Buying Telekom Romania Mobile SIM & eSIM: Detailed Guide

William Jones

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Published: July 2024

Discover how to get and activate an Telekom Romania Mobile SIM & eSIM with our comprehensive guide, designed to simplify your mobile connectivity decisions in Romania.

Telekom Romania offers a range of SIM cards and eSIM options tailored to different needs. This detailed guide explores everything you need to know about buying Telekom Romania Mobile SIM & eSIM. 

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

Telekom Romania, formerly known as Telekom Romania Communications and Romtelecom, is a leading telecommunications provider in Romania, offering a wide range of Telekom Romania Mobile SIM & eSIM, fixed-line, and internet services to individuals, businesses, and the public sector.

• Founded: 30 July 1990; 33 years ago (as ROM-POST-TELECOM). 1999; 25 years ago (as Cosmorom)
• Rank in Romania: ranks fourth in terms of mobile network availability
• Speed: Internet speed in Romania was ranked fourth
• Coverage: Telekom Romania’s 4G network covers over 98% of the population, providing high-speed data access in most areas.

II. Telekom Coverage in Romania 

In Romania, Telekom Romania ranks fourth in terms of mobile network coverage. The main key findings are as follows:

• Telekom Romania Mobile SIM & eSIM was available 88.2% of the time overall. This indicates that users were connected in general.
• Telekom has been continuously improving their network, expanding coverage to more rural areas
• Telekom is the fourth and final national operator in Romania to launch 5G, with its rivals — Digi Mobil, Orange and Vodafone. Telekom subscribers spend 9.5% of their time connected to an active 5G network

III. Telekom Speed in Romania 

Telekom’s mobile internet speed in Romania was ranked fourth. Based on measurements taken in July 2023 by Opensignal, the following information is available:

• Telekom’s average download speed was 22.3 Mbps, and its average upload speed was 8.6 Mbps.
• The 5G download speed for Telekom Romania SIM cards and eSIMs was again the lowest at 52.2 Mbps, around 25% of what Orange was able to achieve.

IV. Types of Telekom Romania SIM Card Options for Tourists

Telekom Romania offers several SIM card options tailored to meet the needs of tourists visiting the country: standard prepaid SIM card, roaming and pocket wifi. Telekom currently also offers eSIM to customers. Please refer to the given table for a more understandable comparison:

► Our recommendation: Purchasing a Telekom Romania Mobile SIM & eSIM is the most economical way for visitors to access the Telekom network while in Romania and avoid paying exorbitant roaming fees or renting a device that is limited in its ability to connect to the internet. 

V. Top Telekom Romania Mobile SIM cards for Tourists & Prices 

Telekom Romania, along with Orange and Vodafone, are the major mobile network providers in Romania that offer prepaid SIM cards plans ideal for tourists. Here is the list:

Telekom’s SIM packages are quite diverse but suitable for tourists traveling only to Romania. For tourists who want to travel to more countries in the EU, the options are a bit limited. Otherwise, Telekom Romania Mobile SIM cards provide a reliable and affordable way to stay connected while visiting Romania.

Furthermore, buying a Telekom SIM card upon arrival in Romania can be complicated. Telekom requires ID or passport verification, creating delays and inconvenience for tourists. For a more convenient option, consider purchasing a Telekom Romania SIM card online before your departure and wait for it to be shipped to your designated address. 

VI. Where to Buy Telekom Romania SIM cards for tourists?

Telekom Romania Mobile SIM & eSIM can be purchased in a variety of ways, such as: buy at Romania airports, buy in Romania city center, buy online before departure. 

1. Buy Telekom SIM at Romania airports

You can typically purchase Telekom Romania SIM cards at major airports such as Otopeni Airport, Aurel Vlaicu International Airport,… There are several shops and kiosks in the arrivals area where you can find Telekom Romania SIM cards.

• Convenience Stores: Airports usually have several convenience stores like Relay or similar outlets. These stores often sell SIM cards from various providers, including Telekom Romania.
• Newsstands: You might also find SIM cards at airport newsstands.

