Costs, networks and the best option for your trip — 2026
Internet in Moldova: Roaming vs. eSIM
The short answer
- Moldova is NOT covered by EU roaming: home plans bill expensive third-country rates (often several euros per MB, or €6–15 day passes)
- Local eSIM at SimBalkan: from €2.50 (1 GB / 7 days) · 5 GB / 30 days at €5.90 · 10 GB / 30 days at €8.90
- You connect to the local networks: Orange, Moldcell
- Instant QR by email, installed in minutes, your number stays active
Roaming in Moldova
Moldova sits outside the EU roaming zone: your home plan bills world-zone rates — often several euros per MB without a package, or €6–15 per day pass for a few hundred MB. Over a two-week holiday that quickly adds up to €80–200.
The safe move is a local eSIM installed before you travel — the plan only starts once you connect in the country.
Mobile networks in Moldova
Moldova is served by Orange, Moldcell. The SimBalkan eSIM connects automatically to the best available network — no manual carrier selection, and better combined rural coverage.
What does an eSIM for Moldova cost?
Data plans start at €2.50 (1 GB / 7 days). Popular for holidays: 5 GB / 30 days at €5.90. Streamers take 10 GB / 30 days at €8.90. For carefree use there's unlimited from €1.35/day with flexible duration. All prices are final — no subscription, no activation fee, top-ups go onto the same eSIM.
Practical tips
- Install on Wi-Fi before the trip — the plan only starts when the eSIM connects in the destination
- On arrival: set mobile data to the SimBalkan eSIM and enable its data roaming (no extra cost)
- Disable data roaming on your home SIM — number stays active for calls/WhatsApp without risk
- Compatibility check: dial *#06# — if an EID shows, your phone supports eSIM
Verdict
For Moldova a local eSIM is almost a no-brainer: from €2.50 (1 GB / 7 days) instead of pricey third-country passes, set up in minutes — with your home number staying active.