Traveling to Hungary and looking for the best way to stay connected and have data on your phone? Avoid high roaming charges and slow overseas data roaming plans by either buying a local prepaid sim card in Hungary or simply getting an eSIM for Hungary online. This is the ultimate guide for finding the best sim card for traveling to Hungary in 2024.
Find out everything you need to know about buying a prepaid sim card in Hungary, where to buy a sim card, the best eSIMs for Hungary, up to date prices as per August 2024, the best 4G/5G network in Hungary, my recommendation, info about EU data roaming, international sim cards and more.
Depending on the length of your trip to Hungary a prepaid sim card or an eSIM is the best way to stay connected and save money on high roaming charges. One of the first things I do when planning my next trip abroad is figuring out what is the best way to stay connected and whether to order an eSIM on the internet or buying a local prepaid sim card on arrival.
Having internet on your phone while traveling makes life so much easier. In the past I always used to buy a prepaid sim card on arrival but nowadays I mostly order an eSIM on the internet.
eSIMs are simply so convenient that I happily pay a couple dollar extra to be online as soon as the plane lands and have internet on my phone like at home without paying high roaming charges.
As Traveltomtom is on a mission to travel to every country in the world I get to about 30 - 40 different countries every year and therefore I use about 30 different sim cards per year. As I am already traveling full time since 2012 buying prepaid and eSIMs became part of life and that is how Traveltomtom became the ultimate specialist in providing info about sim cards for tourists.
As I like to document all my travel tips you can find already more than 200 sim card guides on Traveltomtom from all around the world: USA, Canada, Asia, Mexico, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Europe, Italy, UK, Turkey, Israel, Colombia, Peru, Brazil, New Zealand and many more.
Arriving at Budapest Airport? Check out Traveltomtom's specific guide for buying a sim card at Budapest Airport in 2024.
So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid and eSIM advice for your next holiday destination. Bookmark me and let me help you save money!
RELATED: 15 Best Places to Visit in Hungary in 2024.
Rent a car and get to see some amazing places around the country!
Some links in this article about the best way to stay connected when traveling to Hungary are affiliate links. If you buy any of the products after using an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don’t worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you.
My recommendation
Traveltomtom recommends a Yettel sim card for Hungary. Yettel has the strongest 4G/5G mobile data network in Hungary and also offers the best prepaid sim card plan for tourists. For around $10 USD you get a 5 GB data-only sim card.
A great alternative are eSIMs and in fact they are even cheaper as you can get an eSIM for Hungary starting from just $4.5 USD. For $22 USD you get 10 GB data and you are instantly online when the plane lands. No need to find a sim card shop in Hungary anymore.
Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIM for Hungary from either Airalo or SimOptions.
Traveltomtom also recommends global travel sim card with data. Especially if you are visiting multiple countries on your trip to Europe. Check out my list of the best international sim cards for traveling in 2024 or check out Traveltomtom's comparison of the best Europe travel sim cards for 2024 for sim cards specifically designed for traveling in Europe.
Best eSIMs for Hungary
The easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Hungary in 2024 is an eSIM. You arrange everything online in just a couple clicks. No more visiting a phone store and swapping physical prepaid sim cards.
You order an eSIM for Hungary on the internet, you receive a QR code, scan it, follow the simple steps and within less than 2 minutes you have a Hungary eSIM installed on your phone.
Upon arrival in Hungary it automatically connects you to an available network and you enjoy data on your phone pretty much when the plane lands.
Make sure your phone is e-sim compatible before ordering an eSIM for Hungary.
Airalo
Airalo is a reliable e-sim provider that sells eSIMs from pretty much every country in the world. Traveltomtom has been using Airalo eSIMs for almost 4 years now without a problem. Here are the Airalo eSIM plans for Hungary in 2024:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
- 2 GB data for 15 days = $7.5 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $9.5 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $13.5 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $22 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $36 USD
Click here for more info or to order an eSIM for Hungary via Airalo.
The above eSIMs for Hungary from Szia! are data-only and only valid in Hungary. Szia! eSIMs operate on the Yettel (former Telenor) 4G/LTE network in Hungary.
SimOptions
SimOptions is another reliable e-sim provider and Traveltomtom has used SimOptions in more than 50 countries around the world and never faced an issue.
