Getting around the mobile internet in Romania can be tough, especially for visitors. This blog post wants to give you the information you need to pick the best internet while you’re here. If you’re here to see Romania’s lively cities or you’re here on business, having a good and cheap internet connection is key. We’ll look at why local SIM cards and eSIM options are good choices to keep you online during your trip to this beautiful country.
Table of Contents
I. Mobile Internet coverage and speed in Romania
If you’re heading to Romania, it’s a good idea to check out the mobile internet coverage and speed. It’ll make a big difference in staying connected and accessing online services during your trip. Here’s what you should know:
1. Romania Mobile Internet Coverage
Romania has a top-notch mobile network, covered by three big names: Orange, Vodafone, and Telekom (you might remember it as Cosmote/Zapp). Based on the report from Opensignal:
- Orange leads in Coverage Experience with a 7.3/10 score, followed by Vodafone (6.1), Digi (6.5), and Telekom (3.7).
- For 5G Coverage, Orange scores highest at 0.4/10, with Telekom and Vodafone at 0.1 and 0.2, respectively.
- In overall availability, Orange tops at 97.4%, with Digi (96.8%), Vodafone (96.6%) and Telekom (88.2%) behind.
- For 5G availability, Telekom leads at 9.5%, followed by Digi (4.2%), Orange (8.1%) and Vodafone (8.3%).
As shown, Orange has the best coverage and is available more widely, while Telekom is ahead in offering 5G. This indicates that Romania has a solid mobile network, with all three key providers delivering dependable coverage and quick speeds.
2. Romania Mobile Internet Speed
According to the Speedtest Global Index, Romania’s mobile internet speeds are:
- National Ranking: Romania ranks 44th globally for mobile download speeds, with a median download speed of 60.74 Mbps and an upload speed of 15.87 Mbps.
- Compared to neighboring countries like Hungary (47.84 Mbps download) and Serbia (53.05 Mbps), Romania’s mobile speeds are above average for the region.
- In terms of cities, Bucharest ranks 55th globally, with a median download speed of 91.98 Mbps and an upload speed of 27.82 Mbps.
Although Romania’s mobile internet speeds might not top the global charts, they’re pretty good for all your online needs like browsing, streaming, and keeping up with social media. If you’re visiting Romania, you’re in for a treat with decent mobile internet performance.
II. Mobile Internet in Romania: Connection Options for Tourists
Mobile Internet options in Romania for travelers are variable, including:
- Free WiFi
- Pocket WiFi
- eSIM
- Local SIM card
- Roaming
The table below will help you clarify the pros and cons of each option:
| Option | Pros | Cons |
| Free WiFi | Free, readily available | Slow, unreliable, security risks |
| Pocket WiFi | Convenient data sharing, portable | Rental fees, limited battery life |
| eSIM | Easy activation, no physical card | Compatibility check required |
| Local SIM Card | Cost-effective, flexible data plans | Activation process |
| Roaming | Familiar network | Extremely expensive data charges |
Buying a local Romanian SIM card is usually the best bet for tourists. It’s affordable, gives you voice/text/data access, and has great coverage. Just make sure your device is unlocked to use a local SIM.
If your device is eSIM compatible, we suggest getting one. Also, you should definitely check out buying an eSIM from romaniaesim.com. We promise it won’t let you down.
Here’s what makes this site stand out:
✓ Wide range of affordable data plans to choose from, starting at just $3.50 for 3 days
✓ Lightning-fast email delivery of your eSIM and easy activation guide
✓ Nationwide coverage by partnering with top Romanian networks like Digi and Vodafone
✓ 24/7 customer support via WhatsApp and email to help you get set up
✓ No hassle of swapping physical SIM cards – just scan and go!
But before you get too excited, double-check if your device is eSIM compatible. Once you’ve got that covered, head over to that website to pick your perfect data plan.
III. Budgeting for Mobile Data Costs in Romania
When you go to Romania, how much data you need depends on how long you’re staying, how much you use the internet, and what you plan to do. Here’s an easy guide for you to measure:
- Short Trips (3-7 days): 1GB to 5GB for basic browsing, emails, and messaging.
- Moderate Trips (8-14 days): 5GB to 10GB should suffice for streaming, social media photo uploads, and more extensive internet use.
- Longer Trips (15-30 days): 10GB to 20GB for heavy usage like video calls, online work, or streaming.
The best plan for you depends on how much data you use and how long you’re away from home. An example would be if you were going to travel for 10 days with the expectation of using a lot of data, a 10-day plan with 5GB or 10GB of data would do the trick.
IV. Best Mobile Operators in Romania
Finding the best mobile operator in Romania depends on your needs. This guide compares the top 4 providers: Orange, Vodafone, Telekom, and Digi, to help you choose.
| Operator | Main Points | Pros | Cons | Best For |
| Orange | Large network coverage, good 4G speeds, various plans | Wide range of plans and phones, customer service | Can be more expensive | Those who prioritize coverage |
| Vodafone | Wide 4G network, fiber broadband, entertainment apps | Fast speeds, entertainment options | Not always the cheapest | Media streaming and gaming |
| Telekom | Reliable coverage, fiber broadband, business services | Business support, bundled plans | Can be pricey for individuals | Business users |
| Digi | Affordable plans, fiber broadband, no contracts | Inexpensive options, no lock-in | Limited coverage in places | Budget customers |
Recommendation: Orange remains the best operator in Romania due to its excellent network performance, quick 4G, and professional customer care. It is intended for both business and personal use but it is not the lowest-priced product.
V. FAQs
Is 5G available in Romania?
Yes, 5G networks are available in Romania, with Orange leading the rollout. Coverage is expanding in major cities.
Can I use my foreign SIM card in Romania?
Yes, but roaming charges can be high. Check with your provider for data roaming rates in Romania. Consider purchasing a Romanian SIM card for a longer stay.
Is Wi-Fi widely available in Romania?
Yes, Wi-Fi is becoming increasingly common in Romania, especially in cafes, restaurants, and hotels.
Is it safe to use public Wi-Fi in Romania?
Public Wi-Fi can be risky. Avoid sensitive transactions and consider using a VPN for added security.
VI. Conclusions
In conclusion, mobile internet in Romania has grown a lot, making sure that people everywhere in the country can use fast and reliable internet. This progress has made communication better and has helped change many parts of daily life and work digitally. Visitors coming here will have no problem getting access to the internet and staying connected with their loved ones.
