Telecommunications in Bulgaria

Land Lines Only around 38% of the population in Bulgaria has a land based telephone line, although these figures are increasing drastically despite the quality of the phone service still being substandard. The call completion rate is still only a frustrating 45 %. Telephone lines are sometimes still insulated with paper and many areas are still using obsolete switching technology. Dialing Out The telecommunications system allows a direct dialing service to 58 countries, although it all can seem outdated by our standards: If you wish to dial to a country not within the list of 58, you will need to call through the operator by dialing 0123. If you are trying to make an international call from a private house, phone the telephone operator who will arrange the call and phone you back when the lines are available. Sometimes you may have to wait up to half an hour, especially if you are in a small or remote town. Major hotels and resorts, however, are normally equipped with a 'Betkom' direct dial service to Europe, Asia and Africa which has a digital display screen, and which operates with a phone card that can be purchased at any nearby kiosk. National and international phone calls, telegram and fax services are also offered by the Sofia Central Post Office and by post offices in every town in the country. Useful Numbers & Codes (In a table format) Bulgaria country code: 359 Bulgaria city codes: Burgas 56 Kardjali 361 Pazardjik 34 Plovdiv 32 Ruse 82 Sofia 2 Varna 52 0123 - operator for international calls (if no direct phone call is possible) 120 - wake up call 121 - operator for long-distance calls within the country 140 - to send telegrams 144 - telephone information for office phone numbers 145 - telephone information for home numbers 146 - Emergency Road Service 150 - Emergency Medical Aid 166 - Police/Road patrols 175 - weather forecast 180 - exact time ("speaking" clock) Airline offices in Sofia : Airline Address Telephone (++359 2) Aeroflot - 2 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd. 981-49-43, 980-00-67, fax: 873-998 Air France - 36 Al. Stamboliiski Blvd. 987-73-25 Al Italia - 40 Graf Ignatiev Str. 808-786, 808-601 Aua Austrian Airlines - 68 Knyaginya Str., Maria-Louisa Blvd 327-061, 327-057, fax: 334-003 British Airways - 56 Alabin Str. 981-70-00 CSA - 9 Suborna Str. 981-54-08 Lufthansa - 9 Suborna Str. 980-41-01, 980-41-41, fax: 981-29-11 Swissair - 66 Knyaginya Maria-Louisa Blvd 931-08-71, fax: 931-15-59 Turkish Airlines - 11A Suborna Str. 874-220, 883-596 Mobile Phones Due to the high growth rate of telephone subscribers and their unsatisfactory quality, Bulgaria has seen a rapid increase in the use of mobile phones. The cellular market in Bulgaria will grow further and much competition on the service side is expected. European suppliers dominate the equipment market, although handsets are also being supplied by Motorola. Internet You can get access to the Internet in many of the Internet cafes and clubs, which can be found at practically every bigger street. The normal price per hour is about 1 lev (