Why an eSIM is Essential for Moldova
No Free EU Roaming
Moldova is not part of the European Union, so no free roaming agreement applies. If you activate your mobile data upon arrival in Moldova with your French plan, you will be charged international rates, typically between $5 and $15 per day with very limited data quotas.
For a 10-day trip including Chișinău and Cricova wine cellars, French roaming could cost you $50 to $150, much more than a complete eSIM plan. An eSIM is therefore an economic necessity, not a luxury.
When an eSIM is recommended
A Moldova eSIM is highly recommended for all travelers:
- All tourists: avoid exorbitant roaming charges
- Stay of 1+ day: eSIM is more economical from day one
- Heavy usage: streaming, video calls, GPS navigation
- European travelers: no EU roaming, eSIM is essential
Network Coverage in Moldova
Moldova has modern telecom infrastructure with excellent 4G coverage (95%+) in urban areas and ongoing 5G deployment in major cities:
| Carrier |
Coverage |
5G |
Used by |
| Orange Moldova |
95%+ |
Yes (Chișinău) |
Airalo, GoMoWorld |
| Moldcell |
93%+ |
Yes (deployment) |
LinkeSIM, Saily |
| Unite |
90%+ |
Yes (deployment) |
Holafly |
Coverage by destination
- Chișinău: Perfect 4G/5G coverage throughout the capital. From the Great National Assembly Square to the parks, you'll have no problems.
- Cricova wine cellars: Excellent coverage in the area, stable network
- Orheiul Vechi: Good coverage in tourist areas
- Rural areas: variable coverage depending on area, good in main villages, limited in very isolated areas
How to Install Your Moldova eSIM
- Purchase your plan (QR code received by email in 2 min)
- Install 24-48h before departure from your WiFi
- Activate upon arrival in Moldova (timer starts)
- Keep your home SIM for calls and texts
Compatibility: iPhone XS+, Samsung S20+, Pixel 3+, Xiaomi 12+, OnePlus 8+
Best Moldova eSIM 2026
<BlogSummaryTable
title="Top 5 Moldova eSIM 2026"
countryCode="MD"
countrySlug="moldova"
plans={[
{
rank: 1,
providerId: "airalo",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$8.50",
highlight: "Global leader + 5G",
promoCode: "ESIMP15",
},
{
rank: 2,
providerId: "gomoworld",
data: "10 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$6.80",
highlight: "Best value for money",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 3,
providerId: "holafly",
data: "Unlimited",
duration: "5 days",
price: "$19",
highlight: "Unlimited data + hotspot",
},
{
rank: 4,
providerId: "linkesim",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$4.50",
highlight: "Lowest price",
},
{
rank: 5,
providerId: "saily",
data: "3 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$6.20",
highlight: "NordVPN included",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
]}
/>
Why these providers?
- Airalo: global leader (8M+ users), Orange Moldova network (95%+), code ESIMP15 (-15%)
- GoMoWorld: best value for money, Orange Moldova network, code ESIMP (-10%)
- Holafly: unlimited + hotspot, ideal for heavy users
- LinkeSIM: cheapest, perfect for budget travelers
- Saily: built-in NordVPN for public WiFi
Conclusion
For all travelers to Moldova, an eSIM is essential as no free roaming applies. Roaming charges can quickly reach $50-150 for a 10-day stay.
If you choose an eSIM: GoMoWorld 10 GB at $6.80 with code ESIMP offers the best value. For budget travelers, LinkeSIM at $4.50 is unbeatable.
For heavy users: Holafly unlimited eliminates any stress.
Moldova eSIM FAQ