Always Drop the Leading 0
German area codes and mobile prefixes start with 0 when dialed domestically (e.g., 030 for Berlin, 089 for Munich). When calling from Bulgaria, you must drop this leading 0 and dial only the remaining digits after +49.
Quick Answer
From Bulgaria, dial 00 + 49 + area/mobile code (drop the leading 0) + local number. On a mobile phone you can use + instead of 00. Sayfone lets you call Germany for $0.68/min directly from your browser.
$0.68
Per minute
+49
Country code
HD
Call quality
Landline rate
$0.68/min
Mobile rate
$0.68/min
Same per-minute Sayfone rate for landline and mobile.
Average call quality
With approximately 440,000 Bulgarians living in Germany, this is one of the busiest calling corridors in the EU. Whether you're coordinating remittances, keeping in touch with family, or managing cross-border business, getting the dialing format right makes all the difference.
Steps at a glance
Sources
Supports country code +49 assignment
Supports area code and numbering plan details
DIALING GUIDE
Follow these steps to dial any German landline or mobile number from Bulgaria. The process is the same whether you're calling from a Bulgarian mobile phone or a landline.
Start by dialing 00, which is Bulgaria's international exit code. This tells your carrier you are placing an international call. On a mobile phone, you can press and hold the 0 key to produce the + symbol, which works as a universal substitute for 00.
00 โฆ or + โฆ
After the exit code, dial 49 โ Germany's country code. This routes your call into the German telephone network.
00 49 โฆ or +49 โฆ
Enter the German area code for the city you are calling, or the mobile prefix. Important: drop the leading 0 that Germans use for domestic calls. For example, Berlin's domestic code is 030, but you dial just 30. German mobile numbers start with 015x, 016x, or 017x domestically โ drop the 0 and dial 15x, 16x, or 17x.
00 49 30 โฆ (Berlin landline) | 00 49 170 โฆ (mobile)
Finally, dial the subscriber's local number. German landline numbers vary in length (3โ8 digits depending on the city). Mobile numbers are typically 7โ8 digits after the mobile prefix. The full international number for a Berlin landline might be 12 digits total; a mobile number is usually 12โ13 digits.
00 49 30 1234 5678 (Berlin landline) | 00 49 170 1234567 (mobile)
Dialing format reference
+49
Use these patterns when entering a full international number to +49.
Mobile
+49 1XX XXXX XXXX
Landline
+49 [area code] [local number]
Major city area codes
Sources
Area code structure and trunk prefix details
Official regulator for German telephone numbering
KEY RULES
Germany's open numbering plan can catch first-time callers off guard. Keep these rules in mind to ensure your call connects on the first try.
German area codes and mobile prefixes start with 0 when dialed domestically (e.g., 030 for Berlin, 089 for Munich). When calling from Bulgaria, you must drop this leading 0 and dial only the remaining digits after +49.
Germany has over 5,200 area codes ranging from 2 to 5 digits. The four largest cities (Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Munich) have 2-digit codes, while smaller towns may have 4- or 5-digit codes. The total number length (area code + subscriber number) can reach up to 11 digits after +49.
German mobile numbers use network prefixes (015x, 016x, 017x) instead of geographic area codes. Due to mobile number portability since 2002, the prefix no longer reliably indicates the carrier.
German toll-free numbers (0800) and premium-rate numbers (0900) are generally not accessible from outside Germany. If you need to reach a German business, look for their standard geographic or mobile number instead.
Store German contacts in the international +49 format (e.g., +49 30 1234 5678). This format works automatically whether you're dialing from Bulgaria, roaming in another country, or calling domestically within Germany.
TIMING & TIPS
Bulgaria is 1 hour ahead of Germany (EET vs. CET). This small time difference makes scheduling calls easy, but it's still worth planning around German business hours and social norms.
Time Difference
+1 hour in Bulgaria
Bulgaria (EET/EEST) is 1 hour ahead of Germany (CET/CEST)
Best Window for Personal Calls
19:00โ22:00 BG time
18:00โ21:00 in Germany โ after work, before bedtime
Business Hours
10:00โ18:00 BG time
09:00โ17:00 in Germany โ standard office hours
Sources
Time zone difference between Bulgaria (EET) and Germany (CET)
TROUBLESHOOTING
If your call to Germany isn't connecting, check these common pitfalls before trying again.
The most common mistake. German numbers shown domestically as 030โฆ or 089โฆ need the leading 0 removed when dialing internationally. Dial +49 30โฆ or +49 89โฆ instead.
Double-check that you dialed 00 (or +) before 49. Without Bulgaria's exit code, your call stays in the domestic network and will fail or reach a wrong number.
German 0800 numbers are typically only reachable from within Germany. Look for the business's standard geographic number (starting with a city area code) or their mobile contact line.
Some Bulgarian prepaid SIM plans restrict outbound international calls by default. Contact your carrier to verify international dialing is active on your line, or use a browser-based service like Sayfone that works over any internet connection.
German phone numbers have variable lengths โ landline subscriber numbers range from 3 to 8 digits, and area codes from 2 to 5 digits. A complete international number (after +49) is typically 10โ11 digits. If it seems too short or long, verify the number with the recipient.
Savings
Adjust the tools below to compare Sayfone with typical retail pricing for calls to Germany. Start with one call, then layer on monthly volume to see the bigger picture.
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Set duration and country. See Sayfone vs. an illustrative retail rate for the same call.
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220
min / month
~$33.32/min
~$25.16/min
~$14.96/min
~$3.40/min
$0.680/min
Annual saving vs. AT&T
Based on 220 min/month
Before you go
Open the full Bulgaria to Germany guide, check rates, or browse other how-to guides from Bulgaria.
Bulgaria to Germany calling guide
Per-minute rates, savings calculator, and what to expect on this route.
What it costs to call Germany
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Route guides from Bulgaria
FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about dialing Germany from Bulgaria, including codes, costs, and timing.
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