Traveling in Bulgaria is easy when it comes to charging devices, as the country uses the most common plug type that is used across the continent of Europe. However, you’ll need to know what converter or adapter you need for Bulgaria to ensure that your electric devices can be charged while you’re here. One of the top considerations we have when traveling is to ensure that we can charge our devices. (and we have a lot!), and that it’s going to be safe to charge them too. So here’s all you need to know about Bulgaria power adapters. I’ll cover the plug adapters for Bulgaria, whether you need an adapter for Bulgaria and Bulgarian electric adapter requirements too.
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Electricity supply around the world is different, with voltages ranging from 100 volts to 240 volts, and devices and appliances are rated at different voltage levels (there’s always a label that says what they are if you have a relatively recent product). Add to that the fact that electric sockets and plugs are also different around the world. Our hometown these days is Bansko, Bulgaria, but many of our devices are from the UK, so this is really important to us!
There’s no need to try and describe the plug or socket, there is an international naming convention, with plugs and sockets named using letters of the alphabet, from A to N. Although if you want to describe it, it’s the “two fat round prongs” plug. And the two round holes socket.
What’s the Electricity Supply like in Bulgaria?
In Bulgaria, the electricity supply is 230 volts. That’s standard across Europe.
The voltage in Bulgaria is different from North America, which is 120 volts. Bulgaria’s voltage is the same as the rest of Central Europe, which is 230 volts. The United Kingdom operates at 230 volts. Australia operates at 220 -240 volts. New Zealand operates at 230-240 volts.
This SK Ross travel adapter supports Bulgaria and another 204 countries. This fabulous world piece of kit covers you regardless of the plug type you’re using and whatever socket you need to plug into. It does NOT however convert the voltage.
Voltage converters are heavy and expensive and you really shouldn’t be taking them on holiday. If your device is rated for a different voltage than that of Bulgaria, then it’s only usually an issue with something like a hairdryer (and your hotel will generally have one of those).
You will be able to tell whether you need a voltage converter or a transformer by looking at the information noticed on your device. It’s like to say something like “INPUT: 110-240V”. So Bulgaria, at 230 Voltas is within this range. So you will just need a travel adapter for Bulgaria.
The Bulgaria Electrical Standards
- Electric socket type C or F (see the photos)
- Electric plug type C or E
- Voltage 230 volts
- Frequency 50Hz
In Bulgaria, we use Type C and Type F sockets and plugs.
The Type C plug is the most commonly used plug and socket across Europe. It’s got two round prongs. The difference between a Type C and a Type F plug is that the Type F plug has two earth clips on the side. You can see this in the photos.
What does it mean that the voltage is different in Bulgaria from my home?
All electric devices are rated to be used for specific voltages. But they’re usually actually rated for a range, like, “Voltage 100 volts to 240 volts”. You should find this on a label on your devices.
What this means is that if the usable voltage range on your device is different from where you’ll be plugging it in, then you usually need to use a converter to safely use it. The main issue with voltage is with heating devices, such as hair dryers, curling irons, and hair irons.
If you’re concerned, then you can check the label on it, which will indicate a published safe operating limit.
What types of plugs are used in Bulgaria?
Two different types of plugs are used in Bulgaria. Type C and Type F. They look very similar. And we come across both types C and F and both types of sockets here in Bulgaria. However, most of our devices were bought in the UK. And our SK Ross adapter has been invaluable.
Plug Type C has two round pins. A Type C plug looks like this and a Type C socket looks like this.
Plug Type F has two round pins. It also has earthing clips on the side. A Type F plug looks like this and a Type F socket looks like this. We have Type F sockets in our apartment in Bansko.
You can also use a Type E plug in either a Type C or Type F socket. Here’s what a Type E plug looks like. You won’t find a Type E socket in Bulgaria, (they’re mainly used in France, Belgium, and Slovakia) but the plug will work here.
What types of sockets are used in Bulgaria?
You will both of these types of sockets in Bulgaria for electricity. You can use Type C, Type E, and Type F plugs in these sockets.
Does Bulgaria use the same plug as the USA?
No. Bulgarian sockets and plugs are different from those in the USA. Unless you have an adapter your American devices will NOT fit in a Bulgarian electric socket.
Do you need a voltage converter in Bulgaria?
Probably not. Most devices that we use daily are dual voltage rated – from between 110-240 voltages but always check the appliance label. If you’re anything like us, then you’re probably traveling with a phone, a camera, an ebook, or perhaps a laptop and you’ll simply use a plug adapter.
What type of plugs are needed in Bulgaria?
You’ll find several types of sockets (and plugs) in Bulgaria. You will find a mix of plug types C, and F and you can also use a Type E plug here.
What is the recommended plug adapter for Bulgaria?
A recommended power adapter for Bulgaria will ensure that your plug then fits into the sockets in Bulgaria. We’ve used SK Ross devices around the world for more than 9 years now, and this power adapter has covered us in all the 110 countries, that we’ve traveled to, including Bulgaria.
Read our other guides to what plug adapters you’ll need when traveling
- Bulgarian Plug Adapters
- Costa Rica Plug Adapter
- Plug Adapter for Japan
- Colombia Plug Adapter
- Sri Lanka Plug Adapter
Bulgaria Trip Planning Essentials
- Get great value, and easy travel insurance for Bulgaria with Civitatis
- Install a VPN BEFORE you travel to Bulgaria > discount coupon here
- Arrange your airport transfer in Bulgaria with Welcome Pickups.
- Make sure you can charge your electronics – here’s our guide to plug adapters in Bulgaria
- Top Attractions in Bulgaria to PREBOOK
- Visit Rila Monastery + Boyana Church
- Explore Veliko Tarnovo – Bulgaria’s Original Capital City
- Go wine tasting in Melnik – Bulgaria’s wine capital
- Take a FREE Walking Tour in Sofia
- Explore Buzludzha aka the UFO Monument
- Spend a day in GORGEOUS Plovidvi
- Book Buses + Transfers in Bulgaria with Bookaway
- Rent a Car in Bulgaria with Discover Cars
- Find the right accommodation for you via Booking.com
Final Words on Plug Adapters for Bulgaria
If you’re coming from Central Europe, then electricity is easy here in Bulgaria, your plugs will work, and the sockets are the same as at home. If you’re traveling to Bulgaria from the USA or the UK then you’ll need a Bulgarian plug adapter, simply so that your plug fits into the socket. You may be able to find an adapter in Bulgaria, but it’s highly unlikely, it’s best to bring one from home.
Stock images in this article are courtesy Deposit Photos.
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