Connecting with friends, family, or business partners across the globe can feel like a big task. When you need to call Bulgaria from Australia, understanding the right steps and finding cost-effective solutions makes all the difference. This guide provides a clear, comprehensive walkthrough to ensure your calls go through smoothly, highlighting how services like Telfon make international communication easier and more affordable.

The distance between Australia and Bulgaria spans thousands of kilometres and several time zones. Whether you are reaching out to loved ones, managing business operations, or planning a trip, knowing the precise dialing format and best practices is essential. Let’s explore everything you need to know about international calling Australia to Bulgaria. You can also find more general information about international calling codes on resources like Wikipedia.

Understanding the Basics of International Calling

Making an international call involves a specific sequence of numbers. This sequence ensures your call leaves your country, reaches the correct destination country, and then connects to the specific phone line you intend to reach. For calling Bulgaria from Australia, you will always start with Australia’s international exit code, followed by Bulgaria’s country code, and then the local number.

The Essential Dialing Codes

Every country has unique codes that facilitate international calls. These codes act like digital addresses, guiding your call to the right place.

• Australia’s Exit Code (0011): This code tells your phone service that you are making an international call from Australia. You must dial this first.
• Bulgaria’s Country Code (359): This code directs your call specifically to Bulgaria. It always comes after the exit code.

How to Call Bulgaria from Australia: Step-by-Step

Calling Bulgaria involves a simple sequence, whether you are using a landline or a mobile phone. Following these steps ensures your call connects without issues.

Calling from a Landline

Using a traditional landline to call Bulgaria from Australia requires a specific dialing order. This method is reliable for many people.

1. Dial the International Exit Code: Start by dialing 0011. This number tells your Australian phone service you are making an international call.
2. Enter Bulgaria’s Country Code: Next, dial 359. This routes your call to Bulgaria.
3. Input the Area Code: Now, dial the specific area code for the city or region in Bulgaria you wish to call. (See the “Area Codes” section for examples.)
4. Dial the Local Phone Number: Finally, enter the local phone number. This number connects directly to the recipient’s phone.

Example Landline Call: To call a landline in Sofia (area code 2) with the number 1234 5678, you would dial: 0011 359 2 12345678.

Calling from a Mobile Phone

Calling Bulgaria from Australia app options or even a standard mobile phone also follows a clear process. Mobiles often offer a slightly different way to enter the international exit code.

1. Use the ‘+’ Symbol or Exit Code: On a mobile phone, you can dial + instead of 0011. The + symbol automatically replaces the international exit code from most mobile networks. Alternatively, you can still dial 0011.
2. Enter Bulgaria’s Country Code: Then, dial 359.
3. Input the Mobile Prefix or Area Code: If you are calling a Bulgarian mobile number, you will dial its specific mobile prefix (usually starting with 8 or 9). If you are calling a landline via mobile, use the area code.
4. Dial the Local Phone Number: Complete the sequence with the local phone number.

Example Mobile Call: To call a Bulgarian mobile number 8765 4321, you would dial: +359 87654321 or 0011 359 87654321.

What is the correct Australia to Bulgaria dialing code?

The correct dialing code sequence from Australia to Bulgaria is 0011 (Australia’s exit code) followed by 359 (Bulgaria’s country code).

Bulgarian Area Codes and Phone Number Format

Understanding the structure of Bulgarian phone numbers is vital for successful calls. Bulgaria uses both fixed-line (landline) and mobile phone numbers, each with its own characteristics.

Common Bulgarian Area Codes

Always confirm the specific area code for the destination you are calling to ensure accuracy. An incorrect area code will prevent your call from connecting.

Bulgarian Phone Number Format

Bulgarian phone numbers, when dialed internationally, typically follow a structure that includes the country code, an area code or mobile prefix, and then the local number.

• Landline Numbers: After the country code (359), landline numbers consist of a 1-2 digit area code followed by a 6-7 digit local number. For example, Sofia numbers are 8 digits long (2 + 7 digits), while other cities might be 7-8 digits in total (e.g., 32 + 6 digits).
• Mobile Numbers: Bulgarian mobile numbers start with the country code (359) followed by a 9-digit mobile number, which usually begins with an 8 or 9 (e.g., +359 8XXXXXXXXX). There is no separate “area code” for mobile numbers; the initial digits after the country code act as a mobile network prefix.

When you have the full Bulgarian number, ensure you write it down clearly, including all digits. This helps prevent dialing errors.

