If you’re ready to start planning a trip to Bulgaria, know that the country’s amenities are very similar to other European countries, including when it comes to electricity. Read on to learn what you need to know about the Bulgarian electrical system, its power outlets, and whether you’ll need to pack a voltage converter or a special US-to-Bulgaria power adapter for your vacation.
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US to Bulgaria Power Adapter: What Plug Do I Need? (2025)
Which power outlets do they use in Bulgaria?
The last thing you want after a long day of traveling to a new country is to settle into your room and prepare to charge up a device or two, only to find out that you’ve overlooked bringing a converter for the sockets. So, if you’re wondering if the power outlets in Bulgaria are the same as what you’re used to at home, you’re not alone.
The Bulgaria plug type is Type F, which is the same outlet as nearly all other European countries. The voltage for the standard Bulgarian electrical outlet is 230 V, while the standard frequency is 50 Hz. If you’re traveling from the United States, where outlets are 120 V –half of the voltage– with a 60 Hz frequency, be sure to pack adapters to fit Bulgaria’s sockets. You may even need a voltage converter for certain electronics.
What kind of power adapter do I need for Bulgaria?
Since normal U.S. charging cables won’t fit into the outlets in Bulgaria, you’ll need a converter or an adapter in order to juice up your electronics with the existing cords you have. Our favorite is this easy-to-use Universal Travel Adapter, which works in over 100 countries across the world and is, essentially, four travel adapters in one! It’s compatible with nearly all your basic regular-voltage devices (nothing high voltage, like blow dryers or kettles), and it’s never let us down on our travels. We love that it has a built-in fuse protector to defend against power surges, and comes backed by a lifetime replacement guarantee.
Other Bulgaria Packing List Items
In addition to your US-to-Bulgaria power adapter, these items will help you pack with intention and expand the possibilities of your getaway. Also, check out our Europe packing list for more inspiration and ideas.
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1. Neck Wallet & Passport Holder
Travel neck wallets have become somewhat of a second skin on our adventures. They not only provide the peace of mind of keeping our valuables well-concealed and secure when we’re on the go in new cities or countries but they’re built with a special RFID lining that protects against ever-prevalent e-theft. We use them to organize our important travel docs, credit cards, cash, passports, and more for long travel days when the jet lag sets in, and it can be worn under your shirt in areas prone to theft to mitigate petty theft.
![Neck-Wallet]()
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2. Packing Cubes
That we ever journeyed without packing cubes seems like a bit of an out-of-body memory to us now because they’re such a critical part of our travel kit! From organizing our undergarments and socks to keeping charging cables and electronics tidy – a set of quality storage cubes will turn your clan into organization pros! There’s no turning back once you cross over to the orderly side, and they even come with 2 bonus laundry bags to separate dirty items from clean ones.
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3. Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger
A charger that provides a lightning-fast 5000 mAh of power all while being small enough to fit in a pocket seems a bit too good to be true, but believe us: this charger is the real deal, which is why we don’t leave for our travels without it! It’s one of the best power-to-size battery banks on the market and provides a dependable charge for when you need it most. It’s been a lifesaver to use in emergencies when we really needed a phone after a long day of adventuring.
![Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger]()
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4. Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Don’t take your cybersecurity lightly these days. Trade.gov states that “around 57 percent of Bulgarian organizations were subject to cyberattacks once a day or once a month,” so don’t take your chances while in Bulgaria. Every time our phones and computers are on – and even when they’re not! – cyber threats are lurking. I learned this when my credit card number was stolen while in Europe on a public Wi-Fi network that I thought was safe.
With a trusted VPN service, spend less time worrying about if your online actions are safe, and more time planning your next outing. Your browsing becomes faster, smoother, and far more protected, and threats are neutralized before attackers can steal your data and harm your device. NordVPN also offers unlimited bandwidth for faster streaming and minimizes regional censorship since you have access to more than 6,000 servers in over 100 countries!
