Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) ranks as the largest airport in Romania and one of the busiest in Eastern Europe. TAROM, Blue Air, and Wizz Air have this airport as the central point. Last year, the airport received more than ten million passengers.
While in Romania and at Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport, you may require a local SIM card for use of mapping services, contacts for businesses within the local area, ridesharing and other purposes. Here is how to get a SIM card at Bucharest Airport.
Table of Contents
1. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport
The only place to buy a SIM card upon arrival at Bucharest Airport is at the Relay store. Relay is a convenience store that sells many things such as SIM cards, newspapers, magazines, and snacks. One can buy a SIM card from Relay by visiting the store and asking any cashier for help. For that, you need to submit your passport and pay for a sim card with cash or credit card.
After getting a SIM card, then you have to activate the card with your operator. This can be done through the internet, telephone or in the stores. After activating your SIM card, you can start receiving calls and sending text messages as well as enjoy internet services with your phone.
- Location: On the passageway between Arrivals and Departures Terminals
- Hours of operation: 6:30 AM – 11:30 PM
2. Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport SIM Card Options and Costs
Here are some of the top SIM card options at Bucharest Airport and their typical costs:
| Operators | Prepaid Plan | Price (USD) | Data | Local Calls | Messages | Validity | Total Cost (USD) |
| Orange Romania | Fun 9 | ~$9 | 25GB 5G speed | Unlimited national + 200 int'l mins | Unlimited | 1 month | ~$14 |
| Telekom Romania | Smart Plus 15 | ~$15 | Unlimited 5G speed | Unlimited national mins + 600 int'l mins | Unlimited | 1 month | ~$20 |
| Smart Plus 25 | ~$25 | Unlimited 5G speed | Unlimited national mins + 1000 int'l mins | Unlimited | 1 month | ~$30 | |
| Unlimited 5 | ~$5 | Unlimited | Unlimited + 50 int'l mins | Unlimited | 1 month | ~$10 | |
| Unlimited 8 | ~$8 | Unlimited | Unlimited + 250 int'l mins | Unlimited | 1 month | ~$13 | |
| Unlimited 10 | ~$10 | Unlimited | Unlimited + 350 int'l mins | Unlimited | 1 month | ~$15 | |
| Unlimited 15 | ~$15 | Unlimited | Unlimited + 450 int'l mins | Unlimited | 1 month | ~$20 | |
| Unlimited 19 | ~$19 | Unlimited | Unlimited + 650 int'l mins | Unlimited | 1 month | ~$24 | |
| Vodafone Romania | Vodafone Cash Back Card | ~$6 | 100GB | 2000 national mins + Span/Italy | 2000 national SMS | 28 days | ~$6 |
3. What You Need to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Bucharest6 Airport
To purchase a SIM card at Bucharest Airport, here is what you need:
- Passport: Bring your passport as you will need to show it to purchase and register your SIM card in Romania.
- Cash: Have Romanian Lei to pay for your SIM card and plan. There are ATMs and currency exchanges if needed.
- Unlocked Phone: Your phone must be unlocked to use a foreign SIM. Contact your provider in advance to request an unlock.
- SIM Card Size: Bring your phone or a SIM card adapter to ensure you get the right size SIM for your device. Common sizes are standard, micro, and nano.
- Activation: The store staff can help you activate and set up your SIM card. Have them enable data roaming for Europe.
- Patience: Expect queues at airport SIM card desks during peak arrival times. Leave time to purchase, register, and activate your card.
With your passport, cash, and an unlocked phone, buying a Romania SIM at Bucharest Airport is very convenient for connectivity right after you land.
4. eSIM as an Alternative to SIM Card at Bucharest Airport
eSIM also offers a new way of connectivity in Romania and the entire EU other than the physical SIM cards. eSIM is a modern-day digital SIM card that can be downloaded into your phone without the need to insert a conventional physical SIM card.
Therefore this choice is ideal for tourists because you can buy and activate your eSIM from home. eSIM is not available at the airports, but it can be a great option during your stay if you order in advance. Keep it as a backup from the local SIM card for flexibility.
Explore Romania without limits! Get your Romania eSIM from $5 for up to 30 days of high-speed data. Order now for instant access upon arrival from romaniaesim.com. Stay connected without roaming charges – buy your eSIM before your trip.
5. FAQs About Getting SIM Card at Bucharest Airport
Do I need to register my SIM card at Bucharest Airport?
Yes, you will need to register your prepaid SIM card in Romania by providing your passport details. This is required by law within 24 hours of activation. The stores can assist you with the registration process when purchasing your SIM.
Can I use my SIM throughout Europe?
Ask the provider to enable EU roaming on your Romanian SIM so you can use your data allowance when traveling in Europe. Additional roaming fees of €1-3 per day may apply.
Is it cheaper to buy SIMs in the city instead?
Prices are generally the same at the airport stores as within the city. Buying SIM card at Bucharest airport is more convenient so you have connectivity right after arriving.
Do Romanian SIMs work in Moldova or other areas?
Your Romanian SIM will function in Moldova but at higher roaming rates. Other nearby regions may have limited connectivity or require a separate SIM card.
6. Final Words
It is recommended that one obtain a Romanian SIM card at the airport when arriving in Bucharest to remain in contact while visiting. Visit one of the operators at arrivals to buy a prepaid plan with plenty of data for map usage, apps, and websites. Ensure that you activate and use your SIM card. You will have your connectivity just after landing at Bucharest Airport with a SIM card.
