Vivacom SIM Cards and eSIM for Tourists 2024

Vivacom SIM cards offer reliable connectivity for tourists visiting Bulgaria.

For travelers to Bulgaria, buying a Vivacom SIM card is a great choice because it offers good coverage and quick internet speeds everywhere in the country. This blog post will help tourists understand how to get and start using Vivacom SIM cards or eSIMs, making it easier for them to keep in touch while they discover Bulgaria.

Vivacom sim card & eSIM

I. Quick facts about Vivacom

Vivacom is Bulgaria’s biggest telecom company. Therefore, tourist can buy a tradional SIM card in Bulgaria from Vivacom.

  • Started in 1992 as BTC
  • Now called Vivacom Bulgaria EAD
  • Offers mobile, home phone, internet, TV, and data services
  • Over 4M mobile users
  • The network reaches almost everyone in Bulgaria
  • Has about 230 stores
  • Offers 24/7 help through call centers, online chat, and social media
  • Won award for Europe’s fastest mobile network in 2020

II. Vivacom Bulgaria Coverage and Speed in Bulgaria

Vivacom, a top mobile network operator in Bulgaria, stands out with its strong coverage and fast network speeds. Let’s take a look at its key strengths based on the latest Opensignal report (Jan 2024).

1. Vivacom coverage in Bulgaria

vivacom mobile coverage map (Source: nPerf)
  • Vivacom wins the new Coverage Experience and 5G Coverage Experience awards, beating A1 and Telenor (Yettel).
  • It scores 7.4/10 for Coverage Experience, 0.4/10 points ahead of A1.
  • In 5G Coverage Experience, Vivacom gets a 2.2/10, outdoing Telenor (1.4) and A1 (1.2).

2. Vivacom speed

vivacom mobile speed map (Source: OpenSigna)
  • Overall Download Speed Experience: 67.0 Mbps
  • Overall Upload Speed Experience: 13.7 Mbps
  • 5G Download Speed: 271.6 Mbps
  • 5G Upload Speed: 30.9 Mbps

As you see, Vivacom is great at covering areas, especially with 5G, but it’s slower than A1 in how fast it can download and upload. A1 has faster speeds. So, if you want a lot of coverage, Vivacom is good, but A1 might be better if you care more about speed.

III. Vivacom connectivity options for travelers to Bulgaria

Staying linked while traveling is extremely essential. Here’s a list of 03 common ways for you guys when coming to Bulgaria with the Vivacom operator:

  • Prepaid SIM Card
  • Pocket Wifi
  • Roaming

Let’s see each way’s pros and cons:

Connectivity OptionProsCons
SIM CardAffordableRequires unlocking your phone
Wide network coverageLimited data options
Easy to purchaseRequires SIM card swap
Pocket WiFiUnlimited dataAdditional rental cost
Connects multiple devicesBattery life limitations
Convenient and portableMay require deposit
RoamingNo additional setup requiredExpensive data charges
Familiar phone numberLimited coverage in rural areas

Recommendation: For travelers on a budget who focus on using data and plan to visit places outside Bulgaria, buying a prepaid SIM card is a smart option. Pocket Wi-Fi is perfect for groups or anyone needing to connect several devices. Using roaming is easy but can cost a lot, so make sure to look at your plan before you go.

IV. Best Vivacom SIM cards for Tourists & Cost

Below is a summary of the best Vivacom SIM cards for travelers.

Plan NameMinutesSMSDataPrice (BGN)Price (USD)
Unlimited MAXUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited55.9930.23
Unlimited 300UnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited (300 Mbps)41.9922.67
Unlimited 100UnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited (100 Mbps)34.9918.89
Unlimited 10UnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited (10 Mbps)27.9915.11
Unlimited 2UnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited (2 Mbps)21.9911.87

Notes:

  • All plans come with unlimited calls and texts in Bulgaria and the EU.
  • EU data roaming is included with different caps (36,200 MB for Unlimited MAX, 28,900 MB for Unlimited 300, etc.).
  • Unlimited MAX gets 60+ TV channels on the EON app for 1 year.
  • Discounts for Vivacom fixed-line customers.
  • 1 BGN = 0.54 USD exchange rate.

V. Does Vivacom Bulgaria support eSIM?

YES, Vivacom in Bulgaria supports eSIM technology. eSIM is a digital SIM built into devices, removing the need for a physical SIM card. Key benefits of eSIM over physical SIM could be named like:

  • No SIM card changes with eSIM, perfect for travelers.
  • Save our planet green because no physical plastic used.
  • eSIM setup is quicker than traditional SIM cards.

Where to Buy Vivacom eSIM in Bulgaria?

You can buy Vivacom’s eSIM directly from the network operator’s website or through a reputable online supplier. Gigago – one of the most reliable eSIM retailers in the market – currently does not provide the Vivacom eSIM option for Bulgaria. Gigago’s eSIM offerings in Bulgaria are limited to the A1 network.

esim bulgaria gigago

For Bulgaria, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1GB/day for 3 days with $3.50 . What is great about Gigago’s Bulgaria eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $3.50$125.98 .

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.

VI. Where can you buy a Vivacom SIM card and eSIM?

where to buy vivacom sim cards esim

Finding a place selling Vivacom SIM cards or eSIMs is not too hard. Below are several suggested places.

1. Where to buy a Vivacom SIM for Bulgaria?

  • Vivacom stores – Located in major cities.
  • Major retailers – Find at big electronics stores like Technomarket, TechnoWorld, and Technopolis.
  • Airport kiosks – Vivacom SIMs are available at Sofia and Varna airports, right after passport control.

2. Where to buy Vivacom Bulgaria eSIM?

  • Online – Buy from Vivacom’s official web before traveling. The eSIM profile will be emailed to you.
  • Electronics stores – Find at major Technomarket and TechnoWorld stores in big cities.

VII. How to activate Vivacom SIM cards/eSIMs?

Setting up a new Vivacom SIM card or eSIM is simple and fast for tourists. Here’s how to do it:

1. How to use a Vivacom SIM Card?

  • Buy a Vivacom SIM card
  • Put the SIM card in
  • Turn on your device
  • Start the SIM card
  • Adjust APN settings (if needed)
  • Recharge or buy a plan

2. How to use Vivacom eSIM?

  • Make sure your device works with eSIM and Vivacom’s eSIM (check the list of compatible devices here).
  • Get an eSIM QR code from Vivacom.
  • Scan the QR code.
  • Confirm your eSIM info, agree to terms, and activate the eSIM.
  • After activating, your eSIM is ready.

VIII. FAQs about Vivacom SIM cards

What do I need to buy a Vivacom SIM Card?

You must have your passport to buy a Vivacom SIM Card in Oman. They’ll ask for your passport number to register it.

Can I have a Vivacom SIM Card sent to me?

Yes, you can have Vivacom SIM Cards sent to your place in Oman for a small extra charge through the Vivacom online shop or their customer service. They usually deliver within 1-2 business days.

Do Vivacom SIM top-ups expire?

The SIM card expires 396 days after the last top-up. Credit must be used within 60 days, or it will be forfeited.

IX. Conclusion

To sum up, getting and using Vivacom SIM Cards in Bulgaria is easy and provides a smooth connection for visitors. Whether you choose a regular SIM card or the modern eSIM technology, you can have easy access to Vivacom’s steady network, making sure you stay connected and can use the internet during your time in Bulgaria.