Best Time for Calling Bulgaria

Considering the time difference is crucial for a successful and respectful international call. Bulgaria observes Eastern European Time (EET), which is UTC+2, or Eastern European Summer Time (EEST), which is UTC+3 during daylight saving. Australia has multiple time zones, making careful planning even more important.

Understanding Time Differences

Australia spans three main time zones: Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST, UTC+10), Australian Central Standard Time (ACST, UTC+9:30), and Australian Western Standard Time (AWST, UTC+8).

During daylight saving periods, these differences will shift. For example, if Australia is in daylight saving and Bulgaria is in EEST (UTC+3), the difference will be one hour less.

What is the time difference between Australia and Bulgaria?

The time difference varies depending on your specific location in Australia. Generally, Australia is 6 to 8 hours ahead of Bulgaria, depending on the season and your Australian time zone.

Planning Your Call

To find the most suitable time, consider when the person you are calling in Bulgaria is likely to be awake and available.

• For Personal Calls: Aim to call during Bulgarian daytime hours. If you are in Sydney (AEST) and call at 5 PM, it will be 9 AM the same day in Bulgaria, which is a good time. If you call at 9 AM in Sydney, it will be 1 AM the next day in Bulgaria, which is too early.
• For Business Calls: Plan calls during standard Bulgarian business hours, which are typically Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM EET/EEST. For an AEST caller, this might mean calling in your late afternoon or evening. For example, 1 PM Bulgarian time (a good business hour) would be 9 PM AEST.

Always double-check the current time in Bulgaria using an online time converter before making an important call. This simple step can save you from inconveniently waking someone up or missing a crucial business window.

Cost of Calling Bulgaria from Australia

The cost of calling Bulgaria from Australia can vary significantly depending on the service you use. Traditional landline and mobile carriers often charge high international rates, while modern solutions provide much cheaper alternatives.

Traditional Calling Costs

When you call internationally using a standard landline or mobile plan from an Australian provider, you typically face per-minute charges. These charges can quickly add up, especially during longer conversations.

• Landline Providers: Major Australian telecom companies may offer international call packs, but without one, standard rates can range from AUD 0.50 to AUD 3.00 per minute, sometimes with additional connection fees.
• Mobile Providers: Mobile carriers also have varying international rates. Prepaid plans might offer slightly lower rates or international credit bundles, but exceeding these limits can become very expensive. Postpaid plans often have similar high per-minute charges if international calls are not part of your plan.

These traditional costs make frequent or long international calls unsustainable for many individuals and businesses. This is where services offering cheap calls Australia to Bulgaria become appealing.

Modern, Cost-Effective Alternatives

Digital communication solutions, like VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) apps and virtual phone services, have revolutionized international calling costs. They use the internet to connect calls, which drastically reduces expenses.

• VoIP Apps: Many apps allow you to call internationally at significantly lower rates or even for free if both parties use the same app and have an internet connection. However, quality can vary, and calling non-app users usually incurs a small per-minute charge.
• Virtual Phone Number Services: This is where services like Telfon excel. They offer dedicated virtual numbers and calling credit at highly competitive rates. These services bypass the traditional phone networks for the international leg of the call, passing the savings on to you.

How can I make cheap calls Australia to Bulgaria?

You can make cheap calls by using VoIP services, international calling apps, or dedicated virtual phone number providers like Telfon, which offer significantly lower per-minute rates compared to traditional phone carriers.

How Telfon Can Be Useful for Calling Bulgaria

Telfon is a leading virtual phone calling app designed to simplify and reduce the cost of international communication. For anyone looking to call Bulgaria from Australia, Telfon offers a range of features that make it an excellent choice.

Affordable and Clear International Calls

Telfon focuses on providing cheap calls Australia to Bulgaria without compromising on call quality. It uses advanced cloud telephony solutions and VoIP technology to connect calls over the internet. This approach allows Telfon to offer rates far lower than traditional carriers.

• Cost Savings: Users can save a substantial amount on their monthly phone bills. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who call frequently or businesses with international communication needs.
• Reliable Connection: Despite the low cost, Telfon ensures clear and stable call quality, making conversations smooth and enjoyable.

Getting a Virtual Phone Number Bulgaria

One of Telfon’s standout features is the ability to purchase a virtual phone number Bulgaria. This service offers tremendous advantages for both individuals and businesses.

• Local Presence: If you purchase a Bulgarian virtual number, people in Bulgaria can call you at local rates. This is especially helpful for businesses wanting to establish a local presence without a physical office.
• Ease of Contact: Your Bulgarian contacts can dial a local number, removing the need for them to remember international dialing codes or incur high international charges on their end.
• Multi-Country Numbers: Telfon allows you to manage multiple virtual numbers from different countries simultaneously. This means you can have a virtual Bulgarian number alongside others for various global contacts.

