166
Police · Bulgaria
166 is the Bulgaria Police emergency number. Verified 2026-01. Source: Ministry of Interior. Works from mobile. Free to call. One-tap dial.
📞 About 166 — Police in Bulgaria
📍 Find Nearest Emergency Services
Use GPS to locate the nearest hospital, police station, or fire station near your current location.
🗣️ Emergency Phrases in Bulgaria
Use these phrases to communicate in an emergency when language is a barrier. Tap the speaker to play pronunciation.
⚠️ When NOT to Call 166
- • Do not call 112 for non-urgent medical advice - contact your GP
- • Do not call 166 for non-urgent police matters - visit the local police station
- • Do not make false emergency calls - punishable by fines under Bulgarian law
- • Do not call 112 for road conditions - use the Road Infrastructure Agency information
- • Do not use emergency lines for weather forecasts
✈️ Travel Notes — Bulgaria
Emergency response is generally reliable in Sofia and major cities. Response in rural and mountainous areas may be slower. The 112 Bulgaria app provides GPS location to emergency services. Mountain Rescue Service is experienced. Private hospitals in Sofia offer good emergency care.
🛡️ Traveling to Bulgaria? Protect Yourself
Emergency medical treatment and evacuation abroad can cost tens of thousands of dollars. We recommend securing travel insurance before your trip.
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What is 166 in Bulgaria?
166 is the official Police emergency number in Bulgaria. This number is operated by Ministry of Interior and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Police emergency number. Also reachable via 112. Handles criminal emergencies and public safety.
When to Call 166
Call 166 immediately in situations involving police-related emergencies in Bulgaria. When you call, clearly state:
- Your exact location (street address, landmark, GPS coordinates if possible)
- The nature of the emergency
- The number of people involved or injured
- Your name and callback number
Stay on the line until the operator tells you to hang up.
Technical Details — 166 in Bulgaria
Here are the key technical facts about calling 166 in Bulgaria:
- Works from mobile: Yes — you can call from any mobile phone.
- Works without SIM card: A SIM card is typically required. Try 112 if you have no SIM.
- Free to call: Yes — calling is completely free. No credit needed.
- Last verified: 2026-01
- Official source: Ministry of Interior
How to Call 166 from Abroad
If you are calling 166 from outside Bulgaria, or from a foreign SIM card, dial the international format: +359 followed by 166 (omitting any leading zero). However, in a genuine emergency within Bulgaria, simply dialing 166 directly from any local or roaming SIM will connect you to the Police. The universal number 112 is also active across Bulgaria and can be dialed from any phone.
All Emergency Numbers in Bulgaria
Besides 166 (Police), Bulgaria has the following emergency services available: European Emergency Number: 112 · Police: 166 · Emergency Medical Service: 150 · Fire Safety and Civil Protection: 160 · Mountain Rescue Service (PSS): 112. Save all these numbers before traveling to Bulgaria.
Data Source & Verification Policy
The number 166 is listed as the Police emergency line for Bulgaria based on data from Ministry of Interior. It was last verified in 2026-01. If this number has changed or is incorrect, please contact us immediately — accuracy of emergency contact information is our highest priority.
Frequently Asked Questions — 166 (Bulgaria)
What is 166 in Bulgaria? ▼
166 is the Police emergency number in Bulgaria. Police emergency number. Also reachable via 112. Handles criminal emergencies and public safety.
Can I call 166 without a SIM card in Bulgaria? ▼
A SIM card may be required. Try 112, the universal number, which works without a SIM on most networks.
Is calling 166 free in Bulgaria? ▼
Yes, calling 166 is completely free in Bulgaria. No airtime credit needed.
Does 166 work from mobile in Bulgaria? ▼
Yes, 166 works from all mobile phones in Bulgaria.
Who do I reach when I call 166 in Bulgaria? ▼
Calling 166 in Bulgaria connects you to Police (Ministry of Interior), available 24/7.
What is the source for 166 being the Police number in Bulgaria? ▼
Verified from Ministry of Interior: https://www.mvr.bg/112. Last verified: 2026-01.
Does 112 replace 150, 160, and 166 in Bulgaria? ▼
112 is the unified emergency number that connects to all services, but the traditional short codes (150, 160, 166) remain active. Both systems work.
Can I call 112 from a mobile without a SIM card in Bulgaria? ▼
Yes. GSM phones can dial 112 without a SIM card. Emergency calls are free.
Are emergency calls free in Bulgaria? ▼
Yes. All emergency calls to 112, 150, 160, and 166 are free of charge from any phone.
Do emergency operators speak English in Bulgaria? ▼
Yes. 112 operators are trained to handle calls in Bulgarian and English. English proficiency is common in tourist areas.
What number do I call for mountain rescue in Bulgaria? ▼
Call 112 for mountain rescue. The Mountain Rescue Service (PSS) is dispatched through the 112 system and covers all Bulgarian mountains including ski resorts.
Is there an emergency app for Bulgaria? ▼
Yes. The 112 Bulgaria mobile app automatically sends your GPS location to the emergency center and provides direct access to emergency services.