# Culture and etiquette in Romania: what to know

> A few local norms make the trip smoother. Here are customs, tipping and manners appreciated in Romania.

A few local norms make the trip smoother. Here are customs, tipping and manners appreciated in Romania.

## Stay online while you explore

For maps, bookings, translation and Instagram photos, a MerrSIM eSIM for Romania (from €1.29, 10 GB €8.49) keeps you online from the start — no roaming, no physical SIM.

[MerrSIM — eSIM Romania](https://merrsim.com/destinations/esim-plans-for-romania)

## Does your phone support eSIM?

Before you buy, check two things. First, the phone must be eSIM-compatible: iPhone XR/XS and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and many recent Motorola, Huawei and Oppo models. Second, it must be carrier-unlocked. You can verify by dialling *#06# — if an EID number appears, your phone supports eSIM. This saves you any surprises when you arrive in Romania.

## Common mistakes to avoid

Three mistakes often spoil the start of a trip. First: buying the eSIM at the last minute at the airport, when you have no WiFi to install it — do it at home. Second: forgetting to switch on data roaming for the eSIM line, which makes it look like it is not working. Third: leaving mobile data on your home SIM, which racks up roaming charges. Check these three and your connection in Romania will be trouble-free.

## How an eSIM works

An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone: there is no physical card to insert. You buy it online, get a QR code by email and scan it in your settings. Once installed, the profile lives on your phone and activates when you reach Romania, connecting automatically to a local partner network. You can keep your main SIM at the same time, so your number still gets calls and texts while the eSIM handles data.

## eSIM versus roaming

Roaming with your home carrier can be expensive outside bundles — sometimes several euros per gigabyte, with bills that land after the trip. A local eSIM turns that into a fixed price you know up front: you pay in advance, you know exactly how many GB you have, and there are no hidden fees. For a trip to Romania, that means peace of mind and often a real saving compared with leaving roaming switched on unchecked.

## Coverage and 5G speed in Romania

The eSIM connects to the main local operators, so you get the same coverage as a local, including 4G/LTE and 5G where available. In the cities and tourist areas of Romania the signal is strong and stable; in very remote villages or mountains it can weaken, as with any operator. Hotspot is included, so you can share the connection with your laptop or a travel companion at no extra cost.

## FAQ

### How do I stay online in Romania?
Get a MerrSIM eSIM for Romania from €1.29 (10 GB €8.49), activate by QR before departure and connect automatically.


---
Author: Etnik Beqiri  
Published: 2026-05-29  
Source: https://merrsim.com/en/blog/kultura-etiketa-romania-en