Advanced Features for Individuals and Businesses

Telfon is not just for making calls. It’s a comprehensive communication tool suitable for both B2C and B2B users.

• Call Recording: Important conversations can be recorded for future reference, training, or compliance.
• SMS & Broadcast Messages: Send and receive SMS messages, including bulk SMS for marketing or announcements. You can also send broadcast messages to multiple contacts at once.
• WhatsApp Integration: Integrate multiple WhatsApp accounts, streamlining communication on one of the world’s most popular messaging platforms.
• Voicemail & Voicemail to Text: Never miss a message. Voicemail allows callers to leave messages, and the voicemail-to-text feature transcribes them for easy reading.
• Call Forwarding: Forward incoming calls to any number, ensuring you are always reachable, no matter where you are.
• User Analytics (B2B): Businesses can monitor call activity, user performance, and overall communication patterns through detailed dashboards with cards, graphs, and charts.
• User Management (B2B): Manage users, assign budgets, and view call/SMS history user-wise, providing better control over team communication expenses.

For HR personnel, sales executives, traveling agencies, and any business needing to interact with clients or partners daily, Telfon offers robust tools to streamline operations and enhance global connectivity. It removes the complexities of traditional international dialing and replaces them with a user-friendly, feature-rich experience.

Why You Might Need to Call Bulgaria

There are many compelling reasons to reach out to contacts in Bulgaria from Australia. These reasons range from personal connections to professional engagements.

Connecting with Family and Friends

Many Australians have family or friends living in Bulgaria, whether they are Bulgarian expats in Australia or relatives back home. Regular communication helps maintain these important bonds.

• Staying in Touch: Sharing daily updates, celebrating milestones, and offering support across continents keeps relationships strong.
• Cultural Exchange: Learning about each other’s lives and cultures can enrich perspectives and strengthen connections.

For these personal calls, reliability and affordability are key. Telfon’s low rates make it easier to talk without worrying about the cost.

Business and Professional Engagements

Bulgaria offers a growing market and investment opportunities, especially within the European Union. Australian businesses might need to connect for various professional reasons.

• International Hiring: Many Australian companies hire talent globally. HR personnel often need to conduct interviews or communicate with candidates in Bulgaria. Telfon’s features like user analytics and call recording are great for this.
• Sales and Marketing: Businesses expanding into new markets, or dealing with international clients, need effective ways to reach out. Virtual phone number Bulgaria allows businesses to establish a local presence, making clients feel more comfortable.
• Customer Support: Providing support to Bulgarian customers requires easy, accessible communication channels. Telfon’s global reach and call management features assist customer service teams.
• Partnerships and Investments: Discussing potential collaborations, managing projects, or exploring investment opportunities in Bulgaria requires clear and consistent communication.

Travel and Tourism

Whether you are planning a trip to Bulgaria or have just returned, you might need to make calls for travel-related purposes.

• Booking Accommodations: Confirming hotel reservations, arranging transport, or seeking information from local tour operators.
• Emergency Contact: Having a reliable way to call within Bulgaria or back to Australia for emergencies.
• Staying Informed: Contacting friends or family who are currently traveling in Bulgaria.

No matter your reason, having a dependable and economical way to call Bulgaria from Australia is a significant advantage. Telfon provides this reliable platform, ensuring your international calls are clear, convenient, and cost-effective.

Tips for a Smooth International Call

Making an international call, especially for the first time, can feel a little daunting. However, with a few helpful tips, your experience can be much smoother.

• Double-Check the Number: Before you dial, carefully review the entire phone number, including the exit code, country code, area code (if applicable), and local number. A single incorrect digit can lead to a failed call.
• Verify Time Zones: Always confirm the current time in Bulgaria to avoid calling at inconvenient hours. Use an online time zone converter tool.
• Prepare Your Questions/Points: For business or important personal calls, it helps to have a brief outline of what you want to discuss. This keeps the conversation focused and efficient.
• Ensure Good Internet Connection (for VoIP): If you are using a VoIP service like Telfon, a stable and fast internet connection is crucial for optimal call quality. Wi-Fi is generally better than mobile data for international calls.
• Be Aware of Public Holidays: Bulgaria observes various public holidays. Avoid making business calls on these days, as offices may be closed.