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5. Jet Lag Relief
We find that jet lag usually doesn’t kick in until a day or two after a long flight, but when it hits, it can hit hard! These plant-based jet lag relief pills have proven to be indispensable on long-haul travel. They don’t have the side effects of many other chemical-filled brands and ensure we can start our stay in a new state or country feeling fresh and ready to tackle our explorations. We never travel internationally without them!
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6. Travel Insurance for Bulgaria
Whether you’re traveling solo or with a family, unexpected mishaps can quickly turn a vacation upside down – sometimes, before it even begins! Know that your domestic provider does not cover you outside of domestic borders, and you will be on your own to foot international bills. This is where travel insurance comes in. It helps protect your pre-paid travel costs in case a trip doesn’t go as planned, which can save you up to thousands of dollars. It covers common issues like theft, baggage loss, flight delays, rental issues, cancellations, and most of all, costly medical expenses.
No one plans for these incidents to happen, but people get sick all the time and things can happen when far from home. We use Faye to protect our travel investments since it’s a 100% digital service that will protect you 24/7. It’s affordable and pays for itself if anything comes up. You won’t regret having it, but you may regret forgoing it!
![Travel Insurance for Bulgaria]()
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7. Windproof Travel Umbrella
The truth is, nothing keeps you dry quite like a high-quality umbrella. This super lightweight version from our go-to brand packs down compactly and covers two people. It’s perfect to keep in your daypack for any surprise downpours so you can keep adventuring.
![Windproof Travel Umbrella]()
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8. TSA-Approved Luggage Locks
Often, we can’t help a bizarre theft event from occurring. However, if there’s a small, effortless task we can do to give us that extra sense of security, we’re all for it. This luggage lock two-pack will probably run less than two airport coffees but will help protect hundreds of dollars worth of clothing and valuables in your luggage. The locks work really well for camera bags and backpacks too, so we tend to have extra on hand.
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9. Hanging Toiletry Bag
The bathrooms in Europe have a reputation for being puny! Keep yourself organized with this hanging toiletry bag so you’re not juggling bottles on the edge of the sink or scattering products all around the hotel room.
This one has 7 large pockets, 4 internal for larger bottles, makeup, and brushes, plus 3 external for items you need to easily access. It hangs virtually anywhere to create a pop-up storage system that you can access anywhere. We’re obsessed!
![hanging toiletry bag]()
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10. Quick-Dry Travel Towel
You never know if your accommodation will provide a thick towel or if it will be clean enough. You also don’t want to carry around big fluffy hotel towels to the Action Waterpark or Sunny Beach. This one is perfect for a poolside swim or dip in the famous hot springs since it’s light as a feather but dries 10x faster than cotton.
![Quick-Dry Travel Towel]()
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11. Packable “Just in Case” Bag
You’ll definitely do some shopping while in Bulgaria, like picking up handmade artwork, leather goods, woolen socks, lokum sweet treats, rakia liquor, and more! Use this packable “just in case” bag that serves as the perfect backup plan for overpacking. It’s duffle material so it weighs virtually nothing but then expands to hold your gifts and souvenirs (all while skipping right past the annoying carry-on fees since it counts as your personal item. Voila!)
![Packable “Just in Case” Bag]()
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12. Filtered Water Bottle
The water quality is decent in Bulgaria but I always aim to keep autonomy over my water supply. You never know if bottled water will be available for sale, and it can get costly or wasteful anyway. This Brita option is nice since Bulgarian water can upset your stomach, but this will gently purify your hydration while minimizing the taste of chlorine or other chemicals used to filter out toxins.
![Filtered Water Bottle]()
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13. Activated Charcoal
If any food poisoning does hinder your getaway, take these activated charcoal tablets immediately. They detoxify harmful pathogens before they can absorb into your stomach, so you want to take them when you feel a stomach ache coming on. They will spare you distress and wasted time in the bathroom when you should be enjoying your getaway!
![Activated Charcoal]()
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14. Mosquito-Repellent Wristbands
Bulgaria does have a risk of mosquitos and you want to mitigate all chances of West Nile Virus, Zika, or Dengue Fever. Use these mosquito-repellent wristbands to deter any pests and protect your loved ones from bites. They use natural essential oils like citronella and can be worn around ankles and wrists. They’re also safe for kids and reusable.
