Romania – Landlines and Mobile Phones

What are the international dialling codes for Romania, and what are the area codes for the most popular expat destinations?

Romania’s assigned country code is +40. To reach a Romanian number from outside the country, you dial your local international exit code, then +40, followed by the area or mobile prefix without its leading zero, and then the subscriber number. The essential rule is straightforward: when dialling from abroad, always remove the leading zero from the Romanian number you are calling.

Bucharest uses the area code 21 (and 31 with certain operators) followed by seven digits. Other cities and counties use three-digit area codes — for instance, 264 for Cluj-Napoca and 256 for Timișoara — followed by six digits. A Bucharest landline is therefore dialled domestically as 021 234 5678 and from overseas as +40 21 234 5678.

The table below provides a quick reference for the area codes of Romania’s most popular destinations among expats:

Mobile numbers in Romania carry a three-digit prefix beginning with 7, followed by six digits. Any mobile number dialled from abroad takes the form +40 7xx xxx xxx (domestically written as 07xx xxx xxx). Storing all Romanian contacts in your phone in international format (+40…) will prevent confusion when calling from outside Romania or while roaming.

ANCOM confirms the international dialling format: use your country’s exit code, then 40, then the number without the initial zero. You can verify dialling formats and query number information at the ANCOM official website.

Who are the major landline providers in Romania, and how can you contact them?

Romania’s fixed-line market is served by several competing operators, most of which offer bundled packages that combine telephone service with broadband internet and, in many cases, television. By 2023, RCS & RDS (operating under the Digi brand) held by far the largest share of the fixed-line and broadband market, with Vodafone and Orange — the latter having taken over Telekom Romania’s fixed-line assets — following behind.

The principal fixed-line providers are:

• Digi (RCS & RDS) — The dominant player in fixed telephony and broadband, with a particularly strong presence in urban centres and an expanding rural footprint. Website: www.digi.ro. Customer service: 0374 456 456 (reachable from any network within Romania).
• Orange Romania — Having absorbed Telekom Romania’s fixed-line network, Orange now delivers landline and broadband services throughout the country. Website: www.orange.ro. Customer service: 0740 000 700.
• Vodafone Romania — Provides fixed-line and broadband services, frequently packaged alongside mobile plans. Website: www.vodafone.ro. Customer service: 0723 000 111.

All telecommunications customers in Romania are entitled to specific consumer rights guaranteed under applicable legislation. ANCOM places considerable emphasis on providers’ compliance with their contractual obligations in the areas of fixed telephony, fixed internet, and television services. If a dispute with a provider cannot be resolved directly, you may escalate the matter to ANCOM through www.ancom.ro.

Regulations oblige providers to communicate clearly and transparently about the maximum timeframe for installing contracted services, and to itemise all fees — including all applicable taxes — associated with activating, connecting, or setting up a service. Pricing across fixed-line plans changes frequently, so always consult each provider’s official website for up-to-date tariffs and request a full written quotation before entering into any agreement.

Who are the major mobile phone providers in Romania, and how can you contact them?

Romania is served by four principal mobile network operators, each of which owns and runs its own infrastructure and offers 2G, 4G/LTE, and 5G services across the country. Orange commands the largest share of the mobile telephony market, with Vodafone ranking second.

The four main operators are:

In October 2024, Vodafone and Digi reached an agreement to jointly acquire Telekom Romania Mobile. This transaction was finalised on 30 September 2025, with Vodafone taking on Telekom’s postpaid subscribers, business clients, retail stores, staff, and the bulk of its technical infrastructure, while Digi acquired prepaid customers and the majority of the spectrum. The integration of technical infrastructure and the migration of existing customers to their respective new networks is continuing, with completion anticipated around the start of 2026.

Digi provides 4G/LTE coverage to more than 98% of the population, with 5G available in selected locations. Orange, as market leader, covers approximately 97% of the population with 4G LTE and offers 5G in certain areas. Coverage quality and reliability in rural or mountainous regions varies between operators, so it is advisable to consult each provider’s coverage map before committing to a plan.

