Connecting with friends or business partners across borders is vital. You might need to reach a family member in Sofia. Perhaps you are negotiating a deal in Plovdiv. Knowing how to call Bulgaria from Italy ensures your message gets through.

International calling has challenges like complex codes and high costs. However, modern services make international calls Italy Bulgaria straightforward. You can check general dialing rules on sites like CountryCode.org for basic data. We will break down the specific steps you need here.

This guide simplifies the entire process for you. You will learn the exact dialing sequences. We also cover the best times to call. Additionally, we explore cost-saving tools like Telfon.

The Basics of International Dialing

Every international call requires a specific digital “handshake.” You must signal the network that you are calling abroad. This prevents the call from routing locally within Italy.

First, you need the exit code. This code opens the line for international traffic. Next, you need the destination country code. This directs the call to the specific nation. Finally, you need the specific number.

Understanding the Country Code (359)

Every country has a unique digital identifier. For Bulgaria, this code is “359.” You must dial this immediately after the exit code. Without it, your carrier will not know which country to target. It is the most critical part of the sequence.

Italy’s Exit Code (00)

You must dial out of the Italian network first. The standard exit code for Italy is “00.” You dial this before anything else on a landline. It tells the system the following numbers are international.

Calling Bulgaria from an Italian Landline

Using a traditional landline follows a strict pattern. You cannot skip any numbers in the sequence. Precision is key for landline connections.

Follow these steps for a successful connection.

Step 1: Dial the Exit Code

Pick up the receiver and listen for the dial tone. Dial “00” first. This initiates the international call from Italy.

Step 2: Enter the Country Code

Punch in “359.” This routes your call specifically to the Bulgarian telecom network.

Step 3: Dial the Area Code

Enter the city code for your contact. For example, Sofia is “2.” Plovdiv uses “32.”

Step 4: Enter the Local Number

Dial the subscriber’s personal phone number. This connects you to the specific home or office.

Example Landline Call Structure

Imagine calling a number in Sofia (123 4567).

Total Dialed Number: 00 359 2 123 4567

Calling Bulgaria from an Italian Mobile Phone

Mobile phones offer a smarter way to dial. You do not always need the “00” exit code. Smartphones recognize universal symbols for international dialing.

This method works for almost all modern mobile carriers. It is faster and reduces dialing errors.

Step 1: Use the Plus Sign (+)

Press and hold the “0” key on your keypad. A “+” sign will appear on the screen. This symbol replaces the “00” exit code entirely.

Step 2: Add the Country Code

Type “359” immediately after the plus sign.

Step 3: Enter the Full Number

Input the area code followed by the local number. Do not pause between these sets of digits.

Example Mobile Call

Let’s say you are calling a mobile in Plovdiv.

• Dial: +359

• Add Area/Mobile Code: 32 (or mobile prefix)

• Add Number: 987 6543

• Final Sequence: +359 32 987 6543

This format is universally recognized. You should save contacts in your phone this way. It works even when you are roaming.

Essential Bulgarian Area Codes

Your call cannot connect without the correct routing. Landlines in Bulgaria are tied to geographic locations. You must know the city code.

If you dial without it, the call fails. Mobile numbers use network prefixes instead of city codes. However, you treat them similarly in the dialing sequence.

Common City Codes

• Sofia: 2

• Plovdiv: 32

• Varna: 52

• Burgas: 56

• Ruse: 82

Mobile Network Prefixes

Mobile numbers often start with 87, 88, or 89. These prefixes identify carriers like A1 or Yettel. You dial these after the country code (359).

Understanding the Phone Number Format

Bulgarian numbers have a specific structure. Recognizing this helps you spot errors before dialing. A typical number varies in length.

Landlines in Sofia usually have seven digits. Numbers in smaller towns might have six. Mobile numbers typically have nine digits including the prefix.

Visualizing the Structure

Think of the number as blocks of data.

• Block 1: Exit (+ or 00)

• Block 2: Destination (359)

• Block 3: Region (Area Code)

• Block 4: Subscriber (Local Number)

Always double-check the length of the number. If it seems too short, you might be missing the area code.

Timing Your Call: Italy vs. Bulgaria

Time zones impact the success of your call. You do not want to wake someone up. You also want to catch businesses while they are open.

Bulgaria is in the Eastern European Time (EET) zone. Italy is in the Central European Time (CET) zone.

The Time Difference

Bulgaria is one hour ahead of Italy.

• If it is 12:00 PM in Rome, it is 1:00 PM in Sofia.

• If it is 9:00 AM in Milan, it is 10:00 AM in Varna.

Best Times for Business Calls

Call between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM Italian time. This aligns with 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM in Bulgaria. Avoid calling during lunch hours (usually 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM locally).

