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.
How to Get Mobile Internet in Hungary for Travelers: What Option to Choose?
Mobile internet in Hungary can be a lifeline for travelers navigating this beautiful country.
For travelers heading to Hungary, understanding how to get reliable mobile internet can be a challenge. Many face difficulties with high roaming fees and confusing local options. This article will guide you through the best choices for mobile internet in Hungary, from coverage and rates to connectivity options and the convenience of using Gigago Hungary eSIM.
In this article
I. Mobile Internet in Hungary – Coverage and Speed
Hungary’s mobile coverage is a mixed bag, with some areas receiving excellent coverage while others struggle with poor signals.
According to the Opensignal report, below are key metrics about mobile coverage & speed in Hungary.
1. Hungary Mobile Internet Coverage
- % Coverage: 94.2% of the population has 4G coverage, while 5G coverage reaches 73.1% of the population.
- Coverage Experience: 6.2 out of 10, indicating poor coverage in certain areas.
- 5G Coverage Experience: 2.5 out of 10, with Yettel performing the worst.
- Availability: 96.8% of the time, users have a 3G, 4G, or 5G connection.
► Recommendation: We suggest users in Hungary choose Telekom for mobile internet because it offers the best coverage. However, those in rural areas might face poor service, so it’s important to check coverage before deciding.
2. Hungary Mobile Internet Speed
- Download Speed: Yettel offers the fastest download speeds, averaging 42.9 Mbps.
- Upload Speed: Telekom has the fastest upload speeds, averaging 15.4 Mbps.
- 5G Download Speed: Yettel offers the fastest 5G download speeds, averaging 281.8 Mbps.
- 5G Upload Speed: Yettel offers the fastest 5G upload speeds, averaging 37.4 Mbps.
► Recommendation: We suggest users choose Yettel for mobile internet since it has the fastest download and upload speeds. But if you need fast uploads, Telekom might be a better option.
II. What are Connectivity Options for Tourists in Hungary?
When visiting Hungary, tourists have several options to stay connected:
- Hungary SIM card
- Hungary eSIM
- Roaming with home operators
- Public WiFi
- Pocket WiFi
Let’s compare these methods:
Method | How it Works | Cost | Where to Buy | Convenience | Pros | Cons |
Hungary SIM card | Physical SIM card inserted into phone | Moderate | Local stores, airports | Moderate | Good coverage, local number | Requires unlocked phone, SIM swapping |
Hungary eSIM | Digital SIM profile downloaded to phone | Low to moderate | Online (e.g. Gigago) | High | Easy activation, no physical SIM needed | Requires eSIM-compatible device |
Roaming | Use home network abroad | High | N/A (existing plan) | High | No setup required | Expensive, potential coverage issues |
Public WiFi | Connect to free hotspots | Free | Various locations | Low | No cost | Limited availability, security risks |
Pocket WiFi | Portable WiFi hotspot | High | Rental services | Moderate | Multiple device support | Additional device to carry, battery life concerns |
► Recommendation: For most tourists, buying a SIM card with data is the most optimal solution, offering a good balance of cost, coverage, and convenience. However, if you have an eSIM-compatible phone, an eSIM is the best option because:
- It’s easy to purchase and activate online before your trip
- No need to swap physical SIM cards
- You can keep your home SIM active for calls/texts while using data from the eSIM
To get started with an eSIM in Hungary, consider purchasing from Gigago. We offer competitive rates, easy activation, and excellent nationwide coverage.
Tips:
- Before buying a SIM card for Hungary, check if your phone is unlocked.
- If you plan to use an eSIM, check the list of eSIM-compatible devices.
III. Internet Rates in Hungary
Good to know: 10 HUF = 0.028 USD (July 2024)
Connectivity Option | Price Range (USD) |
Hungary SIM Card | $5 – $20 for starter pack + $5 – $20 per GB |
Hungary eSIM | $3 – $40 per GB |
Roaming | $20 – $50 per GB |
Public WiFi | Free (potential security risks) |
Pocket WiFi | $5 – $15 per day |
► Recommendation: For tourists in Hungary, the best choice is a Hungary eSIM. It’s flexible, easy to set up, and affordable, perfect for short-term visitors with eSIM-compatible devices.
