Moldova doesn’t get nearly enough credit as a destination — rolling vineyards, underground wine cities like Cricova, the cave monastery at Old Orhei, and a capital, Chișinău, that’s far livelier than most visitors expect. But before you start posting from the wine cellars, you’ll need a reliable way to stay online. This guide covers everything about prepaid SIM cards in Moldova — pricing, coverage, registration rules, top-up methods, and how each of the three national operators stacks up, plus where eSIMs fit into the picture.
Basic Information
Moldova’s mobile market is served by three main operators:
- Orange Moldova — the market leader, with the widest and most reliable network across the country.
- Moldcell — the second-largest operator, owned by Nepal’s CG Corp Global, known for aggressive data bundles.
- Moldtelecom (which absorbed the former Unité brand) — the state-linked operator, strong in fixed broadband and increasingly competitive on mobile.
The country code is +373, and mobile numbers are 8 digits long, typically starting with a 6 or 7. All three operators run GSM/3G/4G networks, and 4G and even early 5G are now available on prepaid plans (a change from a few years ago, when 4G was postpaid-only on some networks).
Availability
Prepaid SIM cards are sold essentially everywhere in Moldova: operator-branded stores, shopping mall kiosks, petrol stations (Lukoil, Petrom), post offices, newsstands, and general grocery stores. You do not need a Moldovan address or long-term visa status to buy one — short-term visitors can pick up a SIM the same way locals do.
That said, this is changing. Moldova’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has been advancing a law that would end anonymous prepaid SIM purchases entirely — more on this under “Biometric User Registration” below. For now (mid-2026), buying a SIM is still quick and low-friction, but expect identity checks to become standard as the new rules phase in.
Where to Buy
- Operator stores — Orange, Moldcell, and Moldtelecom all have retail shops in Chișinău and other major cities (Bălți, Cahul, Ungheni), offering the full range of starter packs and in-person help with activation.
- Chișinău International Airport (KIV) — SIM cards, including tourist-oriented packs, are sold at arrivals-area counters and kiosks, though prices here tend to run a bit higher than in-town stores.
- Retail resellers — petrol stations, kiosks, supermarkets, and post offices across the country stock starter SIMs from at least one of the three operators.
- Online/eShop — Moldcell and Orange both let you order a SIM or eSIM through their apps or web shops, with delivery or in-app digital activation.
Frequencies
| Operator | 2G (GSM) | 3G (UMTS/HSPA+) | 4G (LTE) | 5G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orange Moldova | 900 MHz | 2100 MHz | 800 / 1800 / 2600 MHz (B20/B3/B7) | Trial/limited zones, Chișinău |
| Moldcell | 900 MHz | 2100 MHz | 800 / 900 / 1800 MHz | Chișinău, Bălți, Cahul, Ungheni, Căușeni |
| Moldtelecom (Unité) | CDMA (legacy, incompatible with GSM phones) | 2100 MHz | 1800 MHz (B3) | Not yet widescale |
Note: If you’re bringing an unlocked phone from Western Europe, North America, or most of Asia, it will work fine on the 3G/4G bands above. Moldtelecom’s old CDMA-based “Connect” network is a dead end for standard GSM phones — always ask for the GSM/HSPA+ “Cartelă Prepay” SIM, not a legacy CDMA line.
Coverage & Speed
| Operator | Population Coverage | Geographic (4G) Coverage | Typical Max Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orange Moldova | ~99% (2G), ~89%+ (3G/4G) | Widest rural reach; best in remote areas | Up to 150 Mbps (4G) |
| Moldcell | ~96% (4G population) | ~95% geographic (4G) | Up to 150 Mbps (4G) |
| Moldtelecom | Strong in cities & most rural villages | Good, but historically less complete than Orange | Up to 100+ Mbps (4G) |
Across the board, urban centers (Chișinău, Bălți) get consistent 4G and patchy 5G; wine regions and monasteries near Orhei and Cricova have solid coverage; only remote forested areas near the Ukrainian border see noticeably weaker signal. Coverage in the breakaway Transnistria region is separate — see the note near the end of this guide.
At a Glance Comparison
| Feature | Orange Moldova | Moldcell | Moldtelecom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market position | #1, largest coverage | #2, ~28% market share | #3, state-linked |
| Starter SIM price | ~29–50 MDL | ~10–50 MDL | ~30–39 MDL |
| eSIM available | Yes (via MyOrange app) | Yes (via my Moldcell app) | No |
| Best for | Overall reliability & rural coverage | Value data bundles | Budget pricing, social-media bundles |
| Validity (active/passive) | 4 months active / 8 months passive | 4 months active / 2 months incoming-only | Similar tiered validity |
Biometric User Registration
This is the single biggest recent change to know about. As of mid-2026, Moldova’s government has been finalizing legislation to end anonymous prepaid SIM cards. Key points:
- The draft law was published for public consultation via particip.gov.md in February 2026, with a planned two-year transition period for full rollout.