Beyond the four main network operators, Romania is home to more than 20 mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), which offer alternative tariff plans running on the established operators’ infrastructure. Plan pricing changes on a regular basis — always consult each provider’s official website for current offers.

How do I get a landline connected in Romania?

Setting up a landline in Romania is a relatively uncomplicated process in most urban areas. Standalone voice-only landlines have become increasingly rare; fixed-line services are almost always sold as part of a bundle that includes broadband internet and, frequently, television as well. The process typically follows these steps:

1. Verify availability at your address. Go to the website of your preferred provider — Digi, Orange, or Vodafone — and enter your address in the coverage checker to confirm that services can be delivered to your property.
2. Select a plan. Review and compare bundled packages (telephony with internet, or telephony with internet and TV). Providers are legally obliged to communicate clearly the maximum timeframe for installation and to set out all fees — including applicable taxes — for activating, connecting, or installing the service.
3. Submit your application. You may apply through the provider’s website, attend one of its physical shops or authorised retail outlets, or call the customer service line. You will generally be asked to provide proof of identity (such as a passport or national identity card) and evidence of your Romanian address (such as a tenancy agreement or a utility bill).
4. Review and sign the service contract. Read the contract thoroughly before signing, paying close attention to the minimum contract term (commonly 24 months in Romania), any installation fee, and the monthly charge.
5. Wait for installation. The installation schedule is determined by each provider according to its own commercial policy. In practice, urban installations where existing infrastructure is in place typically take anywhere from a few working days to a couple of weeks, though this varies. ANCOM can intervene where a provider has failed to specify the maximum installation timeframe or the associated activation fees within the contract.
6. Attend the technical installation visit. A technician will come to your property to connect the line and fit any equipment required, such as a router or modem. Make sure someone is available at the property throughout the agreed appointment window.

Whether you rent or own your home can influence the process. Tenants may need written consent from their landlord before a technician can install physical infrastructure. If you live in an apartment building, confirming with your provider that it already has infrastructure in the building will usually speed things up considerably. Security deposits are not typically required for standard residential connections, but it is worth confirming this with your chosen provider in advance.

For unresolved complaints or disputes with a provider, you can turn to ANCOM, Romania’s independent telecoms regulator, which also fulfils a consumer protection role in this sector.

How do I get a mobile phone SIM card or contract in Romania?

Obtaining a prepaid SIM card in Romania is notably straightforward compared with most other EU countries. Romania is among the few member states where a SIM can be purchased with no registration requirement whatsoever — an attempt to introduce mandatory SIM registration through an emergency ordinance was rejected in 2020. Unlike in many European countries where presenting a passport or national identity card is compulsory to activate a prepaid SIM, in Romania you can simply purchase one and start using it immediately.

SIM cards — known locally as cartele — are sold in an enormous variety of outlets: newspaper kiosks, shopping centre stands, petrol stations, train stations, supermarkets, vending machines, and dedicated phone shops. Prepaid SIMs in Romania typically come pre-loaded with a phone number, call minutes, and a data allowance, with the specific quantities depending on which card you select and how much you pay — all details are printed on the packaging.

Signing up for a postpaid (contract) plan involves a different process:

1. Select a provider and plan. Visit an operator’s store or browse its website to compare postpaid options, which generally offer larger data allowances and additional benefits relative to prepaid tariffs.
2. Provide identity documents. A valid form of identification is required to take out a postpaid contract. EU/EEA nationals can usually present a national identity card; citizens from outside the EU will typically need to show a passport together with their Romanian residence permit or another proof of residency.
3. Credit check and contract signing. Operators may carry out a basic credit or identity check for contract plans. You will then sign a service agreement specifying a minimum term, which is usually 12 or 24 months.
4. SIM activation. Your SIM is activated either immediately in the store or within a short period after the contract is signed.

Newcomers who have not yet obtained a Romanian residence permit will generally find a prepaid SIM the easiest and most immediate option — no registration means no documentation barrier. This is considerably more relaxed than countries such as Germany or France, where prepaid SIM registration has been mandatory for years. Once you have the necessary residency documents, moving to a postpaid contract is a simple process.

