Orange Romania SIM & eSIM for Tourists: What you need to know

This guide will help you learn how to get and activate an Orange Romania SIM & eSIM, as well as explore price options and even show you how to top up your plan.

Orange is one of the leading telecommunications providers in Romania, offering a wide range of mobile services, including Orange Romania SIM & eSIM. In this article, you could find comprehensive guidelines for using these SIM cards and eSIM.  

I. Overview about Orange Romania – What you need to know

Orange Romania is a Romanian supplier of mobile and broadband Internet services. It is the biggest GSM network provider in Romania and is primarily controlled by Orange S.A.

  • Founded year: 1997; 27 years ago
  • Full company name: Mobil Rom, operated under two brand names: Alo (for prepay services) and Dialog (for monthly subscription plans; the word “dialogue” in Romanian).
  • Types of services provided: Orange Romania offers a variety of prepaid and postpaid SIM card options, catering to different usage patterns and budgets.
  • Number of subscribers: 115% (active users only). Market share of almost 38% of the total market (active and inactive users)
  • Speed: fastest mobile network speed in Romania
  • Coverage: covered 97% of the population with 4G/LTE
Orange is one of the largest mobile network in Romania
Orange is one of the largest mobile network in Romania

II. Orange Coverage in Romania

Based on Open Signal’s July 2023 report on mobile network experience in Romania. Orange is the market leader in Romania. It offers strong coverage and speeds throughout the country. Orange first introduced 4G/LTE in 2014. They covered 97% of the population with 4G/LTE.

  • Orange had high overall availability of 97.1% of time, similar to Digi Mobil. This means users generally had a connection.
  • Orange is the Romanian operator to win the 5G Availability award, with combined scores of 13.2%.
Orange coverage map in Romania
Orange Romania SIM & eSIM coverage map in Romania

III. Orange Speed in Romania

Orange offers the fastest mobile network speed in Romania. According to the July 2023 Opensignal Mobile Network Experience Report, Gigago will share the following key information:

  • Orange users experienced average download speeds of 36.6 Mbps, approximately 5.3Mbps faster than those of Vodafone operators.
  • Orange holds the top position for Upload Speed Experience score in Romania, reaching 11.9 Mbps. This is approximately 0.3Mbps faster than Vodafone, which ranks second.
Orange offers the fastest mobile network speeds in the country.
Orange offers the fastest mobile network speeds in the country.

Orange Romania SIM & eSIM retains its lead in Download Speed Experience, while Vodafone shares the Upload Speed Experience award for the second time in a row. The operator tops in 5G Download Speed and 5G Upload, with outstanding rates of 242.3Mbps and 33.1Mbps, respectively.

IV. Types of Orange Romania SIM Card Options for Tourists

Travelers visiting Romania have multiple options for staying in touch with Orange: buying a SIM card, using pocket WiFi, and utilizing roaming services. Orange also offers eSIM for travelers in addition to SIM cards. But in order to use eSIM, the phone needs to be network unlocked and support eSIM.

Orange eSIM service
Orange eSIM service

Every choice has a set of benefits and drawbacks based on personal preferences. Please refer to the following table for more details.

FeatureSIM CardeSIMPocket WiFiRoaming
Pros– Local number, cheaper data, good for single device use.
– Connect quickly and directly
– Convenient – purchase online before departure,
– No physical SIM card to lose,
– May offer competitive rates compared to roaming        
– Multiple device connectivity, portable, no SIM-unlocked phone needed.– Convenience, familiar number.
– When contacting, use the same Vietnamese number.
Cons– Requires unlocked phone, limited to one device, potential activation issues.
– While taking it out, it’s simple to lose the primary SIM.
– Potential compatibility issues with some devices,
– May require technical knowledge for setup
Additional device to carry, battery life, rental fees.High costs, potential for slow speeds, data caps.

In conclusion, buying an Orange Romania SIM & eSIM is the most economical way for visitors to use the Orange network while in Romania, avoiding costly roaming fees and the device restrictions associated with renting wi-fi. To select the best option, travelers should think about the length of their journey and their needs.

V. Top Orange SIM cards for Tourists & Prices

Orange Romania is a leading mobile network operator in the country and they also have the best Orange Romania SIM & eSIM options for tourists.

DataCall in RomaniaCall to other countriesSMSLengthPrice
1GBNot includedNot includedNot included7 days4.99€ (5.45$)
12GBUnlimited30 mins200 SMS14 days15.99€ (17.48$)
30GBUnlimited120 mins1000 SMS14 days39.99€ (43.71$)
100GBUnlimited120 mins1000 SMS28 days49.99€ (54.64$)

All Orange Romania SIM & eSIM tourists mobile data plans allow data tethering, also known as mobile hotspot functionality. You can share your phone’s internet connection with other devices like laptops or tablets.