- Under the new framework, operators must identify every prepaid customer — either when a contract is signed or, at the latest, at the moment of activation.
- Identification can happen in person at a retail store or remotely, using a qualified electronic signature or biometric identity verification.
- For Moldovan citizens, identity data will be checked automatically against the MConnect government interoperability platform rather than requiring operators to store scanned ID copies.
- Foreign visitors and tourists will generally need to present a passport or ID document at the point of sale once the rules are in force.
- The stated goal is combating cybercrime — including SIM-enabled scams, phishing, and coordination of illegal activity — and the plan includes expanding Moldova’s cybercrime investigation unit.
- Data retention has been discussed at up to five years, a point that has drawn criticism from privacy advocates concerned about proportionality under EU data-protection norms Moldova is otherwise adopting.
Practical takeaway for visitors: as of writing, buying a SIM in Moldova is still largely walk-in and ID-light in practice, but carry your passport when purchasing one — some retailers already ask for it informally, and formal requirements are being phased in.
Device Registration
Moldova does not currently operate an IMEI-blocking or device-registration scheme (unlike some countries that block unregistered handsets from local networks). Any unlocked GSM phone that supports the 900/2100 MHz bands and the LTE bands listed above will work with a Moldovan SIM without separate device registration. Keep an eye on future developments, though, as device/ID registration rules are being discussed alongside the SIM registration law above.
SIM Card Price
Typical starter pack prices, as sold in stores and by resellers:
- Moldcell: from as little as 10 MDL, with common packs at 29 MDL and 49–50 MDL
- Orange: around 29–50 MDL
- Moldtelecom: around 30–39 MDL
In US dollar terms, that’s roughly $0.55–$3 for the SIM itself — and nearly all starter packs include an equivalent amount of credit or a starter data/minutes bundle, so the SIM effectively pays for itself. Airport kiosks may charge a premium over in-town retail prices.
Top-Up Methods
All three operators support broadly similar recharge options:
- Scratch-card vouchers are sold at kiosks, petrol stations, and shops, typically in 25, 50, 100, or 200 MDL denominations
- Operator apps (My Orange, my moldcell) — recharge via debit/credit card, including international cards
- USSD codes dialed directly from the handset
- Online web portals for each operator
- Bank and money-transfer services, including international remittance platforms that let relatives abroad top up a Moldovan number remotely
Orange Moldova
Orange has the largest network and is generally considered the safest bet for travelers heading outside Chișinău. Its prepaid brand is Orange PrePay (Cartela Orange PrePay), with a data-only variant called Internet Acum PrePay for modems/tablets/hotspots.
- Starter SIM: ~29–50 MDL, bundled with an equivalent starting credit
- New-user promo: dialing the activation code after topping up at least 60 MDL can unlock bonus monthly data and minutes for a full year
- eSIM available for 49 MDL via the My Orange app, with a 20 GB / 250-minute 15-day starter bundle
- Data-only “Internet Acum PrePay” starter: 50 MDL for 3 GB valid 30 days, speeds up to 150 Mbps on 4G / 42 Mbps on 3G
- Standard out-of-bundle data rate: 3 MDL per MB (steep — always buy a data pack)
Orange Prepaid Plans & Data Add-Ons
| Plan / Add-on | Price (MDL) | Data | Voice/SMS | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orange PrePay starter | 29–50 | 10 GB | 250 local minutes | 15 days | *888*0# |
| Daily pack | 10 | 1 GB (2 GB via My Orange app) | – | 1 day | *100# |
| Weekly pack | 25 | 2 GB | – | 7 days | *100# |
| Bi-weekly pack | 50 | 1 GB | Unlimited voice | 15 days | *100# |
| Monthly pack | 60 | 1 GB | 100 minutes/SMS | 30 days | *100# |
| Internet Acum PrePay (data-only) | 50 | 3 GB | – | 30 days | *100# |
| Internet Acum top-up | 50 | +3 GB | – | 30 days | *100# |
Prices and bundle sizes change frequently — always confirm the current offer by dialing *100# Or checking the My Orange app before buying.
Moldcell
Moldcell is the operator most known for generous data-to-price ratios and a strong app-based self-service ecosystem. Its main prepaid product is the Cartelă (Cartelă 49), with an app-managed alternative called e-Abonament.