One benefit worth noting is that Romanian mobile plans typically include unlimited on-network calls as standard across all tariff levels. Prepaid top-up credit can be purchased at shops, kiosks, and self-service recharge terminals found throughout the country. The major operators’ websites also accept international credit and debit cards for online top-ups.

Romania has been ranked among the most affordable countries in Europe for mobile data, with average costs of around €0.50 per GB as of July 2023, according to international comparison data. Always check current plan pricing directly on each provider’s website, as rates change regularly.

How do I pay my telephone bill in Romania?

Bills for both landline and mobile services in Romania are issued on a monthly basis. At the close of each billing period you will receive your bill by email if you have opted for electronic billing — the default with most providers — or by post if you have chosen to receive paper statements. Romanian operators support several different payment methods:

• Direct debit (debitare directă): The most hassle-free solution for residents — you authorise your provider to deduct the bill amount automatically from your Romanian bank account each month. This functions similarly to standing order arrangements in other countries and is widely recommended as the best way to avoid late payments.
• Online banking or the provider’s customer portal: All major operators (Digi, Orange, Vodafone) maintain online account management portals and mobile apps through which you can settle bills, monitor usage, and administer your account.
• In person at a provider’s store: Bills can be paid in cash or by card at any of the operator’s physical outlets — a practical option during the initial weeks when you may not yet have a Romanian bank account.
• At a bank branch or payment terminal: Bills can also be settled at bank branches or at self-service payment kiosks such as PayPoint terminals, which are available at shops and petrol stations throughout Romania.
• Prepaid top-up (mobile plans only): For pay-as-you-go plans, credit can be recharged at top-up points and retailers across the country. Note that top-up machines do not dispense change; any amount inserted is transferred directly to your account balance.

Late payment policies differ between providers. Most operators will issue a reminder before suspending a service, but persistent non-payment can result in suspension and ultimately in contract termination accompanied by potential financial penalties. Carefully review the late-payment terms in your contract before signing it. Should you believe a bill is inaccurate or that a provider has behaved unfairly, you may submit a complaint to ANCOM or to the National Authority for Consumer Protection (ANPC).

Are there any practical tips for using phones in Romania as a newcomer?

Roaming within the EU: Although Romania is an EU member state and subject to the “roam like at home” rules introduced in 2017, ANCOM has granted all Romanian providers an exemption on account of the country’s exceptionally low domestic prices. This means operators may include only a limited data allocation for EU roaming at no extra charge, and on cheaper plans may exclude international roaming altogether. Always examine your specific plan’s roaming conditions carefully before travelling elsewhere in the EU on a Romanian SIM — do not assume full roam-like-at-home entitlements apply.

Number porting: Romanian law requires network operators to let you transfer your existing number to a different provider when you switch. ANCOM operates the website portabilitate.ro, where you can identify which network any phone number belongs to — even if it has already been ported — and find guidance on the steps involved in initiating a port. Before submitting a porting request, check your existing contract: if the minimum term has not yet elapsed, you may face early termination charges. The porting process itself generally takes a few working days once initiated.

eSIMs: Several major providers, including Orange, Vodafone, and formerly Telekom Romania, offer eSIM functionality and digital-only mobile plans. An eSIM allows you to activate a digital connectivity profile without inserting a physical SIM card — a convenient option for dual-SIM handsets or for those who wish to retain an existing SIM. eSIM support requires a compatible device, such as more recent iPhone or Android models. Contact your preferred operator directly to check current eSIM availability and to obtain setup instructions.

3G network shutdown: All 3G networks in Romania were decommissioned between 2023 and late 2025. Bring a 4G or 5G-capable device to ensure uninterrupted access to mobile data services.

Network quality and speeds: According to ANCOM’s 2024 report, Romania has made notable advances in both fixed and mobile connectivity. Average download speeds for fixed internet via cable connections reached 446 Mbps, while average mobile download speeds stood at 58 Mbps — a figure that reflects a consistent upward trend driven by the rollout of 4G and 5G infrastructure. Coverage in major urban centres is generally excellent; in more remote rural or mountainous areas, speeds and reliability can differ considerably between operators.