If your phone is eSIM only, Orange Romania offers eSIM options that are the same as their traditional SIM card plans in terms of price and features. You get all the benefits of an eSIM without sacrificing affordability or functionality.

VI. Where to buy Orange Romania SIM cards for tourists?

There are several ways to purchase an Orange SIM card in Romania such as at the airport, in the city center,…. For more information, please see the following.

1. Buy Orange SIM at Romania airports

Upon arrival, the most convenient option is to purchase an Orange SIM card at the airport. At both Bucharest and Cluj airports, you can only purchase a SIM card from Relay convenience stores. This is a great way to get connected immediately upon landing.

Here are tips for Buying an Orange SIM Card at the airport:

  • Bring Your ID: When purchasing a SIM card from a mobile operator, you must show them your passport..
  • Unlock your phone: To use a SIM card from another cell network, your phone must be unlocked. One option is to ask your existing mobile operator if your phone is unlocked.
You can purchase Orange SIM cards from Relay convenience store at Romania airport
You can purchase Orange SIM cards from Relay convenience store at Romania airport

2. Buy Orange SIM in Romania city center

Purchase a SIM card through the official Orange store
Purchase a SIM card through the official Orange store

You can make a direct purchase at the Orange store near the airport or in Romania city. Orange official store in Romania city is located in Bulevardul Nicolae Bălcescu Nr. 3-5, Bloc Dunarea, București. When you purchase a Romania SIM card there, the staff will activate your SIM and assist you with data connection before you depart. Furthermore, these outlets provide a broader range of plans and bundles than airport kiosks.

Orange SIM cards are also available for purchase at a variety of authorized retail stores, including convenience stores, train stations, and newsstands. Look for stores with the Orange logo displayed. Before making a purchase, tourists should check the store’s reputation.

3. Buy Orange SIM online before departure

To reduce dangers, tourists who choose this approach should purchase the card at least one day before their departure. Several online retailers such as Gigago, Maya Mobile offer pre-activated SIM cards for Romania. These cards are usually delivered to your home before your trip.

Alternatively, you can purchase an eSIM from these retailers. eSIM can be activated immediately, eliminating the need to wait for shipping.

VII.  Where to Buy Orange Romania eSIM for tourists?

There are generally two ways you can acquire an Orange Romania eSIM for your trip:

  • Orange Romania official website: You could purchase eSIM on the Orange Romania website. Prepare to present your personal information and documents, such as your ID and passport.
  • Online retailers: Several online retailers specialize in selling eSIMs for travelers and Gigago is one you can buy from. Gigago offers Gigago Romania eSIM beginning from $3.00$95.90 . The cheapest option $3.00 includes 500MB of data to use for the duration of three days.
You can easily purchase Orange eSIM for Romania on Gigago website.
You can easily purchase Orange eSIM for Romania on Gigago website.

Tip: when choosing Orange Romania SIM u0026amp; eSIM: Double-check compatibility to buy the right one for your phone. Ensure your phone supports eSIM or has a SIM slot for a physical card.

Advice for tourists: To stay connected while traveling, consider purchasing a tourist Romania eSIM from online retailers that have Orange eSIM like Gigago. Ideally, you should buy an eSIM online before you leave.

VIII. How to Top-up Orange Romania SIM & eSIM?

You can top-up your travel Orange Romania SIM & eSIM on their official website
You can top-up your travel Orange Romania SIM & eSIM on their official website

This is a step-by-step guide on how to top up your Orange Romania SIM & eSIM:

  • Step 1: Visit the Orange Top Up official website
  • Step 2: Enter your Romania phone number you want to top-up
  • Step 3: Select the top-up amount you want to add up.
  • Step 4: Make payment with your credit card.
  • Step 5: Review the top-up details for your travel Orange Romania SIM & eSIM.

Remember: Double-check your top-up phone number before confirming the transaction to avoid mistakes.

IX. FAQs about Orange in Romania

Why should I choose Orange Romania for my trip?

Orange Romania has extensive network coverage, reliable service, and a variety of tourist-friendly Orange Romania SIM u0026amp; eSIM options.

Does Orange Romania offer eSIM for tourists?

Yes. Orange has eSIM plans for travelers similar to normal SIM cards.

What is the typical internet speed on Orange Romania?

Speeds can vary depending on your location and plan, but Orange Romania offers 4G and 5G services in major areas, allowing for fast internet connection.

X. Conclusion

In conclusion, Orange is a fantastic option for travelers visiting Romania because it offers exceptional connectivity and data speeds throughout the nation. Orange Romania SIM & eSIM are reasonably priced, come with calling credits, messages, and mobile broadband, and are simple to buy online or in-store. When used with eSIM-compatible devices, eSIMs offer extra convenience.

While traveling in Romania, Orange offers smooth digital access for social media, navigation, transportation apps, and more thanks to its extensive 4G coverage and quick network performance.