Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
»The formula differs slightly depending on whether the number is in Bucharest or outside
of Bucharest. Bucharest numbers take the form: 0 + two-digit city code (21 or 31) +
seven-digit number. Outside of Bucharest, numbers take the form: 0 + three-digit city
code + six-digit number.
»Mobile-phone numbers can be identified by a three-digit prefix starting with 7. All mo-
bile numbers have 10 digits: 0 + three-digit prefix (7xx) + six-digit number.
CALLING WITHIN ROMANIA
»If you are calling from within Romania, to reach a landline outside of Bucharest, dial 0 +
three-digit city code + six-digit number.
»To reach a landline in Bucharest, dial 0 + 21 (or 31) + seven-digit number.
»To reach any mobile number, dial 0 + three-digit mobile prefix + six-digit number.
DIALING FROM ABROAD
To reach a Romanian landline from abroad, dial your country's international access code,
then 40 (Romanian country code), then the city code (minus the zero) and the six- (or
seven-) digit local number. For example, a call to a landline in Bucharest from abroad
would take the form: international access code + 40 (country code) + 21 + seven-digit
number.
»For a mobile number, use the three-digit mobile prefix instead of the city code. A call to
a mobile number from abroad would follow the form: international access code + 40
(country code) + three-digit mobile prefix + six-digit number.
»To call abroad from Romania, dial the international access code in Romania (00), then
the code for the country you want to call, then the area code and number.
Mobile Phones & Smartphones
Romanian mobile (cell) phones use the GSM 900/1800 network, which is the standard
throughout much of Europe as well as in Australia and New Zealand and many other parts
of the world. This band is not compatible with most mobile phones in North America or
Japan (though some multiband phones do work across regions). Ask your provider if
you're uncertain whether your phone will work.
»Using your own phone and SIM card in Romania could expose you to expensive roam-
ing fees, particularly for long calls or data downloads. A cheaper option is to buy a pre-
paid Romanian SIM card, which gives you a temporary local number and charges local
(cheaper) rates for calls, texts and data transfers. These cards only work with phones that
are 'unlocked' (able to accept foreign SIM cards).
