How to buy a SIM Card at Sofia Airport 2024: Best Plans + Updated Price

Buying a SIM card at Sofia Airport makes international travel easier by allowing visitors to remain in contact.

This article helps travelers know how to buy a prepaid SIM card at Sofia Airport. It mentions the various SIM card choices for tourists and expats at SOF, including their costs and what they offer. The goal is to assist readers in picking the best data plan for their needs and provide options for buying a SIM card away from the airport.

I. How to Get a SIM Card at Sofia Airport (SOF)?

You can get a Bulgaria prepaid SIM at Sofia Airport by three ways, detailed:

 Sofia Airport:

• Pros:
  • Straightforward purchase process.
  • Internet access immediately upon landing at Sofia Airport.
• Cons:
  • Fewer plan and carrier options compared to other locations.
  • Rates are slightly higher than in the city center.

2. Online Before Your Trip:

• Pros:
  • Wider variety of SIM card options.
  • More affordable prices.
• Cons:
  • Potential delivery fees.
  • Waiting time for delivery if you order a prepaid Bulgarian SIM card.

3. Sofia City Center:

• Pros:
  • Diverse range of SIM plans and carriers.
  • Cheapest rates.
• Cons:
  • Requires a trip from the airport to Sofia city center.

II. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Sofia Airport?

There are several mobile operator stores and kiosks located in the arrival and baggage claim areas, making it easy to get connected as soon as you land.

VIVACOM Store:

• Located in Terminal 1
• Open 24/7
• Sells VIVACOM network SIM cards with various data, talk, and text packages

A1 Store:

• Located in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
• Open daily from 6am to 10pm
• Offers A1 network SIM cards with prepaid and postpaid plans

Yettel Store:

• Located in Terminal 1
• Open 24/7
• Sells Yettel (formerly Telenor) network SIM cards with voice, data, and SMS bundles

What to prepare:

• Unlocked phone
• Passport for registration
• Local currency (Bulgarian Lev) for payment

Cost: SIM card packages at the airport cost $10-$20, varying by plan and allowances.

Pros:

• Convenient airport pickup
• Variety of plans and operators to choose from
• Cash and credit card payment options

Cons:

• May be slightly more expensive than buying online
• The registration process can be time-consuming

► Remember to disable data roaming on your regular SIM card before inserting the new Bulgarian SIM to avoid unexpected roaming charges.

III. Do SIM card shops at Sofia airport open after midnight?

Yes. While some SIM card shops at Sofia Airport might be open late at night, it’s not guaranteed that they’ll be open after midnight. Their hours can vary, and some might close earlier than their usual schedule.

If you arrive late, you might find limited options for purchasing a travel SIM card. It’s best to plan and buy one earlier in the day if possible.

IV. Best Tourist Sofia Airport SIM Card Options and Price?

We will give you the packages of SIM cards from 3 operators: A1, Vivacom, and Yettel at Sofia Airport. Please note that the price will depend on the provider, package, and time of year of purchase. It is best to check and compare prices between suppliers before buying.

Carrier	Data	Price (USD)	Price (BGN)	Validity
A1	10 GB	~$10	~18 BGN	10 days
	20 GB	~$15	~27 BGN	20 days
Vivacom	10 GB	~$8	~15 BGN	7 days
	20 GB	~$12	~22 BGN	14 days
Yettel	8 GB	~$6	~11 BGN	7 days
	15 GB	~$10	~18 BGN	14 days

► Recommendation:

• Best Value: Vivacom 10 GB/7 days – ideal for short visits.
• Longer Stay: A1 20 GB/20 days – perfect for long trips.
• Budget: Yettel 8 GB/7 days – great for budget travelers.

V. What to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Sofia Airport – Registration Process

To get a SIM card at Sofia Airport, Bulgaria, remember:

• Bring a valid passport or ID.
• Have a document showing your address, just in case.
• Carry cash for the SIM card and initial credit.
• Check out Vivacom, Telenor, and A1 beforehand to pick the best one.
• Make sure your phone can use a local SIM and isn’t locked.
• Be ready to give your name, passport details, and maybe your job.
• Ask when the SIM will start working.

V. Bulgaria eSIM for Sofia – an Alternative to Prepaid SIM Card at Sofia Airport

Using an eSIM is handy for travelers because it gets rid of the need to buy a physical SIM card when you get there, offers smooth internet access, and helps you avoid extra costs for using your phone abroad. Gigago is a very trusted eSIM service for people traveling to other countries.

Key features of Gigago’s eSIM service:

• Coverage in Bulgaria and 42+ other European countries
• Data plans ranging from 1GB to 50GB
• Validity options from 3 to 30 days
• Supported by popular network operator A1
• Hotspot/Tethering enabled
• Instant delivery via email after purchase

For Bulgaria, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1GB/day for 3 days with $3.00 . What is great about Gigago’s Bulgaria eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $3.00 – $95.90 .

Thus, it does not matter how many Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Bulgaria, there is always an option for you with Gigago.

VII. FAQs about SIM card at Sofia airport

VIII. Conclusion

In general, buying a SIM card at Sofia Airport is very easy thanks to our guidance. You can find them at kiosks near arrivals affordable network access and data bundles suited for your stay. Or you can give an eSIM a try. We mean both ways are very efficient, but eSIM might be better in some cases. So hope you have a great trip there.