If eSIM isn’t available, an international Hungary SIM card is a good alternative, offering low-cost and reliable service. Avoid roaming due to high costs, and be cautious with public WiFi for security reasons. Rates may change, so check for the latest prices before deciding.
IV. Data SIM Card for Mobile Internet in Hungary
Here’s a breakdown of the data SIM card packages offered by the major Hungarian mobile operators:
Operator | Package Name | Data | Validity | Price (HUF) | Price (USD) |
DIGIMobil | DIGI Nekem | 10 GB | 30 days | 1,990 | 55.72 |
DIGIMobil | DIGI Nekem Plus | 20 GB | 30 days | 3,990 | 111.73 |
DIGIMobil | DIGI Nekem Extra | 50 GB | 30 days | 7,990 | 223.73 |
Telekom | Domino Fix | 1 GB | 120 days | 990 | 27.72 |
Telekom | Domino Extra | 2 GB | 366 days | 1,990 | 55.72 |
Vodafone | TUTI100 | 100 MB | 30 days | 1,000 | 28.00 |
Yettel | Yettel Feltöltőkártya 3GB mobilnet extrával | 3 GB | 5 days | 1,500 | 42.00 |
Yettel | Yettel Feltöltőkártya 10GB mobilnet extrával | 10 GB | 5 days | 3,000 | 84.00 |
When choosing a data SIM card, consider the following factors:
- Data allowance: How much data do you need?
- Validity period: How long will you be in Hungary?
- Price: What is your budget?
- Coverage: Check the operator’s network coverage in your visiting areas.
Tips:
- Purchase a SIM card at the airport or a local store: Most operators have kiosks at the airport or stores in major cities.
- Activate your SIM card: Follow the instructions provided by the operator.
- Top up your balance: You can top up your balance online, at a store, or by using a prepaid card.
- Check your data usage: Monitor your usage to avoid exceeding your allowance.
V. Data eSIM for Hungary – Best Option to Get Mobile Internet for Tourists
Here are two ways to obtain an eSIM for Hungary:
- Buy from Hungary operators
- Buy from Gigago
1. Buy eSIM from Hungary operators
Hungary has several mobile operators that provide eSIM services, including:
To buy an eSIM from one of these operators, you can visit their website or visit a physical store. You will need to provide identification and proof of address.
Pros: Local operators offer a wide range of plans and coverage is generally good.
Cons: Buying an eSIM from a local operator can be time-consuming and requires identification.
2. Buy eSIM from Gigago
Getting an eSIM from a trusted provider like Gigago is super convenient and easy! You can buy it all online without showing a passport or ID, and there is no waiting for a SIM to be delivered. You can set it up easily so you’ll have internet access right when you arrive in Hungary.
To buy an eSIM from Gigago, follow these steps:
- Go to Home => Search for “Hungary” under “Stay connected anytime and anywhere“
- Choose a plan that suits your needs, budget, and trip duration
- Make payment
- Wait to receive an email with a QR code or activation code
- Scan the QR code or import the activation code manually
- Turn on data roaming on your phone
- You’re connected to the internet!
For Hungary, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 500MB/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 or how long your trip to Hungary is; with Gigago, you always have an option.
VI. FAQs about Mobile Internet in Hungary
Is 5G available in Hungary?
Yes, 5G networks are available in major cities and urban areas in Hungary, and ongoing expansion plans exist.
Which are the main mobile internet providers in Hungary?
The main providers are Telekom, Vodafone, and Yettel. They offer various prepaid and postpaid plans for tourists and residents.
What is the best mobile internet provider in Hungary?
The best provider depends on your needs and location, but Magyar Telekom is often considered the most reliable.
Can I use my mobile internet in Hungary to make video calls?
Yes, but be aware that video calls may use more data and affect your internet speed.
VII. Conclusion
In conclusion, knowing about mobile internet in Hungary is important for visitors who want to stay connected. With new technology and good prices, getting online while on the move is easier than ever. If you need reliable internet, check out Gigago Hungary eSIM for easy access without the hassle of regular SIM cards. I hope this blog post helps you enjoy your mobile experience in Hungary!