Country guide · EuropeLocal SIM Cards in Romania: Carriers, Plans & Prices (2026)
Tourist SIM cards in Romania start at $3 from Orange Romania. Buy at Henri Coanda International Airport arrivals hall. Orange Romania and Digi Mobil both have staffed kiosks immediately after customs. Orange has the widest network for rural Transylvania.. For instant data without a store visit, a HelloRoam eSIM costs from $1.14 and activates in 2 minutes. See the comparison table below.
- Recommended
- HelloRoam eSIMfrom $1.14, instant activation
- Setup time
- Under 2 mininstall before your flight
- Physical SIM from
- $3 USDOrange Romania
- Network
- 4G LTE / 5GOrange Romania
Romania has one of Europe's most competitive mobile markets. Four carriers compete, with Digi Mobil offering unlimited plans from just 35 RON ($8 USD) per month. Among the cheapest in the EU. Orange Romania leads on rural coverage and is the right choice for Transylvania road trips, the Danube Delta, and mountain areas. For EU residents, Romania is covered under Roam Like at Home rules, meaning your home European plan works at no extra cost. Non-EU visitors can buy a SIM at Henri Coanda Airport or at any Carrefour or Mega Image supermarket. Plans start at 15-20 RON ($3-4 USD) for 10-15 GB. Bucharest has 5G from Orange and Vodafone in central districts.
Romania has four carriers: Orange, Vodafone, Telekom Romania, and Digi Mobil. Digi Mobil disrupted the market with very low pricing. Orange leads on coverage. 5G is rolling out in major cities. Romania is EU, so roaming rules apply for European visitors.
eSIM for Romania: the fastest option
Travel eSIMs skip the physical SIM process entirely. Buy online, scan a QR code, and your phone connects to a local network. No passport check, no airport queue, no SIM ejector tool. Most travel eSIMs are data-only, so keep your home SIM active for calls and SMS.
Non-EU visitors should compare eSIM pricing with Digi Mobil local rates. Digi is cheaper per GB but requires in-person purchase. eSIM is the convenience choice for short visits.
HelloRoam Romania eSIM: our tested pick
HelloRoam roams on Orange Romania with the widest rural coverage. Essential for Transylvania and Danube Delta trips.
Affiliate link. Commissions never affect our rankings or editorial findings.
| Provider | Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloRoamOur pick | 1 GB | 7 days | $1.14 |
| Airalo | 10 GB | 30 days | $9 |
eSIM provider comparison
| Provider | Price | Data | Validity | Activation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HelloRoamTop rated | $1.14 | 1 GB | 7 days | Instant | 8.9/10 |
| Airalo | $9 | 10 GB | 30 days | Instant | 8.6/10 |
Scores based on activation speed, network coverage, support response time, and pricing across 14 countries. HelloRoam (8.9/10, 31/31 activations) is the top-rated provider. All provider links marked as affiliate.
See full eSIM guide for Romania →
eSIM vs physical SIM card in Romania
Here is how a HelloRoam eSIM compares to buying a local SIM card in Romania across the factors that matter most to travelers.
| Feature | HelloRoam eSIM | Local SIM Card |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | Under 2 minutes | 15-60 minutes |
| Available before travel | Yes, install up to 30 days early | No, buy on arrival |
| ID required | No | No |
| Price from | $1.14 USD | $3 USD |
| Data included | 1 GB to unlimited | Varies by plan |
| Hotspot | Included | Included on most plans |
| Support | 24/7 English | Local language, business hours |
| Local phone number | No, data only | Yes, included |
| Voice calls | Data only, use WhatsApp/FaceTime | Included |
Best SIM cards for tourists in Romania
Romania has 3 providers offering tourist-friendly prepaid SIM cards. The table below ranks them by overall value for travelers, combining coverage, speed, price, and how easy they are to buy.
| Provider | Type | Network | Cheapest plan | Plans | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orange RomaniaTop pick | major | 4G LTE / 5G | 20 RON / $4 | 4 | Airport, Carrier Store |
| Vodafone Romania | major | 4G LTE / 5G | 18 RON / $4 | 4 | Carrier Store, Supermarket |
| Digi Mobil | major | 4G LTE / 5G | 15 RON / $3 | 4 | Carrier Store, Online |
SIM card plans compared
Below are every available tourist plan across all providers in Romania, sorted by price. Prices are quoted in local currency where available, with USD equivalents.
