6 Must-Have Apps to Install Before Visiting Sofia [in 2026]

Visiting Sofia? Or just about anywhere else in Bulgaria?

Let me save you the headache - install these 6 apps before landing.

It’ll make your trip smoother & more enjoyable.

[photo of something bulgarian]

#1. Taxi Apps: Getting Around Without Uber

There’s no Uber in Sofia, and a ton of taxis you see on the streets are tourist scams.

Want to get around the city safely?

TaxiMe is my go-to recommendation. The app connects you with licensed drivers who arrive within minutes, with rates around €0.55-0.62 per kilometer during the day. You can book with just two clicks without needing to register, and the app shows you exactly where your driver is in real-time. They offer different service levels: Standard for everyday rides, Comfort for newer vehicles, Luggage for airport trips, and Green options with electric cars.

Yellow Taxi is another solid choice, especially if you're flying into Sofia. They're the official taxi operator for Sofia Airport, operating since 1998 with over 1,300 taxis. The app accepts card payments and Apple Pay, which is convenient if you haven't exchanged cash yet.

For those wanting a premium experience, Volt is Sofia's luxury option. All their vehicles are brand-new BMW and Mercedes, with uniformed drivers who speak English. They offer complimentary water, magazines, free Wi-Fi, and phone chargers. Yes, it costs more, but when you're arriving late at night or have important meetings, it's worth it.

Quick tips:

• Download TaxiMe or Yellow Taxi before you land

• Avoid street taxis without apps to prevent scams

[Photo spot: TaxiMe app interface screenshot] Alt text: TaxiMe app screen

#2. Travel-Friendly Banking: Revolut or Wise

Using your regular bank card abroad is expensive. International transaction fees, poor exchange rates, and ATM charges add up fast. That's why I always tell visitors to get a travel-friendly banking app before they arrive in Sofia.

Revolut and Wise are both excellent choices. They give you the real exchange rate (the one you see on Google, not the inflated tourist rate), and you can hold Bulgarian Lev directly in the app. Both offer physical cards that work everywhere in Sofia, plus some free ATM withdrawals each month.

Most places in Sofia accept cards these days, but it's smart to carry some cash for smaller cafes, markets, and tips. With Revolut or Wise, you can withdraw cash at any ATM without getting ripped off by terrible exchange rates.

Why you need this:

• Save 3-5% on every transaction compared to regular banks

• Get real exchange rates, not tourist rates

• Free ATM withdrawals (within monthly limits)

• Instant spending notifications

• Freeze your card instantly if it's lost

Quick comparison:

• Revolut: Better for frequent travelers, more features, multiple account tiers

• Wise: Simpler interface, great for holding multiple currencies, transparent fees

[Photo spot: Contactless payment at Sofia cafe] Alt text: Card payment Sofia

#3. eSIM App: Stay Connected from Landing

Get an eSIM before you land - no airport queues, no sketchy phone shops. Download, scan a QR code, and you're online the moment you arrive.

Airalo is my go-to for most travelers. $7.50 gets you 5GB for 30 days—plenty for maps, WhatsApp, and Instagram. Simple setup, solid coverage on Telenor's network.

Holafly works better for heavy users. Unlimited data starts at $19 for 5 days. Great if you're working remotely or constantly on video calls, but you can't share data via hotspot.

Pro tip: Install your eSIM at home on Wi-Fi to test it before departure.

[Photo spot: Smartphone with eSIM QR code and Sofia in background] Alt text: eSIM setup Sofia

#4. Food Delivery: Bringing Sofia to Your Door

Whether you're jet-lagged after a long flight or just want to stay in and try local restaurants, Sofia's food delivery scene has you covered. As a foodie who's tested every delivery platform in the city, I can tell you which apps actually work.

Glovo is the undisputed king of food delivery in Sofia. With thousands of restaurants available - from local Bulgarian spots to international chains - you can order pretty much anything. What I love is that it's not just food: you can also order groceries, pharmacy items, and even flowers. The app works in English, tracks your courier in real-time, and accepts card payments, Google Pay, and Apple Pay.

Wolt launched in Sofia in 2025 and quickly became my favorite for quality and reliability. The interface is clean, delivery times are accurate (usually within 30 minutes), and they partner with great restaurants. If you're ordering frequently, Wolt+ subscription gives you free delivery and discounts. Payment is card-only, which is actually a plus - no fumbling for cash.

Pro tips:

• Most restaurants are available 9:00-23:00

• Both apps work perfectly in English

• Download offline menus if your data is limited

• Card payment is standard - cash is rarely needed

[Photo spot: Food delivery bags with Sofia restaurant orders] Alt text: Sofia food delivery

#5. Google Maps: Your Navigation Best Friend

I know what you're thinking - Google Maps is obvious. But here's why it's essential in Sofia specifically: unlike many Eastern European cities, Sofia's entire public transport system is fully integrated into Google Maps. You don't need any special local apps for navigation.