- Starter SIM: Cartelă 49, costs 49 MDL, includes 49 MDL of credit, 250 domestic minutes, and 25 GB of data valid for 10 days
- Recharging 100+ MDL on Cartelă 49 unlocks a recurring bonus of 100 GB + 750 national minutes valid for 14 days (renewable every 30 days)
- Validity: 4 months active (calls in/out), plus 2 further months incoming-only before the number lapses
- eSIM available directly through the My Moldcell app
- e-Abonament (app-activated, prepaid-style subscription): 80 MDL for 40 GB + 250 minutes over 28 days, rising to 80 GB/month with consistent 80 MDL top-ups; a 100 MDL tier adds 1 GB of EU roaming data
- Social media add-on: 15 MDL/month for undebited access to Facebook, Odnoklassniki, Twitter/X, and VKontakte
Moldcell Prepaid Plans & Data Add-Ons
| Plan / Add-on | Price (MDL) | Data | Voice/SMS | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cartelă 49 (starter) | 49 | 25 GB | 250 domestic minutes | 10 days | Auto-active on insertion |
| Recharge bonus (100+ MDL) | 100 | 100 GB | 750 national minutes | 14 days | Automatic with top-up |
| e-Abonament base | 80 | 40 GB | 250 minutes | 28 days | via my Moldcell app |
| e-Abonament (consistent 80 MDL top-ups) | 80/month | 80 GB | 250 minutes | 30 days | via my Moldcell app |
| e-Abonament + EU roaming | 100 | 40 GB + 1 GB EU | 250 minutes | 28–30 days | via my Moldcell app |
| International roaming data pack | 60 | 100 MB (30+ countries) | – | 30 days | *100# |
| Social media unlimited add-on | 15/month | Uncounted FB/Twitter/VK/OK | – | 30 days | *222*1*2# |
| Balance check | Free | – | – | – | *444# |
| Change language (RU/EN) | Free | – | – | – | *222*7 |
Moldtelecom
Moldtelecom, the former state telecom operator that absorbed the Unité mobile brand, positions itself as the value option, with heavy emphasis on unlimited social-media access bundled into low-cost plans. Its prepaid SIM is called Cartela Prepay Moldtelecom (previously “Cartela Unité Prepay”).
- Starter SIM: 30–39 MDL, generally bundled with 5–30 GB of data and 100–150 minutes depending on the current promotion
- Uses HSPA+/LTE — avoid any legacy “Connect” CDMA SIM, which is incompatible with standard GSM/LTE phones
- No eSIM support at all (physical SIM only) as of this writing
- Balance and top-ups are managed via USSD or SMS rather than a dedicated self-service app
Moldtelecom Prepaid Plans & Data Add-Ons
| Plan / Add-on | Price (MDL) | Data | Voice/SMS | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cartela Prepay starter | 30–39 | 5–30 GB | 100–150 minutes on-net/off-net | 30 days | *200# |
| Small data pack | 25 | 3 GB | – | 30 days | *200# |
| Mid data pack | 50 | 6 GB | – | 30 days | *200# |
| Large data pack | 100 | 12 GB | – | 30 days | *200# |
| Unlimited social media bundle | Included in the starter | Uncounted FB, Messenger, Instagram, TikTok, VK, OK.ru, WhatsApp, Wikipedia | – | 30 days | Automatic |
| EU roaming data pack | 75 | 250 MB (select EU countries + Turkey/Ukraine) | – | 30 days | *200# |
| Balance check | Free | – | – | – | *200# |
| Change language to English | Free | – | – | – | Text Lang_1 to 100 |
| Check own number | Free | – | – | – | Text NUMBER to 100 |
How to Check the Remaining Balance
| Operator | Method |
|---|---|
| Orange | Dial *100# And follow the “My Balance” prompt, or check inside the My Orange app under “Remaining Credit” |
| Moldcell | Dial *444#, or check the my moldcell app dashboard |
| Moldtelecom | Dial *200# or call 200 from your Moldtelecom number |
Official Websites (with Links)
- Orange Moldova: https://www.orange.md
- Moldcell: https://moldcell.md
- Moldtelecom: https://www.moldtelecom.md
Apps (with Links)
- My Orange — App Store | Google Play
- My moldcell — available on the App Store and Google Play; search “my moldcell”
- Moldtelecom does not currently offer a dedicated self-service mobile app; account management is via USSD, SMS, or the operator website.
