Bulgaria flag BG

How to Call Bulgaria from the United States

Country code +359 — Dial 011 359 43 XXX XXX from a US landline or +359 43 XXX XXX from a mobile phone.

+359
Bulgaria Country Code

What to Dial

  1. 1Dial 011 from a US landline, or + from a mobile (hold the 0 key).
  2. 2Dial 359, the country code of Bulgaria.
  3. 3Dial the number: 8 or 9 digits for mobiles and 6 to 8 for landlines, without the leading 0 used for calls inside Bulgaria.
Calling a… Written in Bulgaria From a US landline From a cell phone
Mobile 043 XXX XXX 011 359 43 XXX XXX +359 43 XXX XXX
Landline (Sofia) 02 XXX XXX 011 359 2 XXX XXX +359 2 XXX XXX

X stands for any digit. Mobile numbers start with 043, 087–089 or 098–099. More number types: Bulgaria phone number format.

Mobile or Landline?

Bulgaria had 118 mobile subscriptions and 8.2 landlines per 100 people in 2024. Most people you call will be on a mobile, so ask for their mobile number and check what your plan charges for calls to Bulgaria mobiles.

Source: World Bank (ITU).

Calling Tips for Bulgaria

Best Time to Call

To reach someone between 9 AM and 8 PM in Sofia, call between 2:00 AM–1:00 PM EST (11:00 PM–10:00 AM PST). Bulgaria changes its clocks for daylight saving time.

Bulgaria is on UTC+2, 7 hours ahead of US Eastern Time right now.

Cost Saving Tips

  • VoIP services such as Google Voice or Vonage usually charge less per minute than a carrier's standard international rate.
  • WiFi calling apps (WhatsApp, Viber, FaceTime) are free when both parties have the app.
  • Check your carrier's international plan — many offer add-on packages.

Time Difference

US Eastern (EST)
--:--
UTC-5
+7h
Bulgaria
--:--
UTC+2

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I call Bulgaria from the US?
From a US landline, dial 011, then 359, then the number without its leading 0: 011 359 43 XXX XXX for a mobile. From a cell phone, dial +359 43 XXX XXX.
Do I dial the 0 when calling Bulgaria from abroad?
No. The leading 0 is only for calls inside Bulgaria. A number written 043 XXX XXX at home is dialed +359 43 XXX XXX from abroad.
How many digits is a phone number in Bulgaria?
8 or 9 digits for mobiles and 6 to 8 for landlines after the country code +359. Mobile numbers start with 043, 087–089 or 098–099 when written with the leading 0.
What time should I call Bulgaria from the US?
Bulgaria is 7 hours ahead of New York (UTC+2 in Sofia). To reach someone between 9 AM and 8 PM there, call between 2:00 AM–1:00 PM EST, or 11:00 PM–10:00 AM PST on the West Coast. Bulgaria uses daylight saving time, so the difference changes during the year.
How do people in Bulgaria call the US?
They dial the exit code 00, then 1 and the 10-digit US number: 00 1 XXX XXX XXXX, or +1 from a mobile.
How much does it cost to call Bulgaria?
It depends on your plan: many US plans charge per minute for international calls, and calls to Bulgaria mobiles often cost more than calls to landlines. Internet calling apps are free when both people have the same app.
Bulgaria Quick Info
Country Code +359
ISO Code BG
Capital Sofia
Time Zone UTC+2
Exit Code (US) 011
Nearby Countries