Moldova is a small country between Romania and Ukraine, and most visitors come for Chișinău, the vast underground wine cellars of Cricova and Mileștii Mici, and the cave monastery of Orheiul Vechi. Since January 2026, Moldova has been part of the EU's Roam Like at Home area, so an EU SIM works there as it does at home, while SIMs from outside the EU usually pay roaming by the day.
Key facts for Moldova
- EU roaming: covered by Roam Like at Home
- Local networks: Orange, Moldcell, Moldtelecom (depending on the plan)
- Emergency numbers: 112
- Embassies: in Chișinău
Chișinău
Coverage is strong across Chișinău, a green city of parks and wide boulevards. Trolleybuses and minibuses are the main public transport, and taxis can be ordered by phone or through local apps.
The wine cellars
The tunnels of Cricova and Mileștii Mici run for many kilometres underground, and there is no signal inside, so agree a meeting point before the tour. Most visits have to be booked in advance, and visitors usually move through the galleries in cars or small electric trains.
Orheiul Vechi and the countryside
Coverage is decent at Orheiul Vechi, where a monastery is carved into the cliffs above a bend in the river, and in villages along the main roads. In the quieter valleys of the north it thins out, so download maps for road trips.
Transnistria and the Ukrainian border
The UK and other governments advise against all travel to Transnistria, a breakaway region on the eastern bank of the Dniester that the Moldovan government does not control. Phones there can connect to the local Transnistrian network, which is not part of the EU roaming arrangement. Moldova also borders Ukraine, where there is widespread military activity, including close to some Moldovan borders.
Language
Romanian is the official language, and Russian is widely spoken, especially in Chișinău, while English is common in hotels and among younger people.
Paying
Cards are accepted in Chișinău's shops and restaurants; carry Moldovan lei in cash for markets, minibuses and the countryside.
Getting connected
EU SIM: your plan works in Moldova as it does at home. A travel eSIM only makes sense if your tariff includes little data for roaming.
SIM from outside the EU: install a travel eSIM before you fly. It connects as soon as you land in Chișinău, and your own number stays reachable for texts and bank codes.
Moldovan prepaid SIMs from Orange, Moldcell or Moldtelecom are sold at the airport and in phone shops, and you need your passport.
Consular protection: who to call in Moldova
- 112 reaches the police, ambulance and fire services.
- Embassies are in Chișinău. The Telcomia app shows yours, with address and phone.
- If you are an EU citizen and your country has no embassy or consulate in Moldova, the embassy of any other EU country must help you on the same terms as its own nationals (Article 23 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU).
- The app has emergency phrases in Romanian, the official language, ready to show on screen.
Questions travellers ask about Moldova
Does my EU plan work in Moldova?
Yes. Since January 2026, Moldova is part of Roam Like at Home.
Can I visit Transnistria?
Most governments advise against all travel there, and consular help is very limited.
Which networks does a Telcomia eSIM use in Moldova?
Orange on all plans, and Moldcell or Moldtelecom on many, with 4G and 5G where available.
What is the emergency number?
112, for the police, an ambulance or the fire service.
The short version
Your EU plan works as at home; from outside the EU, install the eSIM before you fly. Book the wine-cellar tours ahead, stay out of Transnistria, carry some lei, and save 112.
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