How to Use the +359 Country Code: A Guide for SMBs and Startups

Whether you’re coordinating with a supplier in Sofia or supporting a development team in Plovdiv, understanding how to dial Bulgarian phone numbers correctly is key to smooth and reliable communication.

This quick guide covers everything you need to know about the 359 country code, number formatting standards, and how DialLink makes international calling simple and affordable for your small business.

What Is the 359 Country Code?

+359 is the country code for Bulgaria. It’s required when dialing any Bulgarian phone number from outside the country.

Here’s what that looks like:

• Country Code: +359
• Bulgaria Area Codes: Vary by city and region (e.g., 2 for Sofia, 32 for Plovdiv)
• Number Format: +359 XX XXX XXX or +359 X XXX XXXX

Common Pitfalls in International Number Formatting

Incorrect number formatting can cause delays or failed connections. Here are the most common mistakes when dealing with Bulgarian numbers:

• Using the local prefix (0) in international calls — it must be dropped when calling from abroad
• Omitting the +359 country code, especially in automated dialers or CRMs
• Saving numbers with inconsistent spacing or punctuation, which may break automation workflows
• Assuming area codes are uniform — area codes in Bulgaria vary in length depending on the region and type of service

To ensure accuracy and consistency, it’s best to use the E.164 format, which works across all major CRMs and communication systems.

Make International Calling Easy with DialLink

DialLink is an AI-powered cloud phone system built for startups and SMBs. Whether you’re calling clients in Eastern Europe or supporting a distributed team across time zones, DialLink helps you stay connected without the complexity or cost of traditional phone systems.

Why DialLink is ideal for international business communication:

• International calls – Make affordable international calls with no complex setup or hidden fees
• AI voice agents – Automate routine calls, like client support or booking inquiries
• Mobile, desktop, and desk phone support – Make calls anytime, from anywhere
• Professional call handling tools – Voicemail, call routing, transcripts, and more
• Business messaging – Send and receive messages from Bulgarian contacts

Common Bulgarian Number Format Examples

How to Read and Format Bulgarian Numbers

Bulgarian phone numbers typically include the following components:

• +359 — The international dialing code for Bulgaria
• Area Code — One to three digits, depending on the location or service
• Subscriber Number — Usually six to seven digits

When dialing internationally, you must omit the leading “0” from the area code. For example, a number written locally as 088 123 4567 becomes +359 88 123 4567 when dialed from abroad.

Format Variations

• International Format (E.164): +359881234567 — used in contact management systems and CRMs for standardization.
• Local Format (in Bulgaria): 0881 234 567 — used when calling within the same area code domestically.
• Long-Distance Format (from the U.S. or Canada): 011 359 88 123 4567 — used for dialing from North America, where “011” is the international access code.
• International Dialing Format (from Europe/UK): 00 359 88 123 4567 — used when dialing from countries that use “00” as the international prefix (e.g., UK, Germany).

Best Practices for SMBs

• Always use full international format (+359 XX XXX XXXX) in your CRM, dialer, and communication tools 
• Avoid storing local numbers without the country code — this leads to dropped calls and misrouted messages 
• Use E.164 format to ensure compatibility across platforms and improve automation reliability