this page is based on the official sources listed below. Legislation changes — open the links and verify the current position.

  1. Avrupa Komisyonu — Roam like at home (AB içinde dolaşım) — https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/roaming · 2026-10-07
  2. Комисия за регулиране на съобщенията (КРС) — За потребителите — https://crc.bg/en/rubrics/492/for-consumers · 2026-10-07
  3. Комисия за регулиране на съобщенията (КРС) — Жалби — https://crc.bg/en/rubrics/697/complaints · 2026-10-07

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Roaming in Bulgaria: extra charges on an EU SIM? | Bulgaristan.bg