2. Buy Telekom SIM in Romania city center

Telekom Romania has a wide network of stores and partner retailers across the country. If you’re looking to buy a Telekom SIM card in Romania’s city centers, especially in major cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, Iași, or other large urban areas, there are several places where you can easily find them. 

You can easily find one in the city center by searching online or asking locals for directions. Here are some options:

• Telekom Stores: Official Telekom stores offer a wide range of SIM cards, plans, and devices. They can also assist with activation and troubleshooting. In Bucharest, Telekom Store is located in Bulevardul Unirii 21, Sector 3. This store is centrally located in Bucharest, near Unirii Square.
• Partner Retailers: Partner retailers, such as electronics stores, convenience stores, and newsstands, sell Telekom SIM cards. They may have a more limited selection compared to official stores.
• Electronics Stores: Large electronics retailers often sell SIM cards from various providers, including Telekom Romania. Look for stores like Media Galaxy, Altex, or Domo, which have multiple locations in city centers.
• Supermarkets: Larger supermarkets and hypermarkets like Carrefour, Auchan, or Mega Image sometimes have sections dedicated to electronics and telecom products where you can buy Telekom SIM cards.

While SIM cards in city centers are generally cheaper than those at airports, the process of purchasing them can be more complex and time-consuming, making them a less popular choice among tourists.

3. Buy Telekom SIM online before departure

If convenience is key, you can also consider purchasing a Telekom Romania SIM card online through their official website or other trusted retailers who offer delivery services.

• Telekom Romania Official Website: Visit the official Telekom Romania website. They often have an online shop where you can purchase SIM cards and choose your desired plan.
• Third-Party Retailers: Check if there are trusted third-party retailers or resellers that offer Telekom SIM cards online. Many providers you can consider such as GIGAGO, Maya Mobile,… 

Ordering your SIM card online allows you to avoid the hassle of searching for a store or kiosk upon arrival. You can conveniently purchase the SIM from the comfort of your home and have it delivered to your address. 

You can also purchase a Gigago eSIM to eliminate the need to wait for a physical SIM card to be shipped. Buying a SIM card online before departure is a popular and recommended choice among travelers due to its proactive nature and affordable prices.

► Recommendation: You can purchase a SIM card online without providing extensive personal information and enjoy convenient mobile connectivity during your travels.

VII. Where to Buy Telekom Romania eSIM for tourists?

Telekom Romania travel eSIM, a great alternative to a traditional SIM card, offers various advantages to tourists. This eSIM can be purchased online and installed easily. Travelers don’t need to physically change your primary SIM card. You will not have to present your passport and go through complex registration procedures.

It is recommended that travelers buy a Telekom travel eSIM for Romania from a reputable eSIM vendor online before your departure. Gigago, a well-known provider of travel eSIMs, offers several deals with competitive pricing, a diverse selection of eSIM data plans, and a great network connection.

Gigago Romania eSIM meets diverse traveler needs by providing competitive plans price from $3.00 – $95.90 . The minimum is 500MB of data in 3 days for just $3.00 .

VIII. How to Top-up Telekom Romania Mobile SIM & eSIM

The easiest way to top-up your Telekom Romania Mobile SIM & eSIM is log into your Telekom Account on Telekom App or Telekom website then search for the top-up sections. However, for some Telekom Romania Mobile SIM & eSIM prepaid plans, top-ups wouldn’t be necessary. You better check with your provider before you top-up your plan.

IX. FAQs about Telekom Romania Mobile SIM & eSIM

X. Conclusion

In conclusion, obtaining a Telekom Romania Mobile SIM & eSIM is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your mobile experience while in the country. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily acquire a SIM card that suits your needs and budget. Remember to compare plans, consider data allowances, and activate your SIM or eSIM promptly to enjoy uninterrupted connectivity. With Telekom Romania’s extensive coverage and reliable network, you can stay connected and explore Romania with ease.