3 Best SIM Cards for Hungary in 2024
For those of you planning a trip to Hungary, Jó napot! Are you getting ready for your trip? Hungary attracts many visitors with its many tourist attractions, including the beautiful night view of Budapest, cruises on the Danube River, historic hot springs and delicious cuisine. Having a good internet connection on-site makes your trip even more enjoyable. A smartphone is an essential item when traveling, whether you're posting photos on social media, using map apps, or searching for recommended restaurants and cafes. In this article, we'll introduce how to choose and use the best SIM card for your stay in Hungary. We'll bring you information to make your trip even more comfortable!
1. How to choose a SIM card for your stay in Hungary
Checking coverage and communication quality
Hungary's three main telecommunications operators, Magyar Telekom, Yettel Hungary and Vodafone Hungary, offer extensive coverage in urban areas as well as tourist destinations in the countryside, with reliable signal quality in major cities such as Budapest, Debrecen and Szeged.
Select your data plan and speed
Choose the right data plan depending on how much data you plan to use during your trip. Free Wi-Fi is often available in cafes and restaurants in Hungary, but we recommend a large data plan to enjoy the Internet comfortably on the go. If you plan to stream videos and post frequently to social media, we recommend this plan. On the other hand, if you plan to mainly use it for basic web browsing and checking emails, a plan with a smaller data amount will be fine.
Choose a rate plan
Choose a plan that offers the best cost performance depending on the length of your stay and the amount of data you will use. If you are staying for a short period of time, a daily plan is convenient. On the other hand, if you are staying for a long period of time or have a lot of data usage, a monthly plan is recommended.
2. Tips for choosing a SIM card in Hungary
Checking SIM card type and compatibility
To enjoy good communication during your stay in Hungary, it is very important to choose the right SIM card for your device. Besides traditional physical SIM cards (standard SIM, micro SIM, nano SIM), the use of eSIM is becoming more widespread in modern devices. Major Hungarian telecommunications operators also support eSIM, making this an especially convenient option for tourists. Before you travel, we recommend that you check which type of SIM card your smartphone supports and, if necessary, prepare a pin or adapter to open the SIM card tray.
3. How do I get a SIM card in Hungary?
Where to buy a SIM card
To purchase a SIM card in Hungary, you can get one at Ferenc Liszt International Airport or at carrier shops in the center of major cities such as Budapest. If you want to use the Internet immediately on the first day of your trip, it is convenient to purchase one at the airport. At carrier shops, staff will assist you with activation, so you can purchase with peace of mind. Identification is required when purchasing a SIM card. Presentation of your passport is a mandatory requirement at carrier shops, so be sure to bring it with you.
Recommended SIM cards for Hungary
■ Magyar Telekom Nyrt SIM
Magyar Telekom Nyrt is a major telecommunications service provider in Hungary. The prepaid SIM is called "Domino Fix" and comes in two plans: one that is valid for 120 days, has a 1GB limit, and costs 990Ft (forints), and one that is valid for 366 days, has a 2GB limit, and costs 1990Ft.
■ Yettel Hungary SIM
Yettel Hungary is the second largest telecommunications operator in Hungary, which changed its name from Telenor in 2022. The communication environment in the country is very well developed, offering the fastest 4G and 5G networks. If you are staying for less than a week, the prepaid plans for tourists are a good deal. There are plans such as a 3000Ft plan that is valid for 5 days and can be used up to 3GB, and a 6000Ft plan that is valid for 5 days and can be used up to 10GB.
■ Vodafone Hungary SIM
Vodafone, an international brand, is widely used in Hungary and offers prepaid plans that are convenient for travelers. They are especially known for their stable and fast data communication. The prepaid plan called TUTI100 is valid for 30 days and offers 100MB free. If you need more data, you can purchase more through the app.
Tips for using a SIM card in Hungary
Where to get a SIM card and how to prepare it
To use a SIM card smoothly while you are in Hungary, it is essential to prepare in advance. SIM cards can be purchased at Budapest Airport or carrier shops in major cities. When purchasing, you will be asked to show your passport as identification, so be sure to bring it with you. Also, having local currency on hand will make the purchase process go more smoothly. Activation can take some time, so if you want to use it immediately after arriving, we recommend getting ready early.