Best Times for Personal Calls

Evenings are generally safe. Calling between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM Italian time works well. This is 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM in Bulgaria.

The Cost Factor: Traditional vs. Modern Methods

International calls can be expensive. Traditional carriers often charge high per-minute rates. These costs accumulate quickly during long conversations.

You must be aware of your carrier’s specific plan. Many charge a connection fee plus the rate per minute.

Traditional Carrier Costs

• Landlines: High rates without a specific international package.

• Mobile Roaming: Extremely expensive if you are traveling.

• Hidden Fees: Connection charges often apply per call.

The VoIP Advantage

Voice over IP (VoIP) bypasses traditional phone lines. It uses the internet to transmit voice data. This drastically lowers the cost.

Why Use Virtual Numbers?

Services like Telfon allow you to buy a virtual number. This number exists in the cloud. You can call Bulgaria as if you were local. This eliminates long-distance premiums.

Why Choose a Virtual Number with Telfon?

Telfon transforms how you communicate globally. It is not just a calling app. It is a complete cloud telephony solution.

You can save up to 50% compared to traditional providers. Telfon serves over 30,000 users globally. It is trusted by 600+ companies.

Local Presence

You can purchase a Bulgarian virtual number. When you call clients in Bulgaria, they see a local number. This increases trust and pick-up rates.

Cost Efficiency

Telfon uses a pay-as-you-go model. You only pay for what you use. There are no hidden hardware costs. This is ideal for budget-conscious users.

Flexibility

You can use Telfon from anywhere. It works on Google Play, the App Store, and Chrome. You are not tied to a desk or a specific SIM card.

Key Features of Telfon for Business

Telfon offers features that go beyond simple voice calls. These tools are essential for modern business efficiency. They streamline operations for sales and support teams.

Comprehensive Communication Tools

• Call Recording: Review calls for quality assurance.

• SMS Capabilities: Send and receive text messages easily.

• Multi-Country Numbers: Hold numbers for Italy and Bulgaria simultaneously.

• WhatsApp Integration: Manage multiple WhatsApp accounts in one place.

Advanced Business Analytics

Telfon provides deep insights for managers. You can view user analytics through graphs and charts. You can track call history and assign budgets to users.

Automation and Management

• Voicemail to Text: Read your voicemails instantly.

• Broadcasting: Send bulk SMS for marketing campaigns.

• Call Forwarding: Never miss a call by routing it to your mobile.

Common Reasons for Calling Bulgaria

The bond between Italy and Bulgaria is strong. Traffic between the two nations is increasing. This drives the need for reliable communication channels.

Business Expansion

Many Italian firms outsource to Bulgaria. The IT and customer support sectors are booming there. Frequent calls are necessary for project management.

Tourism and Travel

Bulgaria is a popular destination. Italians call to book ski resorts in Bansko. They also coordinate summer trips to the Black Sea coast.

Family Connections

Expats and students move between the countries. Staying in touch with family is a priority. Reliable calling services keep these relationships alive.

Real Estate Investment

Italians often invest in Bulgarian property. Managing these assets requires constant contact. You need to speak with agents and lawyers regularly.

Troubleshooting Connection Issues

Sometimes international calls fail to connect. This can be frustrating. Usually, the issue is simple to fix.

Check the Format

Did you use the correct exit code? Did you include the area code? Missing a single digit breaks the connection.

Verify the Number

Ensure the number is active. Numbers in Bulgaria change occasionally. Confirm with your contact via email if calls fail.

Check Your Plan

Does your carrier allow international dialing? Some plans block outbound international calls by default. You may need to authorize this feature.

Internet Stability

If using an app like Telfon, check your Wi-Fi. A weak data signal causes poor audio quality. Switch to a stable network for clear calls.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Q1: What is the country code for Bulgaria?

The country code is 359. You must dial this after the exit code (00 or +).

Q2: How do I call a mobile in Bulgaria from Italy?

Dial +359, then the mobile prefix, then the subscriber number. You do not need to dial “0.”

Q3: Is calling Bulgaria expensive?

It can be with standard carriers. using a virtual number provider like Telfon significantly reduces costs.

Q4: Can I send SMS to Bulgaria via Telfon?

Yes. Telfon supports sending and receiving SMS. You can also send bulk broadcasts.

Q5: What is the time difference?

Bulgaria is one hour ahead of Italy. Plan your calls accordingly.

Q6: Can I have a Bulgarian number while living in Italy?

Yes. You can purchase a virtual Bulgarian number through Telfon. It works on your Italian device.

Q7: Do I need an internet connection for Telfon?

Yes. Telfon is a cloud-based system. It requires Wi-Fi or mobile data to function.

Q8: Can businesses use Telfon for teams?

Absolutely. Telfon offers user management, analytics, and budget assignment for teams.