Buying a SIM Card in Bucharest for Travelers 2024: Guide from Locals

Discover the best ways of buying a SIM Card in Bucharest for travelers. Whether you prefer pre-ordering online or exploring local telecom shops, locals share insider tips for easy connectivity during your visit.

Bucharest, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Romania, receives thousands of visitors each year. This blog post will clarify how to buy SIM card in Bucharest and help you to know the benefits of obtaining a SIM card for Romania, including data plans and call prices that allow you to stay connected while in the country.

I. Why Buy SIM card in Bucharest?

Here are several reasons why you should buy SIM card in Bucharest, Romania: 

• Affordability: First and foremost, a local SIM card gives you access to dependable and reasonably priced communication services. Travelers visiting Bucharest may simply maintain communication with friends, family, and local connections by using a local number, all without having to pay expensive roaming fees.
• Constant Access: With a local SIM card, you have continuous access to the internet wherever there is mobile network coverage, compared to intermittent access with free WiFi which may not be available everywhere.
• Flexibility: Without relying on WiFi, a SIM card enables you to use messaging apps, make local calls, and access local services. It’s especially helpful for navigation apps and for maintaining connectivity when visiting places off the beaten path where WiFi might not be available. 

II. Which mobile internet carrier is the best in Bucharest?

Orange Romania leads among choices for tourists in Bucharest. Here’s a concise comparison of Orange Romania’s offerings 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

► Our recommendation: Bucharest is a famous tourist city in Romania, so the coverage and speed of the carriers will not be much different. The main difference is in plan details and customer support. 

Orange Romania offers an excellent combination of fast internet, strong signal throughout, and many package options for the majority of visitors. However, Telekom, Vodafone, or Digi may be less expensive if you only use a little amount of the internet and want unlimited calls.

III. Best Bucharest SIM Card Plans and Price

SIM cards in Bucharest are incredibly cheap when compared to many other locations. View the average prices 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 international mins	Unlimited	1 month	~$14
Telekom Romania	Smart Plus 15	~$15	Unlimited 5G speed	Unlimited national mins + 600 international mins	Unlimited	1 month	~$20
	Smart Plus 25	~$25	Unlimited 5G speed	Unlimited national mins + 1000 international mins	Unlimited	1 month	~$30
	Unlimited 5	~$5	Unlimited	Unlimited + 50 international mins	Unlimited	1 month	~$10
	Unlimited 8	~$8	Unlimited	Unlimited + 250 international mins	Unlimited	1 month	~$13
	Unlimited 10	~$10	Unlimited	Unlimited + 350 international mins	Unlimited	1 month	~$15
	Unlimited 15	~$15	Unlimited	Unlimited + 450 international mins	Unlimited	1 month	~$20
	Unlimited 19	~$19	Unlimited	Unlimited + 650 international mins	Unlimited	1 month	~$24
Vodafone Romania	Vodafone Cash Back Card	~$6	100GB	2000 national mins + Span/Italy	2000 national SMS	28 days	~$6
Digi Mobile Romania	Unlimited	~$5 to $10	Unlimited	Unlimited SMS + 3000 international minutes	Unlimited	30 days

IV. Where to Buy SIM Card in Bucharest? 

The best place to buy a SIM card in Bucharest including the Bucharest airport and the city center.

1. Buy a SIM card at Bucharest airport 

Bucharest International Airport is the only airport in Romania where SIM cards are available for purchase. The specifics are as follows:

Location: 

• The Relay Store right after luggage claim in arrivals is where you can find.
• The Aelia Bucharest Store near boarding gate access area for internal departures

Hours of operation: 6:30 AM to 11:30 PM

Prices: 

• Orange prepaid: 100 GB data + 1,000 minutes for 28 days = $13 USD
• Vodafone prepaid: 150 GB data + 2,000 minutes for 28 days = 60 Leu – $13 USD

The most immediate advantage of purchasing a SIM card at Bucharest International Airport is the convenience of having access to internet and mobile connectivity right upon arrival. However, SIM cards sold at airports are generally priced higher than those found in local stores. 

2. Buy a SIM card in Bucharest center

Buying a SIM card in Bucharest city center is a good option if you prioritize lower prices, a wider selection of plans, and assistance. Here is some pros and cons:

Pros:

• More options and lower prices than Romania Airport
• Store staffs who can help you activate your SIM card and set up your phone

Cons:

• Finding a store might take some time compared to buying online
• Staff may not speak fluent English, especially at smaller stores.
• You have to present your ID, passport for registration.

