Use Cell Phone In Romania for Travelers: How To Do It?

If Romania is on your travel itinerary, you probably want to know if you can use cell phone in Romania. This article will discuss the best ways for visitors to stay connected while traveling through Romania and how to use a cell phone in this country.

I. Highlights of Phone Compatibility, Frequencies and Networks in Romania

Networks, frequencies, and phone compatibility are easily set up in Romania. It’s usually easy to get your gadget to work properly with conventional frequencies and a select few big carriers.

Phone Compatibility: Foreign nationals arriving in Romania who already own a GSM phone can use cell phone in Romania. In certain circumstances, the phone may need to be “unlocked” from the network in your home country. It might not be possible for you to use cell phone in Romania if you have a CDMA phone, though these phones are primarily used in Asia and the US.

Frequencies: 

• 5G: n1 (2100), n3 (1800), n7 (2600), n20 (800), n77 (3700), n78 (3500)
• 4G: B1 (2100), B3 (1800), B7 (2600), B8 (900), B20 (800), B38 (TDD 2600)
• 3G: B1 (2100), B8 (900)
• 2G: B3 (1800), B8 (900)

Networks:

• Main carriers: Orange, Vodafone, Telekom
• Travelers can buy a Romania SIM card from reputable vendors online, at city stores, or at airports upon arrival to use cell phone in Romania.

II. Will My Cell Phone Work In Romania?

In most cases, Yes, you can easily use cell phone in Romania. Check to see if your phone is unlocked and compatible with Romanian networks. A locked cell phone may not operate with Romanian SIM cards, therefore unlocking it first is important. Additionally, make sure that your phone’s network bands match those used by Romania SIM card operators for the best coverage and performance. You can check if your phone will work abroad and  refer to the picture above to see if your phone matches with Romania network bands.

III. Do I Need An International Plan In Romania?

Yes, an international plan is suggested when traveling to Romania. While free WiFi may appear appealing, relying on it comes with many drawbacks, such as security risks, limited accessibility and Unreliable connections.

International plans offer a clear advantage:

• Convenience: If your current mobile provider offers roaming in Romania, you can simply keep your existing SIM card in your phone and start using it as soon as you land.
• Cost-effective: International plans are typically much cheaper than paying roaming charges.
• Better coverage: In some cases, you may get better coverage with a local SIM card than you would with your home country’s roaming service. This is because local SIM cards are designed to work on the Romanian network.
• Peace of mind: You won’t have to worry about racking up a huge bill when you use your phone in Romania. With an international plan, you’ll know exactly how much you’re going to spend upfront.
• Flexibility: Select a plan that is suitable for your specific requirements, whether you are on a short trip with limited data or staying for an extended period of time and need limitless access.

Investing in an international plan guarantees that you may use cell phone in Romania, stay connected, navigate effortlessly, and avoid unexpected roaming charges when you return.

IV. What Are Options To Use Cell Phone In Romania For Tourists?

International SIM card, prepaid eSIM, and pocket wifi are cell services that provide tourists with plans to use cellular data, make phone calls, or send messages while you travel in Romania. Let’s learn more about the options below:

1. eSIM Plan for Romania

eSIM plans provide an easy and adaptable option for remaining connected in Romania. They are perfect for compatible smartphones and offer:

Suitable for: Individuals seeking flexible data plans without the need for a physical SIM card

Where to buy eSIM for Romania:  travel SIM card providers like Gigago, or some Romanian mobile network operators

Pros: Convenient, easy setup, multiple data packages

Cons: Requires eSIM compatible phone, limited availability

2. International SIM card for Romania

Prepaid international SIM cards are a more popular choice among travelers to use cell phone in Romania. They work in much the same way as the ones you use at home. The specified slot on your phone is where you must insert the SIM.

Suitable for: any unlocked phone

Where to buy SIM card for Romania: kiosks at Romanian airports, operator stores, and online prior to travel.

Pros: reasonable prices, a large range of plans, and accessibility to all local networks

Cons: Required SIM slot; possibility of losing SIM when uninstalled

3. Pocket WiFi

Pocket WiFi is an option for tourists to stay connected while traveling in Romania. Pocket WiFi is a portable device that creates a personal Wi-Fi hotspot to use cell phone in Romania. It’s like a mini router that you can carry with you during your Romania trip.

• Suitable for: This portable device provides internet access in Romania to multiple devices simultaneously, making it convenient for groups and family.
• Where to buy Pocket WiFi for Romania: Several companies offer Pocket WiFi rental services for travelers like TravelWifi, Wifivox and so on. You can rent it online and the providers will send the pocket wifi to your designated address.
• Pros: You can enjoy the internet with friends and family or use multiple devices such as cell phone, tablet, laptop at the same time.
• Cons: Be aware of your data usage and battery life of the Romania pocket WiFi. It can be out of data usage and battery while you are traveling.

V. Will My Local Network Work In Romania?

Most likely possible. However, find out how much international roaming will cost from your provider. Roaming can be expensive for calls and data.

You may discover a network that works with your phone in Romania because of the strong 4G coverage offered by major providers such as Orange, Vodafone, and Telekom. But remember that there can be differences in network quality, particularly between urban and rural locations.

VI. Gigago eSIM – An Alternative To Get Internet In Romania With Your Cell Phone

If your phone is eSIM compatible, consider using an eSIM for your trip to Romania. It’s a convenient and best digital alternative to a physical Romania SIM card. An eSIM allows you to quickly buy and activate your plan online before your journey to use cell phone in Romania. No more seeking SIM card retailers or dealing with activation struggles upon arrival in Romania.

Which Romania eSIM plan should you choose for your trip?

Gigago offers Romania eSIM plans from major carriers like Orange, DIGI, Telekom, and Vodafone for a very affordable price around $3.00 – $95.90 . Prices start at $3.00 for a minimum of 500MB data over 3 days.

Travelers should choose the perfect Gigago Romania eSIM package based on your trip length, data needs, and usage habits. Gigago provides various eSIM packages ranging from a few days to a month. However, only 14 and 28-day Romania eSIM plans include phone numbers, others are data-only options.

VII. Extra Tips To Use Cell Phone in Romania

While traveling Romania with your phone and looking to use cell phone in Romania, consider these helpful tips:

• Unlock your phone: If your phone is locked to a specific carrier, consider getting it unlocked before your trip. This will allow you to use a Romanian SIM card.
• Check compatibility: Make sure your phone is compatible with the GSM network frequencies used in Romania.
• Download calling apps: Consider apps like Viber, WhatsApp, or Skype for cheap or free calls and texts.
• Turning off Auto Features: Stop your apps from updating by themselves and using data in the background.
• Invest in a Portable Charger: Romania has good coverage, but consider a portable charger or battery-saving measures (lower screen brightness) for venturing outside cities.
• Learn basic Romanian phrases: A few basic phrases like “Bună ziua” (Hello) and “Mulțumesc” (Thank you) can go a long way.

By considering these additional tips, you can ensure a smooth and worry-free experience using your cell phone in Romania.

VIII. FAQs about Use Cell Phone in Romania

IX. Conclusion

It is necessary to understand how to use a cell phone in Romania. To avoid roaming charges, the best option for cell phone use in Romania is to utilize a local eSIM or prepaid SIM. Always choose a package that meets your travel needs and budget.