Choose your data plan
To use data comfortably in Hungary, it is important to choose a data plan that suits your usage style. If you use a Japanese smartphone as is, you may incur high international roaming charges, so it is a good idea to use a prepaid plan offered by a local carrier. Consider the amount of data and communication speed, and choose a plan that suits your needs, such as using social media or watching videos.
Check the SIM card size
It's also important to check in advance what size SIM card is suitable for the smartphone you will be using. Nano SIMs are the norm for the latest smartphones, but older models may require a micro SIM or standard SIM. It's a good idea to check the size of the SIM card that will fit your device before you travel, and prepare the necessary pin and a way to store your original SIM card in advance.
Check the SIM lock status of your smartphone
If your smartphone is SIM-locked by a specific carrier, you may not be able to use a Hungarian SIM card. Please check the SIM-lock status of your smartphone before traveling and unlock it if necessary. Unlocking the SIM can take time, so we recommend that you do so as soon as possible.
■The eSIM "VOYAGEESIM" for traveling to Hungary, which can be purchased in advance in your country, can be purchased here .
Make your trip to Hungary more comfortable! Why we recommend "eSIM"
■What are the benefits of eSIM?
If you are planning a trip to Hungary, we highly recommend eSIM as a means of communication. Unlike conventional physical SIM cards, eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM built into a smartphone or tablet. With eSIM, you don't need to physically replace your SIM card, and you can immediately use local communication services by simply completing a few simple steps online. Renting a Wi-Fi router requires the hassle of carrying it around, charging it, and returning it, but with eSIM, all of this troublesome work is unnecessary. In addition, it is safe to use in terms of security, so you won't need to use free Wi-Fi. This is sure to make your trip even more comfortable and enjoyable. Enjoy your trip to Hungary to the fullest using the next generation communication method "eSIM"!
■ Recommended for traveling to Hungary! When it comes to eSIM, "VOYAGEESIM" is the best
VOYAGEESIM FOR EUROPE
Click here for a list of products
You can choose from four plans: 5G for 10 days, 10GB for 15 days, 20GB for 30 days, and 50GB for 60 days.
With " VOYAGEE SIM ", you don't need to replace the SIM card you are using in Japan! No need to wait for a purchase! After purchasing online, just set it up online in the local airport Wi-Fi environment! Your smartphone will immediately be able to communicate in 42 countries and regions in Europe! It's simple, convenient, and smart!
*The communications service provided by this product is Vodafone Roaming Services S.à rl.
■VOYAGEESIM FOR Europe review
"You can use
I used e-SIM in five Central European countries: Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria, and was able to connect without any problems in most places.
I have recommended it to my friends! - June 12, 2024 -
"This is the first time I've used this comfortable internet environment.
I used the 5GB, 10-day plan on an 8-day tour of Germany, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. I downloaded the data to my iPhone in Japan in advance as instructed, and when I arrived at Munich Airport, I was able to switch to the eSIM and use it immediately.
I was able to connect to 5G or 4G networks without any problems in any country, and had a comfortable internet environment. The signal was weak near Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, and I couldn't connect, including to other service users, but otherwise there were no problems at all.
Compared to renting Wi-Fi, it's very convenient because you don't need to charge your device or carry around the Wi-Fi itself, and you can easily check your remaining charge at any time.
The cost performance is good, and I would like to use it again when I travel abroad in the future. " March 19, 2024
"It saved me.
I bought it with the intention of using it in Finland, Portugal, and London, including transit points. I had trouble connecting at first, but after tweaking the settings, it finally connected. I would like to use it again. " - May 11, 2024 -
Source: VOYAGE eSIM FOR EUROPE [Europe 42] eSIM 10 days/5GB
VOYAGE eSIM FOR EUROPE [Europe 42] eSIM 15 days/10GB
VOYAGE eSIM FOR EUROPE [Europe 42] eSIM 30 days/20GB
summary
When traveling to Hungary, an eSIM is the best means of communication as it can be set up quickly and easily. In this article, we have introduced the benefits of an eSIM when staying in Hungary, how to obtain one, and some important points to keep in mind when using it. On your next trip to Hungary, be sure to use the comfortable and convenient VOYAGE eSIM eSIM to make your trip even more stress-free. We hope that your trip to Hungary will be a wonderful one. Jó utat! (Have a good trip!)