How to Check the SIM Number
- Orange: dial
*100#and follow the number-lookup prompt, or check inside the My Orange app profile screen - Moldcell: check inside the My Moldcell app, or ask a store representative to confirm the number printed on your SIM packaging
- Moldtelecom: text
NUMBERto100to receive an SMS with your own number
If none of these work (e.g., a brand-new SIM with no credit yet), call a friend from the phone to see the number appear on their caller ID, or check the printed number on the physical SIM card packaging — all three operators print it there.
Tourist SIM
There’s no separate “tourist SIM” brand as such in Moldova — visitors simply buy the same standard prepaid starter packs as residents (Orange PrePay, Moldcell Cartelă 49, or Moldtelecom’s Cartela Prepay). Airport kiosks at Chișinău International Airport stock these same products, occasionally at a small markup, which is the most convenient option straight off the plane. No long-term address or residency proof is required to buy one today, though carry your passport as informal ID checks are increasingly common ahead of the incoming registration law.
Roaming Data
A major update for 2026: Moldova officially joined the EU’s “Roam Like at Home” roaming area (alongside Ukraine) as of January 1, 2026. In practice, this means:
- Subscribers of Moldova’s main operators can use their domestic data, call, and SMS allowances while traveling in EU/EEA countries under fair-use terms, without the old-style roaming surcharges
- This is a two-way arrangement: EU/EEA-issued SIMs can generally be used in Moldova at domestic rates as well, even though Moldova isn’t an EU member
- Fair-use policies (FUP) may still apply for heavy data users, similar to intra-EU roaming rules
- Outside the EU/EEA and Moldova’s own roam-like-home zone, standard international roaming rates and data packs (like Moldcell’s 60 MDL/100 MB or Moldtelecom’s 75 MDL/250 MB packages listed above) still apply
Digital eSIM Providers
For travelers who prefer not to deal with a physical SIM at all, both Orange and Moldcell issue their own eSIMs, and a broad set of international eSIM marketplaces sell Moldova-specific or regional data plans, generally running on the Orange Moldova network for best coverage:
- Orange Travel eSIM — official Orange international eSIM store, plans from roughly $8.99–$37.99 for 2–20 GB over 30 days
- Airalo — budget-friendly fixed-data plans, often under $5 for smaller data bundles
- Saily — competitively priced, uses Orange Moldova’s network
- Holafly — unlimited-data plans (typically pricier but simpler)
- Roafly, aloSIM, Jetpac, Roamless — additional international eSIM resellers offering Moldova-specific or regional bundles
Most of these plans provide data-only access with a foreign (often French, +33) callback number rather than a local Moldovan number — fine for data and messaging apps, less useful if you need a genuine local phone number for bookings or verification codes.
Other Options
- Portable Wi-Fi / MiFi hotspot rental — an alternative to a SIM if you’re traveling with multiple devices and want to share one data connection
- Hotel and café Wi-Fi — widely available in Chișinău and other urban centers, though less reliable in rural wine regions and monastery sites
- Dual-SIM setup — keep your home SIM active for calls/2FA codes while running a local Moldovan SIM or eSIM for data, a popular approach among longer-term visitors
Activation
- Orange: insert the SIM, then dial
*888*0#(starter activation) or*100#for the plans menu; eSIMs are activated by QR code inside the My Orange app - Moldcell: Cartelă 49 activates automatically on insertion; e-Abonament and eSIM options require setup through the my moldcell app, including identity verification (photo ID plus a selfie holding the ID) for registered numbers
- Moldtelecom: dial or call
*200#/200After inserting the SIM to select a plan
Helpline Numbers
| Operator | Number (from a local phone) |
|---|---|
| Orange Moldova | 300 (from an Orange number) or via My Orange app chat |
| Moldcell | 444 (from a Moldcell mobile) or 022 444 444 (from a landline) |
| Moldtelecom | 200 |
Conclusion
Moldova remains one of the easiest and cheapest countries in Europe to get connected in — a prepaid SIM typically costs just a few dollars and comes loaded with generous data straight out of the pack. Orange Moldova is the safest choice if you’re heading into the countryside or wine regions, thanks to its wider rural coverage; Moldcell is hard to beat on data-per-leu value and has the most modern app experience; Moldtelecom is the budget pick, especially if unlimited social media matters more to you than raw data volume.
The one thing to watch closely going forward is Moldova’s move toward mandatory SIM registration — the days of picking up a completely anonymous prepaid SIM are numbered, with identity verification (in person or via biometric/digital ID) becoming a legal requirement over a phased rollout. For now, bring your passport when you buy, and you’ll be online within minutes of landing at Chișinău.
If you’d rather skip the in-country shopping entirely, Moldova’s new EU “Roam Like at Home” status (since January 2026) and the wide field of international eSIM providers running on the Orange network make pre-arranging data before you even board your flight easier than ever.