Having a local SIM card is a must-have for tourists visiting Bucharest, Romania. Being one of the most visited cities in the country, Bucharest welcomes thousands of tourists every year. This blog post will show you how to buy a SIM card in Bucharest step by step from people who live here. Now you will understand the advantages of getting a Romanian SIM card, such as data plans and call rates that make you connected during your visit.
Table of Contents
I. Which mobile operator is the best in Bucharest?
Orange Romania is leading the pack for tourists in Bucharest. Below is a quick comparison of Orange Romania’s features compared to Telekom, Vodafone, and Digi:
| Feature | Orange Romania | Telekom Romania | Vodafone Romania | Digi Romania |
| Coverage | Excellent (widespread 4G and 5G) | Good (strong 4G presence) | Good (reliable 4G) | Very Good (extensive 4G reach) |
| Speed | Fastest (reliable 5G rollout) | Good | Good | Decent |
| Reliability | Highly reliable | Reliable network | Reliable | Generally reliable |
| Pros | Top-notch coverage and speed, especially with 5G | Affordable plans, good network stability | Strong network, tourist-friendly options | Budget-friendly, wide coverage |
| Cons | Can be slightly more expensive | Coverage might be slightly weaker than Orange | Similar pricing to Orange | Speeds might be slower than competitors |
Recommendation: For most visitors, Orange Romania has the best mix of fast internet, good signal everywhere, and different plans to choose from. But, if you want unlimited calls and don't use much internet, Telekom, Vodafone, or Digi might save you money.
II. Best Bucharest SIM cards and Cost
Bucharest SIM cards are super affordable compared to a lot of places. Check out the typical costs below:
| 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 |
As you see, you’ll likely pay about $15 for a prepaid SIM card with some GBs of data. Some SIM deals in Romania give you extra credits for free, so you can use more without paying more.
III. Where to buy a SIM card in Bucharest?
You might get a SIM card in 2 places in Bucharest: at the airport and in the city.
1. Getting a SIM Card at Bucharest Airport
There is one airport in Bucharest where you can buy a SIM card – Bucharest International Airport (OTP). The details are as follows:
- Location: Find the Relay store in the arrivals, right side after the luggage claim. It’s the only spot to get a SIM card.
- Opening hours: 6:30 AM – 11:30 PM
- SIM cards:
- Vodafone prepaid: 100GB data + 2,000 min for 28 days – ~$6
- Orange prepaid: 25GB data + unlimited min for 1 month – ~$14
Notes:
- Only physical SIM cards, no eSIMs.
- Data and call time work only in Romania with no EU roaming charges.
- Store people might not help put SIM in your device.
2. Getting a Prepaid SIM Card in Bucharest
Here’s where to buy a SIM card in Bucharest:
- Mobile Carrier Stores: Check out Orange, Vodafone, Telekom, and Digi Mobil across the city.
- Supermarkets: Look for SIM cards at Kaufland, Carrefour, and Auchan, which often have mobile services sections.
- Convenience Stores: Inmedio, Avio, and other stores sell prepaid SIM cards.
- Online Retailers: Consider Amazon for delivery to your Bucharest location.
Recommendation: For quick internet access in Bucharest, we suggest you buy a SIM card at the airport or an eSIM online from sites like romaniaesim.com.
IV. eSIM for Bucharest Travelers – a Smart Alternative
Bucharest, the lively capital of Romania, is ready for you! But before you start your trip, get an eSIM card for easy connection. Here’s why an eSIM can make your trip unforgettable:
- Easy to Use: Get and set up your eSIM online before you arrive in Bucharest, saving you time when you get there.
- No Stress: You don’t have to look for a local carrier store or try to understand languages you don’t know.
- Flexible: You can switch between eSIMs on devices that allow it, so you can keep in touch no matter where you are.
There are 2 ways to acquire an eSIM in Bucharest:
- Major Carrier Websites: Orange, Vodafone, Telekom, and Digi provide eSIM plans but these options might need ID or travel proof, making it less convenient.
- eSIM Retailers: The best eSIM provider ever is romaniaesim.com. Why? Let’s see:
- Easily set up by scanning a QR code with 24/7 support.
- Affordable data plans start at $3 for 1GB/3 days, up to $125 for 20GB/month.
- Receive the eSIM directly in your email upon purchase.
- Compatible with many devices, including iPhones, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and more.
Don’t hesitate anymore! Come to romaniaesim.com to get your best suit.
V. Things to prepare when buying SIM cards in Bucharest
If you want to use your phone for internet or calls, you need to buy a local SIM card. Here’s what you need to prepare in Bucharest:
- Bring a valid ID (passport or national ID) to buy a SIM.
- Ensure your phone is unlocked and compatible with Romania’s GSM networks (900/1800 MHz).
- Choose from major network providers like Orange, Vodafone, Telekom, or Digi Mobil. Check their coverage and plans.
- Register your SIM with personal details as required by Romanian law.
- Pick a suitable data plan; prepaid options are available.
- Activate your SIM and set up network settings as directed.
- Ask about roaming charges for travel outside Bucharest or Romania.
VI. Tips and Recommendations
Below are some easy tips for getting a SIM card in Bucharest:
- Get one at Henri Coandă International Airport right when you arrive
- Look for street vendors in the city center near big spots like Piața Universității and Piața Revoluției. They sell SIM cards with good rates.
- Choose a plan with a lot of data. You can usually get 30-60GB for a month, which is a lot because people in Romania love to stream.
- Using a SIM card is better and cheaper than renting a hotspot. You can use it on different unlocked phones while you’re there.
- Look out for special prepaid deals that give you data, calling time, and even international roaming at a good price.
- Don’t let your plan renew automatically. Instead, buy extra data when you need it from kiosks or online to save money.
- Orange might give you the fastest internet in Bucharest, but Vodafone and Telekom also have good coverage.
VII. FAQs
Is it possible to buy a prepaid or pay-as-you-go SIM card from a service provider in Bucharest?
Of course, providers do offer pre-paid SIM cards which can be topped up as needed by the user.
What is the best method for my SIM card top-up in Bucharest?
There are several ways to credit the account wherever you find operator stores, kiosks, or go online, using a credit/debit card or mobile payment.
Will I be able to keep my same phone number if I go ahead and purchase the SIM card in Bucharest or not?
No, you should buy a new Romanian SIM card.
Do I need to register my SIM card in Bucharest?
Yes, Romanian law requires registering SIM cards with your personal information.
Can I use my SIM card in Bucharest for international roaming?
Yes, but check with your operator for roaming rates and packages to avoid high charges.
VIII. Conclusion
In the end, getting a SIM card in Bucharest can be simple. Just use these local tips, and you can quickly get a plan that suits you, keeping you connected while you’re there. Don’t forget your passport, look around for good deals, and think about how much data you need. With some planning, getting a SIM card in Bucharest is just an easy part of your trip, ensuring you can easily stay in touch.