SimOptions is specialized in international eSIMs. These international eSIMs also support calling and texting. They come with a phone number and are valid in all of Europe.
- 1 GB data-only (5G ready) for 7 days = $4.50 USD
- 3 GB data-only (5G ready) for 15 days = $9.90 USD
- 5 GB data-only for 30 days = $17.90 USD
- 10 GB data-only (5G ready) for 30 days = $22.90 USD
- 15 GB data + unlimited calls for 15 days = $23.90 USD
- 12 GB data + 30 minutes international + unlimited calls/text for 14 days = $29.90 USD
- 30 GB data + unlimited calls for 30 days = $44.90 USD
- 30 GB data + 30 minutes international + unlimited calls/text for 14 days = $49.90 USD
- 50 GB data (5G ready) + unlimited calls/text for 28 days = $59.90 USD
Click here for more info or to order an international eSIM for traveling in Hungary via SimOptions.
Please make sure that your phone is unlocked and e-sim compatible before ordering an eSIM for Hungary.
There is another e-sim provider tested and reviewed by Traveltomtom and although they sometimes have great eSIM deals it is not Traveltomtom's first recommendation. Personally I have faced some issues with Nomad eSIMs and unless they are not improving on reliability and performance Traveltomtom is not recommending Nomad eSIMs over Airalo and SimOptions.
If your phone is not e-sim compatible then there still is the option to order a physical prepaid sim card for Hungary on the internet. This prepaid sim card will be delivered to your home address before your trip to Hungary.
For $24.90 USD you get an international sim card with 10 GB + unlimited calls valid in all of Europe. Click here to order a physical sim card for Hungary via SimOptions or get more info and see all other offers.
Hungary sim cards and EU data roaming
As Hungary is part of the EU there should be no roaming costs when using a Hungary prepaid sim card anywhere else in Europe. Also the other way around if you have a sim card from France for example then you can freely use your data plan from your France sim card while traveling in Hungary.
But be aware that this often does NOT apply to Eastern European countries. Prepaid sim cards from countries like Poland, Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia do NOT include free EU roaming, so be careful when buying a local prepaid sim card in Europe.
When buying a prepaid sim card in Hungary always ask the provider for the EU data roaming limitations.
Find out more info about EU data roaming, Brexit, EU roaming in Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, etc. in my guide for buying a local prepaid sim card on arrival in Europe.
You can simply avoid all this hassle by ordering a sim card for traveling in all of Europe. There are prepaid as well as eSIM versions available.
Hungary is an amazing country with some beautiful places to visit. After traveling around the country for a couple weeks I came up with the ultimate Hungary Itinerary including all the best places to visit.
Why buying a sim card in Hungary?
First of all because wasting money on expensive roaming costs is stupid. Staying connected while traveling to Hungary makes life so much easier. Order a taxi through an app, receiving a video call from your family at any given time, use Google Maps for directions, find nearby restaurants, bars, friends, etc. There are a ton of reasons to get a working data connection on your phone when traveling to Hungary.
Even though your hotel has free WiFi and also most restaurants and bars provided free WiFi. But what if it is slow and what about the unsecured network? Simply don't rely on others, buying a prepaid or eSIM for traveling in Hungary is fast and easy.
Rather getting WiFi on the road and NOT change sim cards? A pocket WiFi could be the solution. Check out my honest review of these portable WiFi devices and I tell you everything you need to know about pocket WiFi devices.
Mobile internet operators Hungary
There are 3 main mobile internet providers in Hungary: Vodafone, T-Mobile and Yettel. All of them sell prepaid sim cards for tourists, but only the prepaid sim card versions, no eSIMs yet as of August 2024.
eSIMs for Hungary can only be bought on the internet.
Where to buy a sim card for Hungary
Budapest Airport
The most convenient place to buy a sim card in Hungary would of course be directly on arrival at Budapest Airport. Yes, there is a sim card store, but is it worth it? Well, it is expensive!
Check out my guide for buying a sim card at Budapest Airport in 2024 for more info. Trust me eSIMs for Hungary are cheaper than buying a tourist sim card at Budapest Airport.
Phone stores mobile internet providers
There are multiple mobile internet provider stores in Budapest city center as well as in other tourist destinations in Hungary. The easiest way to find your preferred sim card shop is through Google Maps. Go to the search bar and type in for example 'Vodafone' and Google Maps will show you the nearest Vodafone stores.
