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Local SIM in Bucharest
Are you heading to Bucharest and wondering how to stay connected?
Don't sweat it, this guide will help you pick the perfect SIM card for your Romanian adventure!
Here's why a local SIM card is your best friend:
First of all it helps you save big! Roaming charges are a travel bummer in 2024. Avoid the frustration and crazy high fees with a local SIM card.
Top 3 SIM cards in Bucharest
Each of them offers a range of prepaid plans, data bundles, and other mobile services to meet the needs of locals and travellers alike.
In a random order, the 3 top local SIM cards are given by the main operators in Romania:
Orange: is the largest mobile company in Romania, offers a variety of surfing and communication packages.
Vodafone: a well-known international company, offers attractive packages for tourists.
Telekom: a reliable and recommended company, offers generous surfing packages.
We recommend Telekom as it has a really cheap price, a good coverage all over Romania
(good especially for those who are planning a trip to the picturesque villages) and a fast internet browsing (5G network support).
Ordering rides with Bolt or Uber using a local SIM card can often give you better prices.
Don't rely on unpredictable hotel Wi-Fi or risk using unsecured public networks. A local SIM card keeps you connected wherever you go and allows you to use a VPN for secure browsing.
That means you have the freedom to explore Bucharest using Google Maps and access sensitive informations like your banking apps, without any risks.
Also a local Sim helps you stay entertained! You can download movies or browse the web, all with a reliable data connection.
Where to buy a local SIM in Bucharest:
Purchasing a local SIM is recommended for those interested in continuous mobile browsing, local and international calls at affordable prices.
Upon arrival in Bucharest, you will find several convenient places to purchase a SIM card:
Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP), has kiosks selling SIM cards from various providers. On the ground floor you can buy in a supermarket, a Relay store and a store called Press One.
This is a convenient option for getting connected as soon as you land. Keep in mind that prices may be higher, like everything else at the airport.
Look for phone shops in Bucharest! Major phone stores like Orange, Vodafone and Telekom shops are scattered throughout the city. Large shopping centres such as AFI Cotroceni and Băneasa Shopping City have official stores for all major suppliers. Here, you can browse various plans and ask staff for recommendations.
Supermarkets convenience stores can be an option. Many supermarkets and convenience stores, like Carrefour or Mega Image, sell prepaid SIM card starter packs. Avoid small neighbourhood convenience stores as they can sell you overpriced SIM cards.
We recommend you opt for the official phone shops as they have the best prices and the staff there can help you choose the plan that is suited for your stay.
How to buy a local SIM in Bucharest
Travellers can easily purchase a SIM card in Bucharest, in fact all over the country!
Grabbing a local SIM card is as easy as grabbing a bottle of water. There is no complicated registration process, just pick a provider, choose a data plan, and you're good to go.
Some stores may ask for your for a valid ID or passport for registration.
You will receive a prepaid SIM card that you insert in your phone. For sure you will need some additional settings on the phone.
The instructions are usually given in English and include dialling a short code to activate your program. If you opted to buy a local SIM from an official phone store it's better to activate it with the help of the staff.
A Romanian phone number that starts with +40.
How much does a local SIM in Bucharest cost?
A local SIM card's price may vary depending on the provider and data plan you choose. Prices start from 5 euros.
Here are a few prices for a local SIM card given by the top providers:
Vodafone offers a local SIM with just 5 euro that includes:
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150 GB internet
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Unlimited minutes and SMS in the Vodafone network
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2000 national minutes (also for Spain and Italy) from which 300 are international minutes
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NO ROAMING included
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Available for 28 days
Orange offers a local SIM with just 5 euro that includes:
6 GB internet
2000 national minutes from which 300 are international minutes
NO ROAMING included
Available for 60 days
Telekom has a great unlimited package for just 5 euro:
Unlimited national data
Unlimited calls and SMS in all networks
100 international minutes
Available for 28 days
How to choose the right plan
Choosing the right plan depends on the length of stay and internet usage. For short visits, look for plans that offer a large amount of data over a shorter period.
Longer stays may benefit from options with a balance of talk, text and data. Always check for special offers or look for packages that may be available during your visit.
If your SIM card isn't working quite right, don't panic! All major Romanian mobile operators have your back. Here's how to get help:
Most operators have retail stores in Bucharest. Just pop in, explain the issue, and their staff will get you sorted.
Each operator has a customer service hotline. Numbers are usually displayed on their websites or SIM card packaging.
Public Wi-Fi networks in Bucharest
They are available in most public places in Bucharest such as:
Coffee shops: Most coffee shops offer free Wi-Fi to customers. The network name and password will usually be displayed in a prominent place. If you can find it written somewhere just ask the staff.
Restaurants: Many of the restaurants offer free Wi-Fi, both to customers sitting on the premises and to customers who wish to order delivery.
Shopping malls: in all the big shopping malls in Romania you will find free Wi-Fi. You may need to connect to a dedicated network of the mall.
Parks: Many public parks offer free Wi-Fi, especially in central areas.
Public transport: Some of the new buses and trains offer free Wi-Fi to passengers.
Hotels: Of course, in all hotels you will find free Wi-Fi.
Additional public places: libraries, museums, tourist attractions and more.
Tips for connecting to a public Wi-Fi network:
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Make sure your phone or computer is connected to a Wi-Fi network.
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Select the desired network.
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To have a great experience choose a network with high signal.
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If the network is password protected, enter the password if you know it.
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You may need to agree to the network's terms of use.
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After a successful connection, you can surf the Internet, download files, send and receive messages.
Free Wi-Fi can be found at the airport in the baggage claim area: look for the Wi-Fi network called "OTP Airport Free Wi-Fi".
At the exit: in the coffee shop to the left of the taxi ordering machines, you will find a free Wi-Fi network called "Coffee Shop Free Wi-Fi".
Useful information and facts
Romania has one of the most fast mobile data speeds in the world!
Emergency Numbers: In Romania, dial 112 for emergency services, available with or without a SIM card.
Customer support: Major suppliers offer customer support in several languages, accessible through their websites or by calling their hotline.
Top-up options: You can top up your credit at supermarkets, kiosks or online to ensure you never run out of data or minutes.
In conclusion:
By buying a local SIM card with affordable options and flexible plans, you'll stay connected, save money, and have a stress-free travel experience in Bucharest!
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