Here are the top 3 options to buy a SIM Card in Bucharest city center:

• Official Stores of Mobile Network Carriers (Orange, Vodafone, Telekom)
• Convenience Stores (Relay, Inmedio, Mega Image)
• Reputable kiosks or phone repair shops might also sell SIM cards.

Some addresses for you in Bucharest to buy a Romania SIM card:

• Orange Official Store: Bulevardul Pierre de Coubertin 3-5, Bucharest, Romania
• Vodafone Official Store: Centrul Comercial Auchan Titan, Bulevardul 1 Decembrie 1918 33A, Bucharest, Romania
• Telekom Official Store: Str. Liviu Rebreanu, Nr 4, Stand, Bucharest, Romania
• Relay: Piața Gării de Nord 1-3, Bucharest, Romania
• Inmedio: Veranda Mall, Sos Colentina, Nr. 6, sector 2, Bucharest, Romania
• Mega Image: Șoseaua Colentina 3A, Bucharest, Romania

► Our Recommendation: For the best experience and potentially lower costs, plan ahead by purchasing a Romania eSIM online from a reputable retailer before departure (skip mobile network carriers official store as they might require passport verification). Just remember before purchasing, your phone needs to be eSIM compatible.

V. Romania eSIM card for Bucharest – Alternative to SIM Card for travelers

If your phone supports eSIM, the most convenient way to stay connected in Bucharest is buying Romania eSIM for travelers. There are 2 very easy ways to buy eSIM online:

• Directly from network carriers: Orange, Vodafone, Telekom all sell their Romania eSIM on their official website. You should search for the plans you want, register and purchase everything online before arrival at Bucharest.
• Buy from travel eSIM retailers: While official network carriers might still require ID verification when buying Romania eSIM online, retailers like Gigago offer a smoother and easier process. Gigago Romania eSIM price range between $3.00 – $95.90 . With  $3.00 plan, you will have 500MB of data for 3 days use.

VI. What to Prepare to buy SIM card in Bucharest

There are a few things to be ready before you buy SIM card in Bucharest:

• Required Documentation: Stores may need legitimate documentation, like your passport, to confirm your identity.
• Unlocked mobile device: Make sure your phone can connect to Romania’s GSM networks (900/1800 MHz) and is unlocked..
• As required by Romanian law, register your SIM with personal details.
• Pick from well-known network providers like Digi Mobil, Vodafone, Telekom, Orange, or Vodafone. Examine their plans and coverage.

VII. Extra Tips when buying SIM card in Bucharest 

Here are some extra tips to keep in mind when buying a SIM card in Bucharest:

• SIM Card Registration: Be prepared to provide your passport or a valid ID for SIM card registration. This is necessary to complete the purchase and activation process.
• Activation Process: Familiarize yourself with the activation process. Some SIM cards may require you to dial a specific number or use an app to activate services after purchase.
• Coverage and Network Quality: Check the coverage maps and inquire about network quality for your intended travel areas. Some providers may offer better coverage in certain regions or rural areas.
• Data Plans and Packages: Compare different data plans and packages to find one that suits your usage needs (e.g., data volume, validity period, international calling rates).
• Promotions and Special Offers: Look out for promotions or special offers that may provide additional data or discounts on calls and texts. These can vary between providers and change frequently.
• Top-Up Options: Understand how to top up your credit or data once it runs out. Many convenience stores and kiosks throughout Bucharest sell top-up vouchers for various providers.
• SIM Card Compatibility: Ensure your phone is unlocked and compatible with GSM networks if you plan to use a local SIM card. Most modern smartphones support GSM, but it’s always good to double-check.

VIII. FAQs about SIM card in Bucharest

IX. Conclusion 

In conclusion, buying a SIM card in Bucharest is an essential step towards seamless connectivity throughout Romania. By following this guide, you’ll be equipped with the essential information to choose the best mobile plan for your needs and effortlessly stay connected during your trip. Remember to compare data allowances, call rates, and coverage areas to find the perfect SIM card for you. Alternatively, a Romania eSIM offers the convenience of managing your network settings online, providing more flexibility.