Troubleshooting Common Calling Issues

Even with the best preparation, you might encounter issues when trying to call Bulgaria from Australia. Here are some common problems and their potential solutions:

• “Number not recognised” or “Incorrect number”:

Solution: Carefully re-enter the entire dialing sequence. Make sure you have the correct international exit code (0011 or ‘+’), Bulgaria’s country code (359), and the correct area code or mobile prefix, followed by the local number.

• Call doesn’t connect or goes straight to voicemail:

Solution: The person you are calling might be unavailable, busy, or their phone might be off. Check the time difference again to ensure you are calling at an appropriate hour. If using VoIP, check your internet connection.

• Poor call quality (static, dropped calls, echo):

Solution: This is often an internet connection issue with VoIP services. Try moving to an area with stronger Wi-Fi, restarting your router, or closing other bandwidth-intensive applications. If using a traditional phone, line issues can occur; try again later.

• Unexpected high charges:

Solution: Review your phone plan’s international calling rates or check your Telfon credit usage. If using a traditional carrier, you might have exceeded your plan’s international allowance. Always opt for services like Telfon for transparent and low costs.

• Cannot dial the ‘+’ symbol on a landline:

Solution: Landlines do not support the + symbol. You must use 0011 as the international exit code when calling from a landline.

If you continue to experience problems, contact your service provider (or Telfon support if you are using their app) for assistance. They can provide specific guidance based on your account and location.

Summary

Calling Bulgaria from Australia is straightforward once you understand the correct dialing sequence and best practices. Always remember to dial Australia’s exit code (0011 or ‘+’), followed by Bulgaria’s country code (359), and then the specific area code and local number. Careful consideration of the significant time difference ensures your calls connect at appropriate times.

While traditional phone services can incur high costs for international calling Australia to Bulgaria, modern solutions like Telfon offer a significantly more affordable and feature-rich alternative. With Telfon, you can enjoy cheap calls Australia to Bulgaria, acquire a virtual phone number Bulgaria for a local presence, and leverage advanced features like call recording, SMS, and WhatsApp integration for both personal and business communication. Whether you are connecting with family, managing international business, or planning your next trip, Telfon provides the tools for seamless global communication.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are answers to common questions about calling Bulgaria from Australia:

Q1: What is the international dialing code for Bulgaria from Australia?

A1: The complete dialing sequence is: 0011 (Australia’s exit code) + 359 (Bulgaria’s country code) + Area Code (if calling a landline) + Local Number. On a mobile, you can often use +359 instead of 0011 359.

Q2: What is the time difference between Sydney and Sofia?

A2: During standard time, Sydney (AEST, UTC+10) is 8 hours ahead of Sofia (EET, UTC+2). So, if it’s 5 PM in Sydney, it’s 9 AM in Sofia on the same day. This can shift by an hour during daylight saving periods.

Q3: Can I call Bulgarian mobile numbers from Australia?

A3: Yes, you can. The format is typically 0011 359 (or +359) followed by the 9-digit Bulgarian mobile number.

Q4: How can I make cheap calls to Bulgaria from Australia?

A4: Use a virtual phone number service or a VoIP calling app like Telfon. These services offer significantly lower per-minute rates compared to traditional phone carriers by routing calls over the internet.

Q5: Do I need an area code if I am calling a mobile number in Bulgaria?

A5: No, you do not need a separate area code for Bulgarian mobile numbers. After the country code (359), you dial the 9-digit mobile number directly.

Q6: What is a virtual phone number, and how does Telfon provide one for Bulgaria?

A6: A virtual phone number is a phone number that isn’t tied to a physical phone line. Telfon allows you to purchase a virtual phone number Bulgaria, which lets people in Bulgaria call you at a local rate, enhancing your local presence without needing a physical address there.

Q7: Is it possible to send SMS to Bulgaria from Australia?

A7: Yes, most mobile providers allow international SMS. Services like Telfon also offer SMS capabilities, including bulk SMS and broadcast messages, often at lower rates.

Q8: What if my call to Bulgaria isn’t connecting?

A8: Double-check the entire number for any mistakes. Ensure you are calling at a reasonable time in Bulgaria. If using an app, check your internet connection. If issues persist, contact your service provider or Telfon support.

Q9: Can businesses use Telfon for calling Bulgaria?

A9: Absolutely. Telfon offers specific B2B features like user analytics, user management, call recording, and multi-country number management, making it ideal for international hiring, sales, customer support, and other business needs.

Q10: Does Telfon support WhatsApp integration for calling Bulgaria?

A10: Yes, Telfon provides WhatsApp integration, including the ability to manage multiple WhatsApp accounts, which is very useful for businesses and individuals communicating internationally.