Google Maps shows you real-time bus, tram, trolleybus, and metro schedules. Type in where you want to go, and it'll tell you exactly which transport to take, from which stop, and when it arrives. The app works in English and even shows you walking directions through Sofia's beautiful parks and streets.

For public transport specifically, the metro runs from around 5:00 AM to midnight, and a single ticket costs just €0.82. Google Maps will show you the fastest route whether you're going from the airport to the city center or exploring neighborhoods like Lozenets or Studentski Grad.

#6. Waze: Essential If You're Driving

If you're planning to rent a car and explore beyond Sofia - maybe a day trip to Rila Monastery or the Plovdiv - Waze is absolutely essential. Google Maps works fine for basic navigation, but Waze has something special in Sofia: official integration with the city's Traffic Management Directorate.

As of July 2025, Sofia Municipality partners directly with Waze to provide real-time traffic updates, roadwork notifications, and street closures. This is huge because Sofia's traffic can be unpredictable, especially during rush hour (8-9 AM and 5-6 PM).

Waze also alerts you to speed cameras, police presence, and average speed zones - which are strictly enforced on Bulgarian roads. The community-driven reports from other drivers help you avoid accidents, potholes, and construction delays that Google Maps might not show until it's too late.

When to use Waze:

• Driving anywhere in Bulgaria

• Road trips to Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo, or the coast

• Avoiding Sofia's notorious traffic jams

• Finding the cheapest petrol stations

• Getting real-time updates on road conditions

Pro tips for driving in Sofia:

• Download offline maps before leaving the city

• Enable voice navigation in English

• Watch for speed cameras - fines are automatic

• Parking apps are separate (ParkNow or EasyPark)

Bonus Tips for Visiting Sofia

Before I let you go, here are a few extra tips from years of guiding visitors:

• Get local data: While most apps work offline, having mobile data makes everything smoother. Grab a local SIM card at the airport or use an eSIM service.

• Set up before you fly: Download all these apps while you're still at home with good Wi-Fi. Create accounts, add payment methods, and familiarize yourself with the interfaces.

• Language settings: All these apps work perfectly in English, but learning a few basic Bulgarian phrases (like "Здравей" - hello, or "Благодаря" - thank you) goes a long way with locals.

• Cash backup: Even with all these apps, carry some Eur for small vendors, tips, and emergencies.

FAQ: Apps for Sofia Travel

Do I need a Bulgarian phone number to use these apps?

No, most apps work with international numbers. TaxiMe, Glovo, and Wolt all accept foreign phone numbers for verification. Revolut and Wise work with your home country details.

Can I use these apps without mobile data?

Google Maps works offline if you download the Sofia map beforehand. Taxi and food delivery apps need internet, but you can use them on Wi-Fi at your hotel or cafes before ordering.

Are these apps safe to use in Sofia?

Absolutely. All the apps I've recommended are legitimate, widely used services. TaxiMe and Yellow Taxi are licensed operators. Just avoid random taxi apps or street taxis without official markings.

How much data do these apps use?

Very little. Navigation apps use the most (about 5-10MB per hour), while taxi and delivery apps use minimal data. A 1-2GB data plan for a week in Sofia is more than enough.

Is contactless payment widely accepted in Sofia?

Yes! Most restaurants, shops, and taxis accept contactless cards and mobile payments. Sofia has modernized significantly in recent years, though small neighborhood bakeries might still prefer cash.

Can I link my credit card to all these apps?

Yes, all these apps accept international credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express). Make sure to notify your bank you're traveling to avoid blocked transactions.

What about public transport tickets - is there an app?

Not really. While some local apps exist (like Sofbus 24), they're clunky and mostly in Bulgarian. Stick with Google Maps for navigation, and buy physical tickets from metro stations or kiosks.

Are taxi apps cheaper than street taxis in Sofia?

Yes, much cheaper and safer. App-based taxis use meters and standard rates (€0.55-0.62/km), while street taxis might overcharge tourists. Always use an app.

Do I need Uber or Bolt in Sofia?

No, neither operates ride-hailing services in Sofia. Use TaxiMe, Yellow Taxi, or Volt instead. They're actually better and cheaper than Uber in many ways.

Final Thoughts

Sofia is one of Europe's most affordable and underrated capitals, and these five apps will make your visit infinitely smoother. Download them before you land, set up your accounts on home Wi-Fi, and you'll hit the ground running.

As someone who's guided hundreds of visitors through Sofia, I can tell you that travelers who use these apps spend less time stressed about logistics and more time enjoying rakija with locals, exploring hidden monasteries, and discovering why Sofia is quietly becoming one of Europe's coolest cities.

Safe travels, and see you in Sofia!