How to Buy a SIM Card at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) for Tourists: Where and Price?

Published: August 2024

Discover how to buy a SIM card at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, including where to buy, prices, and alternatives.

Buying a SIM card at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport can make your trip easy and connected. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly where to purchase a SIM card at the airport, the costs involved, and the best alternatives if airport options are limited. Stay informed and enjoy smooth connectivity during your stay in Hungary.

In this article

Highlights

SIM cards can be bought at the Universal Airport Hub in Arrival Hall 2B.
Late-night travelers should consider buy an eSIM online as stores at the airport close at 8:00 PM.
Yettel and Telekom offer various data plans, though airport prices are premium.
Essential documents for SIM purchase: passport, unlocked phone, payment method, and sometimes proof of accommodation.

I. How to get a SIM Card at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)?

Getting a SIM card at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport is a simple, and there are several ways to do it:

Order online before and collect at the airport: Book your SIM card online before your trip and pick it up at the airport when you arrive. This way, you can skip the queues and get connected to the internet ASAP.
Buy upon arrival: If you’re not planning ahead, don’t worry! You can purchase a SIM card from various vendors at the airport, including mobile operators like Vodafone, Telenor, and Telekom.
Buy eSIM (if phone compatible with eSIM): If your phone supports eSIM, you can buy a digital SIM card online and activate it as soon as you land in Budapest. This is a convenient option that saves you time and effort.

II. Where to buy a SIM Card at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport?

At Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD), SIM cards can be bought at the counters of network operators or convenience stores within the airport.

The primary location is the Universal Airport Hub, situated in Arrival Hall 2B. Once you pass through the sliding doors from the luggage claim area, the hub will be on your right.

Arrival Hall 2B also hosts various facilities such as money exchange, car rental services, a tourist information desk, a cafeteria, and a Spar Supermarket. The Universal Airport Hub, positioned next to the Spar Supermarket, offers SIM cards from operators like Yettel and Telekom.

III. Do SIM card shops at BUD Airport open after midnight?

No. The Universal Airport Hub at BUD airport operates daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. This schedule means the store is not open after midnight. For late-night travelers, it is advisable to consider other options, such as purchasing an eSIM online, which can be activated immediately upon arrival using the airport’s free WiFi.

IV. Budapest Ferenc Liszt Airport SIM card Price

Good to know: 100 HUF = 0.27 USD (August 2024)

Here are the deals:

Yettel:

50 GB data + 25 minutes for 30 days: ~$54
Unlimited data + 50 minutes for 30 days: ~$65

Telekom:

Travel SIM 10 days: 20 GB data in Hungary and the EU for ~ $27
Travel SIM 30 days: 100 GB data (50 GB usable in the EU) for ~ $40

You can see that although buying a SIM card at the airport is convenient, it comes at a premium price. For budget-conscious travelers, purchasing a SIM card in the city center can offer more competitive rates with similar or better data packages.

V. Registration Process on Buying a SIM card at Budapest Ferenc Liszt Airport

When you arrive at BUD airport and decide to buy a SIM card, there are a few essentials you should have ready:

Passport: You’ll need it for identification.
Unlocked Phone: Make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible with the new SIM card.
Payment Method: Cash or card is accepted, so carry either or both.
Additional Documents: Occasionally, proof of accommodation might be requested.
Patience: The process can take some time, especially if there are language barriers.

So you see that buying a SIM card at the airport can be a bit daunting. Many tourists feel uneasy about sharing personal information, such as their passport details, just to get connected. The registration process can be time-consuming, making it less appealing for travelers eager to start their vacation.

A Simpler Solution: Get an international SIM card online before you depart or opt for an eSIM. These options often don’t require showing your passport and can be activated easily.

VI. eSIM at Budapest Ferenc Liszt Airport – Alternative to Hungary SIM Cards

I’ve probably mentioned eSIM too many times in this article, and no one can deny its convenience – instant activation, multiple profiles, and it’s eco-friendly.

Buying an eSIM is simple – you can get one online from local mobile network operators that cater to tourists or from eSIM retailers/providers. For ease and simplicity, we recommend going with an eSIM retailer.

One standout option is Gigago, an eSIM provider known for its excellent service. Here’s why Gigago stands out:

Trusted by 1,000,000+ people worldwide
Offers immediate delivery of eSIMs directly to your email
Provides easy activation through QR code scanning
Supports a wide range of destinations, including Hungary

For Hungary, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 500 MB/day for 3 days with $3.00 . What is great about Gigago’s Hungary eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $3.00 – $95.90 .

Thus, it does not matter how many Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Hungary; there is always an option for you with Gigago.

VII. FAQs about SIM card at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport

What documents are required to buy a SIM card at Budapest Airport?

You need a valid passport to register the SIM card, as required by Hungarian law.

Can I pay for a SIM card at the airport with a credit card?

Yes, most major credit cards are accepted at telecom shops in the airport. However, having some local currency might be helpful, especially at smaller outlets.

Do the SIM cards bought at Budapest Airport include EU roaming?

SIM cards bought at the airport typically do not include EU roaming. You may need to check specific plans if you plan to travel to other EU countries.

Are there any alternatives to buying a physical SIM card at Budapest Airport?

Yes, you can opt for an eSIM, which can be activated digitally without the need for a physical card. eSIMs are convenient and eco-friendly.

VIII. Conclusion

To wrap things up, grabbing a SIM card at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport can really boost your travel experience by keeping you connected right from the moment you land. With plenty of options to pick from, you can easily find a plan that fits your needs and budget.

I hope you find this post useful as you get ready for your trip! For more info on the best mobile deals and to make your booking eSIM super easy, check out Gigago.