At the official retail stores of Vodafone, T-Mobile and Yettel you will get the best service, the best prepaid sim card offers for tourists and the staff will make sure everything is set up and the data on your phone works instantly.
Gas stations and convenience stores
Yes, you can also buy a prepaid sim card for tourists at gas stations and the bigger convenience stores but you will need to do the registration by yourself online or go to an official retail store to activate your prepaid sim card. Therefore, Traveltomtom does not recommend buying a Hungary sim card at a convenience store, only if you have no other option.
Online
As I mentioned a couple times already the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Hungary is ordering a sim card for Hungary on the internet. No more visiting a sim card shop on arrival in Hungary.
The fastest way is an eSIM for Hungary, it takes just a couple clicks and as soon as the plane lands you are connected to the internet and have data on your phone. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIM for Hungary from either Airalo or SimOptions.
If your phone is not e-sim compatible then look into ordering an international prepaid sim cards that will be delivered to your home address. Check out SimOptions for ordering a physical prepaid sim card for Hungary.
Registration process
For buying a prepaid sim card in Hungary you need a photo ID or a passport. Your new Hungary sim card will be registered on your name and your passport number. You will receive a sim card with a new phone number starting with +36.
If you want to avoid this registration process then order a sim card for Hungary on the internet. Physical prepaid international sim cards as well as eSIMs for Hungary do not need a passport registration.
Best 4G/5G network in Hungary in 2024
The best prepaid sim card in Hungary is not only determined by the prices for prepaid sim cards and the available data plans for tourists. What about going on a Hungary road trip and as soon as you leave Budapest you loose connection? A strong 4G/5G network is just as important and even when going off the beaten path in Hungary we want to find a phone signal.
Therefore I compared the 4G/5G network coverage maps of the mobile internet providers in Hungary to find the best 4G/5G network in Hungary in 2024.
Is there 5G in Hungary?
Yes, there is a pretty decent 5G network in Hungary as of 2024. Almost all the popular tourist destinations in Hungary have a 5G signal. Check the below network coverage maps to find out which provider has the best 4G/5G network in Hungary in 2024.
Yettel Hungary 4G/5G network map
Vodafone Hungary 4G/5G network map
Telekom Hungary 4G/5G network map
Although the above mobile data network coverage maps are updated for 2024 they are not 100% accurate. However, they are a great reference to compare the 4G/5G networks of the mobile internet providers in Hungary in 2024.
From what we can see from the above Hungary coverage maps is that all mobile internet providers have an excellent 4G/5G mobile data network and cover all the best places to visit in Hungary. But it seems that Vodafone has the best 5G network in Hungary in 2024.
It is a very close call to determine which mobile internet provider has the best 4G/5G network in Hungary in 2024. In Eastern Hungary Telekom has the best 4G/5G network and in Western Hungary Vodafone has the best 4G/5G network.
Prices Hungary prepaid sim cards in 2024
The info and prices below are updated as per August 2024. Prices are in Hungarian Forint: $1 USD = 361 HUF and 1,000 HUF = $2.77 USD.
As per August 2024 it is still not possible to get an eSIM for tourists. In phone stores in Hungary they only provide physical prepaid sim cards for tourists.
Yettel Hungary
They have relatively small data packages for Hungary sim cards but at least all the data and minutes are valid in the EU.
- 1 GB + 50 min = 1,100 HUF - $3.2 USD
- 3 GB + 100 min = 2,500 HUF - $7.2 USD
- 5 GB - data only = 3,300 HUF - $9.5 USD
All Yettel prepaid sim cards for Hungary are valid for 30 days and are valid all over Europe. data and minutes are valid in all of the EU. For more info check the Yettel website.
Vodafone Hungary
There is not much choice either when buying a Vodafone Hungary prepaid sim card. A Vodafone prepaid sim card is free and comes with 100 MB free data. I tried to find out if there are data plans you can top up with but sincerely couldn't. All I could find is a prepaid sim card for Hungary with unlimited data for 30 days:
- unlimited data (30 GB data in EU) + unlimited calls/sms = 11,990 - $34.6 USD
Check the Vodafone Hungary website for more info.
