Yes, eSIMs work well in Romania, and for most travelers they are the easiest option for staying connected. The country has widespread 4G coverage across cities and tourist destinations, with 5G expanding through operators like Orange, Vodafone, and DIGI. Here is what you need to know before buying one.
Best eSIMs for Romania ā Quick Comparison
| Provider | Best for | Why choose it | Plans |
|---|---|---|---|
| ā Yesim Our pick | Best overall | Flexible international eSIM option thatās easy to arrange before your trip. | Check Yesim plans ā |
| Airalo | Budget travelers | Simple prepaid eSIM plans for travelers who only need a small or moderate amount of data. | Check Airalo plans ā |
| Drimsim | Pay-as-you-go | A flexible alternative for travelers who prefer paying for the data they actually use. | Check Drimsim rates ā |
Prices and available plans can change. Check the providerās website for the latest options before purchasing.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Plans change frequently. The prices below were checked in July 2026. Always confirm details on the providerās official website before purchasing.
- RedEx: 1GB / 7 Days / $4.50 / Best for short trips
- Holafly: Unlimited / 3-30 Days / from ā¬3.79 / Best for unlimited data
- Airalo: Flexible plans / 7-30 Days / from $4.51 / Best for budget travelers
- Orange Romania: ~30GB / 28 Days / ~ā¬6 / Best for long stays
Does eSIM Work in Romania?
E SIMs in Romania typically connect to local networks including Orange, Vodafone, and DIGI. Orange has the broadest 5G footprint in the country, with 5G availability at 57 percent, while Vodafone offers the fastest median 5G download speeds at around 180 Mbps. DIGI provides reliable coverage with strong upload performance and low latency.
Coverage is strong in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, BraČov, TimiČoara, ConstanČa, and along major transport corridors. You can expect reliable 4G and 5G speeds for navigation, messaging, and video calls in these areas. 5G is available in cities including Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, BraČov, IaČi, TimiČoara, and ConstanČa.
If you plan to travel to remote mountain areas or villages outside the main tourist routes, expect coverage to become patchy or disappear entirely. Orange provides the best rural and mountain coverage with around 98 percent nationwide 4G coverage. Vodafone covers about 96 percent of the country, with strong city performance.
Download offline maps for Romania through Google Maps or Maps.me as a backup. This is especially useful if you plan to drive through the Carpathian Mountains or explore rural regions where signal can drop.
Best eSIM Options for Romania
RedEx ā Best for Short Trips
RedEx offers flexible prepaid eSIM plans starting at $4.50 for 1GB valid for 7 days. The eSIM roams on Orange and Vodafone networks, giving you solid coverage in cities and along major tourist routes. In central Bucharest, RedEx delivers median 5G download speeds around 180 Mbps with latency between 45 and 60 milliseconds.
No passport or local registration is required ā you purchase online, scan a QR code, and install within about three minutes. A genuine downside is that data stops when the allowance runs out, with no low-speed backup option. This provider is best for short stays of 3 to 10 days in cities where convenience matters more than data volume.
Holafly ā Best for Unlimited Data
Holafly offers unlimited data plans for Romania with options ranging from 3 days at ā¬3.79 to 30 days at higher rates. The eSIM connects to Orange, Vodafone, and DIGI networks, giving you reliable coverage across cities and tourist destinations. It supports 5G and 4G LTE networks where available.
The plan includes a daily hotspot sharing limit of 1GB and comes with a backup 1GB of data per month through the Always On feature after the plan expires. A genuine downside is that speeds may be reduced after heavy usage, and coverage drops off in remote areas. This provider is best for travelers who want unlimited data and will stay mainly in cities and popular tourist spots.
Airalo ā Best Budget Option
Airalo provides affordable eSIM plans for Romania starting from $4.51. The eSIM connects to the Orange network, which offers the broadest coverage in the country. For longer stays, regional European plans are available that include Romania.
It is data-only, so you will not receive a local phone number for calls or SMS. A genuine downside is that data amounts are fixed, and you need to top up manually if you run out. This provider is best for budget travelers who need a small data allowance for maps and messaging without overpaying.
Check current Airalo plans for Romania ā
Orange Romania ā Best for Long Stays
Orange Romania offers prepaid eSIM plans starting at around ā¬6 for approximately 30GB of data plus local call minutes. The Orange network covers about 98 percent of the country, providing the strongest rural and mountain coverage. In Bucharest, median 5G download speeds range from 220 to 300 Mbps with low latency.
Most plans operate on 28-day cycles and include EU roaming. A genuine downside is that activation requires account registration, and some plans need basic identity verification or Romanian-language navigation. This provider is best for road trips, long stays, and travelers who need fast, reliable data for work or streaming.
eSIM vs Local SIM in Romania ā Which Is Better?
