Romania is one of Europe's most varied trips: Bucharest, the medieval towns of Transylvania such as Brașov, Sibiu and Sighișoara, the Carpathian mountain roads, the painted monasteries of Bucovina and the Danube Delta. With an EU SIM, Romania is covered by Roam Like at Home, and mobile coverage is strong in cities and in many villages. Visitors with a British, American or Asian SIM usually pay roaming by the day.
Key facts for Romania
- EU roaming: covered by Roam Like at Home
- Local networks: Orange, Vodafone, DIGI (depending on the plan)
- Emergency numbers: 112; mountain rescue 0725 826 668
- Embassies: in Bucharest
Bucharest: arriving at the airport
At Henri Coandă airport, book a car through Uber or Bolt, or use the official taxi kiosks in the arrivals hall, rather than accepting offers from drivers inside the terminal. Coverage is strong across the city, so the app can follow your route all the way to your hotel.
Transylvania, the mountains and RO-ALERT
Romania sends emergency alerts in Romanian to phones in an affected area through RO-ALERT, for storms and floods and also for bears: in mountain towns such as Brașov, Sinaia or Bușteni, a message can warn that a bear has been seen nearby. When you receive one, avoid the area, keep your distance and never feed or photograph the animal. The high Transfăgărășan and Transalpina roads open only in the warmer months and have long stretches without signal; for accidents in the mountains, call 112 or Salvamont, the mountain rescue service.
The Danube Delta
In the Danube Delta, coverage is good in Tulcea and the larger villages but weak in the channels and lakes. Boat trips are usually arranged through your accommodation, so save the boatman's number and download maps before setting off.
Moldova and Ukraine
Since 1 January 2026, Moldova and Ukraine are part of the EU roaming area, so EU plans work there as at home. A travel plan for Romania alone does not cover them; for a trip across the border, a regional Europe plan covers Romania and Moldova together. Check your government's travel advice before any trip to Ukraine.
Paying
Cards are accepted in cities, but in villages, at markets and in some guesthouses cash in lei is still the norm.
Getting connected
EU SIM: your plan works in Romania as it does at home. A travel eSIM is still useful if your tariff includes little data abroad.
SIM from outside the EU: install a travel eSIM before you leave. Its validity starts with the first connection in Romania; your usual number keeps receiving texts and bank codes, and your apps run on the eSIM's data.
Romanian prepaid SIMs are sold in operator shops and at kiosks.
Consular protection: who to call in Romania
- 112 reaches the police, an ambulance and the fire service everywhere in Romania.
- 0725 826 668 is Salvamont, the mountain rescue service.
- Embassies are in Bucharest. The Telcomia app shows yours, with address and phone.
- Emergency phrases in Romanian are ready to show on screen in the app.
Questions travellers ask about Romania
What is a RO-ALERT message?
An emergency alert sent to phones in an area, for example about storms, floods or a bear nearby.
Does my EU plan work in Moldova?
Yes. Since 1 January 2026, Moldova is part of the EU roaming area.
Which networks does a Telcomia eSIM use in Romania?
Orange on most plans, and Vodafone or DIGI on some, with 4G and 5G where available.
Who do I call after a mountain accident?
112, or Salvamont on 0725 826 668.
The short version
From the EU, your plan covers Romania; from outside the EU, install a travel eSIM before you fly. Book airport rides in an app, take RO-ALERT bear warnings seriously, and save 112 and 0725 826 668.
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