Orange Romania
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Calls | SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepaid 5GBBest value | 5 GB | 20 RON | 30 days | 30 min local | 30 SMS |
| Prepaid 15GB | 15 GB | 40 RON | 30 days | Unlimited local | 200 SMS |
| Prepaid 30GB | 30 GB | 55 RON | 30 days | Unlimited local | Unlimited |
| Prepaid Unlimited | Unlimited | 79 RON | 30 days | Unlimited local | Unlimited |
APN settings: APN: internet
Vodafone Romania
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Calls | SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepaid 5GBBest value | 5 GB | 18 RON | 30 days | 30 min local | 30 SMS |
| Prepaid 15GB | 15 GB | 38 RON | 30 days | Unlimited local | 200 SMS |
| Prepaid Unlimited | Unlimited | 72 RON | 30 days | Unlimited local | Unlimited |
| Prepaid 30GB | 30 GB | 52 RON | 30 days | Unlimited local | Unlimited |
Digi Mobil
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Calls | SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepaid 10GBBest value | 10 GB | 15 RON | 30 days | Unlimited local | Unlimited |
| Prepaid Unlimited | Unlimited | 35 RON | 30 days | Unlimited local | Unlimited |
| Prepaid 30GB | 30 GB | 22 RON | 30 days | Unlimited local | Unlimited |
| Prepaid 50GB | 50 GB | 28 RON | 30 days | Unlimited local | Unlimited |
Where to buy a SIM card in Romania
The best place to buy is Henri Coanda International Airport arrivals hall. Orange Romania and Digi Mobil both have staffed kiosks immediately after customs. Orange has the widest network for rural Transylvania.. Here is what each channel offers and what to expect.
Airport
Airport counters are the most convenient option on arrival day. Staff speak enough English to handle registration, and you leave the terminal already connected. Expect a small premium (5–15%) over city prices and possible queues after large arrivals.
Carrier Store
Official carrier stores carry every plan, can troubleshoot activation on the spot, and have English-speaking staff in tourist-heavy areas. Prices match the carrier website.
Supermarket
Large supermarkets carry prepaid SIM starter packs in the electronics aisle. No-frills packaging, but prices are fair and no registration delay if no ID is required.
Online
Ordering online before you fly means you land already connected. eSIMs are instant; physical SIMs can be delivered to your hotel or held for airport pickup. Best prices overall.
Buying experience
Henri Coanda International Airport has Orange Romania and Digi Mobil kiosks in the arrivals hall. The Carrefour store inside the airport also sells multi-carrier SIM kits. In central Bucharest, the Orange flagship on Calea Victoriei and the Digi store at AFI Palace Cotroceni mall are the main tourist-accessible locations. Mega Image supermarkets across the country sell SIM kits at checkout.
Coverage & network in Romania
Romania operates on 4G LTE / 5G networks. Coverage quality varies by provider and region.
Coverage Map for Romania
Visit each carrier's website for their interactive coverage map
Orange Romania
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Strong
Vodafone Romania
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Moderate
Digi Mobil
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Moderate
Orange Romania leads on overall coverage with a rating of 5/5 for reach and 5/5 for speed. In cities, all providers perform similarly. Differences become clear in rural areas, along coastal routes, and on islands where network investment varies.
Real-world connectivity
Bucharest's central districts (Floreasca, Dorobanti, Old Town) have Orange and Vodafone 5G. Cluj-Napoca and Timisoara have 5G in their commercial zones. Brasov, Sinaia, and Predeal (main Transylvania tourist corridor) have solid Orange 4G. The Transfagarasan Highway has 4G at the base but loses signal above 1,800 m elevation. The Danube Delta has Orange 4G in Tulcea city and the main waterways but no signal in remote reed marshes.
Our verdict on SIM cards in Romania
Best for: Budget travelers, EU residents using home plans, Road trip through Transylvania, Danube Delta visitors.
Romania consistently ranks among the top 5 cheapest mobile markets in Europe. Bulgaria next door has similar pricing. Hungary is slightly more expensive. Western European countries like France and Germany cost 3-4x more for comparable data.
Activation & registration
Check your phone is unlocked
Your device must be carrier-unlocked to accept a Romania SIM. Check Settings or contact your home carrier before you leave.
Choose a plan before you buy
Decide on data volume and validity period. A 7-day plan suits short trips; 30-day plans are better value for longer stays.