Both eSIM and local SIM cards work well in Romania. The best choice depends on your travel style and needs.
- Setup: E SIMs activate before you travel. Local SIMs require finding a shop on arrival and registering an account.
- Price: E SIMs range from $4.50 to $40 depending on data. Local SIM starter packs cost around ā¬5ā6 for 25ā30GB.
- Data amount: E SIMs are fixed plans. Local SIMs offer high-volume bundles and flexible top-ups.
- Phone calls: E SIMs do not include calls. Local SIMs include a local phone number for calls and texts.
- Works on arrival: E SIMs are ready immediately. Local SIMs require finding a shop and completing registration.
- Flexibility: E SIMs have fixed allowances. Local SIMs can be topped up anytime.
Choose an eSIM for trips under two weeks, especially if you value convenience and want data the moment you land. Choose a local SIM for longer stays, heavy data usage, road trips, or if you need a local phone number. Orange and Vodafone offer much lower per-GB costs for large data volumes, making them better for extended stays.
How to Set Up an eSIM for Romania
Setting up an eSIM takes about five minutes. Most iPhones from the XS onwards, Samsung Galaxy models from the S20 onwards, Google Pixel from 3 onwards, and many Android flagships support eSIM. Check your phone settings to confirm compatibility before buying.
- Buy the eSIM plan before you travel to avoid relying on airport WiFi.
- Install the eSIM using the QR code or provider app before departure while you have a stable home Wi-Fi connection.
- Keep data roaming OFF until you land, then turn it ON for the eSIM.
- Keep your home SIM active for calls and texts if you have dual-SIM capability.
A common mistake is activating the eSIM before your flight departs. This starts the validity period early and uses up your data allowance before you even arrive. Pre-install the profile but keep data roaming off until you reach Romania.
eSIM Tips for Traveling in Romania
- Buy your eSIM before you fly. Airport WiFi at Henri CoandÄ International Airport in Bucharest can be unreliable for scanning QR codes on arrival.
- Download Google Maps or Maps.me offline before you land. This is essential for navigating areas with patchy coverage, especially in the Carpathian Mountains.
- Check your phone is unlocked. A locked phone from your home carrier will not work with an eSIM from a different provider.
- If traveling through the TransfÄgÄrÄČan or Transalpina roads, expect signal drops in the highest passes. Download offline maps and routes before driving.
- For stays over two weeks, consider a local Orange or Vodafone SIM instead of an eSIM for better value.
- Inside the Bucharest Metro, Orange has deployed 5G+ coverage with speeds up to 1 Gbps, but other providers may have weaker underground signals.
- If crossing into neighboring EU countries, consider a Europe regional eSIM instead of a Romania-only plan.
- Keep a screenshot of the QR code or installation instructions in case you need to reinstall your eSIM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my phone support eSIM for Romania?
Most iPhones from the XS, XR, and newer models support eSIM. Many Samsung Galaxy models from the S20 onwards, Google Pixel from 3 onwards, and other Android flagship devices also support it. You can dial *#06# on your keypad; if you see an EID number listed, your phone is eSIM-compatible.
Can I use an eSIM and keep my regular SIM at the same time in Romania?
Yes, if your phone supports dual SIM. You can use the eSIM for data and keep your home SIM active for calls and texts. Just turn off data roaming on your home SIM to avoid unexpected charges.
How much data do I need for a week in Romania?
For navigation, messaging, and light social media use, 3GB to 5GB is enough for a week. If you stream videos or use video calls frequently, consider a 10GB plan or more. For a typical one-week trip, 3 to 5 GB covers reasonable use including maps, messaging, and occasional photo uploads.
Is 5G available in Romania?
Yes, 5G is available in major cities including Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, BraČov, IaČi, TimiČoara, and ConstanČa. Overall 5G availability in Romania reached around 39 percent in early 2026. Orange has the broadest 5G footprint at 57 percent, while Vodafone offers the fastest median 5G download speeds. DIGI provides strong upload performance and low latency.
Can I buy a local SIM at Henri CoandÄ International Airport?
Yes, local SIM cards are available at Bucharestās main airport. However, prices and availability can vary. Orange, Vodafone, and DIGI all have presence at the airport, but official operator stores in the city center often offer better deals and more plan options. To avoid hassle, consider an eSIM as a backup or purchase a SIM in Bucharest city center at official operator stores.
For most travelers visiting Romania for up to two weeks, RedEx offers excellent value with its flexible short-term plans and quick QR installation. If you need unlimited data and plan to stay in cities or popular tourist spots, Holafly is a solid choice. For road trips and long stays, a local Orange or Vodafone SIM provides the best coverage and per-GB value. Both options keep you connected without the hassle of finding a local SIM shop or paying exorbitant roaming fees.