Anti-fraud measures: From 7 July 2025, ANCOM has required operators to block international calls that falsely display Romanian caller IDs, a measure designed to curb phone fraud and impersonation scams such as fake bank calls.

Retaining a foreign number: If you wish to keep a telephone number from your home country after relocating to Romania, that arrangement is between you and your original operator — Romanian law does not provide a mechanism for porting a foreign number into the Romanian system. Many newcomers choose to run two SIMs in parallel (or combine an eSIM and a physical SIM) during a transitional period: one Romanian SIM for local calls and data, and their original number either maintained via a VoIP application or kept active on a low-cost plan abroad.

ANCOM’s speed-testing tool: Romania’s regulator operates a free online platform called Netograf, through which users can test their mobile and fixed broadband speeds and compare performance across different operators. This is a useful resource both when choosing a provider and for troubleshooting any connectivity issues after you are connected.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep my foreign number when I move to Romania?

Number portability rules in Romania apply exclusively within the Romanian network. It is not possible to transfer a foreign number into a Romanian operator’s system. Many newcomers address this by keeping their original number alive on a minimal foreign tariff or through a VoIP service, while using a Romanian SIM for everyday calls and data. Over time, most expats find it more practical to transition fully to a Romanian number.

Do I need a local address to get a SIM card in Romania?

Romania is among a small number of EU countries where a prepaid SIM card can be purchased without any registration — including without proof of a local address. You can visit any shop or kiosk and walk out with a working prepaid SIM immediately. For postpaid contracts, a Romanian address and appropriate identity documentation will be required by the operator.

Do I need a Romanian bank account to pay my phone bill?

No — bills can be settled in cash at provider stores, through PayPoint terminals, or online using an international debit or credit card. International cards are accepted on the websites of the major operators for top-ups and bill payments. That said, setting up a direct debit from a Romanian bank account is the most convenient long-term arrangement for paying monthly postpaid bills.

How long does it take to get a landline connected in Romania?

The installation schedule is set by each provider in line with its own commercial policy. In practice, properties in major cities where network infrastructure is already present are typically connected within a few days to two weeks. Where new cabling or equipment must be installed, the timeframe can be longer. Always request written confirmation of the maximum installation period from your provider before you sign any contract.

Is EU roaming included on Romanian mobile plans?

Romania falls within the EU’s roam-like-at-home framework, but ANCOM has granted Romanian providers an exemption owing to the country’s very low domestic tariffs. Consequently, operators may include only a capped roaming data allowance at no additional charge, or on budget plans may not include EU roaming at all. Read the roaming terms of your specific plan carefully before travelling to other EU countries.

Are eSIMs available in Romania?

A number of major providers offer eSIM services and digital-only plans, enabling you to activate a connectivity profile without a physical SIM card. eSIM support requires a compatible handset — most current iPhone and Android flagship models are supported. Contact your chosen operator to confirm present eSIM availability, as the situation continues to evolve.

What happened to Telekom Romania — can I still use it?

On 30 September 2025, Vodafone and Digi concluded their joint acquisition of Telekom Romania Mobile. Vodafone took on Telekom’s postpaid subscribers and business clients, while Digi received its prepaid customers and most of the spectrum. The migration of existing customers to their respective new networks is ongoing and is expected to be completed around the beginning of 2026. If you were a Telekom Romania customer, your service will be transferred automatically — contact Vodafone if you had a postpaid plan, or Digi if you had a prepaid one.

How do I port my Romanian number to a new operator?

ANCOM maintains the website portabilitate.ro, where you can look up which network any Romanian number belongs to and access step-by-step instructions for initiating a port to a different operator. If your current minimum contract term has not yet expired, early termination penalties may apply, so review your contract terms before proceeding. The porting process itself typically completes within a few working days of the request being submitted to your new operator.

Where can I complain if I have a problem with a Romanian phone provider?

Begin by contacting your provider’s customer service team directly. If the matter remains unresolved, you can escalate your complaint to ANCOM, Romania’s independent telecoms regulator, which handles consumer complaints relating to electronic communications services. For broader consumer rights issues, you may also approach the National Authority for Consumer Protection (ANPC).