Telekom Hungary
This is the best Telekom prepaid sim card plan for tourists and it is really expensive:
- 1 GB + 80 minutes = 1,990 HUF - $5.7 USD
- Add extra 3.5 GB = 3,500 HUF - $10 USD
This T-Mobile Hungary prepaid sim card is valid for 30 days and valid in all over Europe. For the latest T-Mobile Hungary sim card offers have a look at the Telekom website.
Best sim card for Hungary in 2024
Conclusion is that Traveltomtom highly recommends eSIMs for traveling to Hungary in 2024. Why? They are easier to get and above all cheaper than Hungary prepaid sim cards!
Since there is hardly any difference in the 4G/5G network strength between Yettel, Vodafone and Telekom it comes down to the prices for prepaid sim cards. Unfortunately the Telekom and Vodafone Hungary websites provide very little info about data plans to top up the prepaid sim cards.
Traveltomtom can of course only work with the info provided, so sorry Vodafone and Telekom make your website more accessible for prepaid costumers looking for info.
If you want a sim card for Hungary with unlimited data then you should buy a Vodafone sim card, but it is not cheap.
All in all Traveltomtom rates Yettel as the best sim card for Hungary in 2024. For around $10 USD you will get a prepaid sim card with 5 GB data. Unfortunately calling minutes are not included.
A general conclusion is that Hungary prepaid sim cards for tourists are pretty disappointing. Data plans are very small and especially in a time where prepaid sim cards have to compete with eSIMs I expected better Hungary prepaid sim card deals for tourists.
When comparing the Hungary prepaid sim cards with eSIMs for Hungary that you order online Traveltomtom comes to the conclusion that eSIMs are a better way to stay connected when traveling to Hungary.
For $22 USD you get 10 GB data or get yourself an international eSIM valid in all of Europe with 30 GB data including unlimited calling/texting for just $44.90 USD.
Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIM for Hungary from either Airalo or SimOptions.
If you are traveling to Europe and visiting multiple countries then you are better off with a sim card that is valid in all of Europe. You can easily order them on the internet. Check out Traveltomtom's list of the best prepaid and eSIMs for traveling in Europe in 2024.
Order a prepaid sim card for Hungary online
If your phone is not e-sim compatible but you would like to order a sim card for traveling to Hungary online before your trip then check out the following.
Arrive prepared in Hungary with an international prepaid sim card. You order them online and a physical prepaid sim card will be delivered to your home address. You put this sim card in your phone and it automatically connects to an available network upon arrival in Hungary, basically when the plane lands you are instantly online.
SimOptions is the only sim card provider that sells physical prepaid sim cards for Hungary:
1. O2 Go Card - $24.90 USD
- 10 GB data
- €2 EUR calling credit
- Valid 30 days
2. Three Data Pack - $24.90 USD
- 10 GB data
- Unlimited calls/sms in Europe
- Valid 30 days
3. Orange Holiday ZEN - $29.90 USD
- 12 GB data
- Unlimited calls/sms in Europe
- 30 minutes worldwide
- 200 sms worldwide
- Valid 14 days
4. Bouygues Telecom - $44.90 USD
- 30 GB data
- Unlimited calls in Europe
- Valid 30 days
5. Orange Holiday Europe - $49.90
- 30 GB data
- Unlimited calls/sms in Europe
- 120 minutes worldwide
- 1,000 sms worldwide
- Valid 14 days
Click here for more info or to order an international sim card for traveling in Hungary via SimOptions.
Traveltomtom has used the Bouygues Telecom, Three as well as the Orange physical prepaid sim cards in the past and I was always satisfied. However, it is no secret that nowadays I rather use eSIM for traveling to Europe instead of physical prepaid sim cards.
If your phone is e-sim compatible then here is a last reminder that you can arrange everything online in just a couple clicks. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIM for Hungary via either Airalo or SimOptions.
Order a data-only eSIM for Hungary via Airalo or an international eSIM for Hungary including calls/sms and EU data roaming via SimOptions.
I am sure some of above tips for buying a sim card for Hungary were helpful. If you have any questions please leave me a comment below and I am more than happy to help you out with all your Hungary travel questions.
Curious what it looks like trying to visit every country in the world? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along. As of August 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, so still a long way to go.
Enjoy your trip to Hungary!