![Mosquito-Repellent Wristbands]()
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15. Wool Socks
It can get pretty chilly in Bulgaria, so we recommend wool socks since they’re thick, toasty, but also breathable and moisture-wicking. These are great for both men and women and prevent blisters for long days of walking around town.
![Wool Socks]()
What’s the electricity and power supply like in Bulgaria?
Bulgaria’s power sector and electricity infrastructure are secure and very well-developed, and travelers coming to explore the country won’t have trouble connecting to the power supply as long as they have a Travel Adapter in tow. The latest statistics show that nearly all (99.7%) of Bulgaria’s population has access to electricity. As mentioned above, the standard voltage for Bulgarian “F” power outlets is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Most of Bulgaria’s energy is generated from fossil fuels like coal, imported oil, and gas, and one-third of its electricity comes from two nuclear power reactors. Like many countries at the forefront of tackling the threats of climate change within Europe, Bulgaria is actively working toward decreasing its dependence on fossil fuels, and investing more in renewable energy from wind, hydro, solar, and biomass.
Do I need a voltage converter for Bulgaria?
Whether you need a voltage converter for Bulgaria mainly depends on what appliances you plan to use while there. While it’s always best to double-check the labels on your electronics and appliances, we’ve learned from experience that most modern-day gadgets- like laptops, cell phones, cameras, and e-readers do not need a converter because they have a universal input/output. A good baseline is that if a label on your device says “Input: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz,” you can have peace of mind that it can be used almost anywhere in the world, including Bulgaria, without a special voltage converter.
Other FAQs about traveling in Bulgaria
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1. When to travel to Bulgaria?
![When to travel to Bulgaria?]()
There is no wrong time to travel to Bulgaria, but it mainly depends on what kind of vacation you’re hoping for! To swim in the Black Sea and lounge at seaside resort beaches, summer is best. If skiing Bulgaria’s highest peaks in charming mountain towns is more your calling, naturally, winter is your best bet. Otherwise, Spring and Autumn months offer the most temperate weather, the best prices, and the least amount of crowds!
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2. What is the weather like in Bulgaria?
There are four distinct seasons in Bulgaria: hot, sun-soaked summers, wind-chilled winters, and the transitional Spring and Autumn seasons in between, which are generally pleasant and mild, with warm days and cool nights. Coastal regions tend to be warmer than high-elevation mountain regions.
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3. What are some must-see highlights of Bulgaria?
![What are some must-see highlights of Bulgaria?]()
Some of the top tourism activities in Bulgaria include visiting the world-famous monasteries, exploring medieval architecture and prehistoric archeological sites in ancient cities like Plovdiv or Veliko Tarnavo, or spending time in bustling Black Sea resort towns, like Burgas, Nesebar, and Varna.
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4. What kind of archaeological sites and ruins are there in Bulgaria?
History enthusiasts will delight in knowing there are over 40,000 historical sites in Bulgaria. Travelers to the country can visit Roman, Greek, Byzantine and Thracian ruins and archeological sites, the oldest of which date back to around 4500 BC!
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5. Is Bulgaria part of the European Union, and will I need a special visa to visit?
![Is Bulgaria part of the European Union, and will I need a special visa to visit?]()
Although Bulgaria still uses its regional currency, the Lev, the country is indeed part of the European Union and has been since 2007. It is not, however, part of the “Schengen Area” of Europe.
In terms of travel visas, Americans planning to visit Bulgaria for under 90 days do not need a special tourist visa to enter the country, just a valid passport.
About the Author
Asher Fergusson
Asher has been traveling the world since he left Australia to study in the USA in 2004. He received a Master’s in Business Administration degree in 2013. He has lived all over the globe including India, Europe, Hawaii, and mainland US. He enjoys researching the travel industry, loves being a dad, cooking & eating delicious food, photography (took many of our photos), surfing big waves on Maui, camping trips and walking barefoot on the earth.
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