Purchase the SIM
Buy at the airport, a convenience store, or a carrier store. Ask staff to insert and test the SIM before you leave the counter.
Insert and configure
Insert the nano-SIM using the ejector tool. Go to Settings > Mobile Data and confirm data roaming is on for the travel line. Run a speed test to confirm you are connected.
Tips for travelers in Romania
Romania is an EU member. EU residents can use their home mobile plan at no extra roaming charge under EU roaming rules.
Digi Mobil offers the cheapest plans in Romania by a large margin. Coverage is strong in cities but thinner in the Carpathian Mountains.
Orange Romania has the best rural coverage in Transylvania and the Danube Delta. Choose Orange for road trips.
Carrefour and Mega Image supermarkets sell SIM starter kits from all three carriers at the checkout counter, no registration needed for EU residents.
Bucharest has 5G from Orange Romania and Vodafone in the central districts and around the airport ring road.
The Transfagarasan Highway and remote Carpathian sections have variable signal. 4G near villages, no signal on high mountain passes.
Top up via each carrier's app, at any Carrefour or Kaufland, or via ATM-style top-up kiosks in Mega Image stores.
The Henri Coanda Airport express train (Blue Line) to Bucharest has 4G coverage throughout the 45-minute journey.
Common mistakes to avoid
EU residents not using their home roaming plan. Most EU plans include Romania at no extra cost. Check before buying a local SIM.
Choosing Digi Mobil for mountain or Danube Delta trips. Its rural coverage is noticeably thinner than Orange Romania.
Not bringing small RON cash for top-ups. Some kiosks in remote areas only accept cash and do not have card readers.
Buying from unofficial phone shop resellers at inflated prices. Official carrier stores and major supermarkets sell at standard rates.
Frequently asked questions
Do EU mobile roaming rules apply in Romania?
Yes. Romania is an EU member. EU mobile subscribers can use their home plan at no extra charge under Roam Like at Home rules. Non-EU visitors (UK, US, Australia etc.) must buy a local or eSIM.
Which carrier has the best coverage in Romania?
Orange Romania has the widest coverage including rural Transylvania, the Danube Delta, and Carpathian foothill areas. Vodafone Romania is a close second in cities.
Is there 5G in Romania?
Yes. Orange Romania and Vodafone Romania have 5G in Bucharest's central districts, Cluj-Napoca, and Timisoara. 5G coverage is expanding but not yet available in smaller cities or rural areas.
How much does a SIM card cost in Romania?
Plans start at 15-20 RON ($3-4 USD) for 10-15 GB over 30 days. Digi Mobil is the cheapest with unlimited plans from 35 RON ($8 USD). Romania consistently ranks among Europe's cheapest mobile markets.
Can I buy a SIM card at Bucharest airport?
Yes. Orange Romania and Digi Mobil have kiosks in the arrivals area at Henri Coanda International Airport. Carrefour inside the airport also sells SIM starter packs.
Is there mobile coverage in the Carpathian Mountains?
Coverage in the Carpathians varies. Orange Romania maintains 4G in ski resort areas (Sinaia, Poiana Brasov, Busteni) and on major mountain roads. Remote hiking trails and high alpine passes often have no signal.
What is the best SIM card for tourists in Bucharest?
For city-only visits, Digi Mobil offers the best value at 35 RON ($8 USD) for unlimited data. For travel across Romania including rural areas, Orange Romania's 79 RON ($18 USD) unlimited plan provides the most reliable coverage.
Can I get an eSIM for Romania?
Yes. International eSIM providers including HelloRoam offer Romania plans roaming on Orange Romania. This works well for non-EU visitors who want to arrive connected. EU visitors should check their home plan first.
Which eSIM is best for Romania?
HelloRoam connects to Romania's 4G LTE / 5G network and plans start at $1.14 for 1 GB over 7 days. It works well for travelers who want data active before landing. Airalo offers a wider range of plan sizes at competitive prices. Holafly is worth considering if you want unlimited data and do not mind a higher daily cost.
Should I buy a SIM card or eSIM for Romania?
Non-EU visitors should compare eSIM pricing with Digi Mobil local rates. Digi is cheaper per GB but requires in-person purchase. eSIM is the convenience choice for short visits. A local SIM from Orange Romania starts at $3. Choose eSIM if your phone supports it and you value convenience. Choose a local SIM if you need a local phone number or plan to stay longer than two weeks.
Helpful guides
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