Data Roaming in Hungary for Tourists 2024: Rates & How to Avoid it

Data roaming in Hungary can be costly and confusing for travelers.

This article is for tourists planning a trip to Hungary who want to understand data roaming in Hungary and manage costs. You will learn how to activate and handle data roaming on your phones, plus explore cheaper options like eSIMs to stay engaged while traveling.

I. Overview of Data Roaming in Costa Rica for Tourists

Data roaming is using your mobile phone to access the internet, make calls, and send texts while traveling outside your home country, using a foreign network. This service allows you to stay connected but often incurs additional charges depending on your mobile plan and the country you visit.

Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about data roaming in Hungary:

Activating Roaming in Hungary:

• Contact Your Provider: Before heading to Hungary, contact your mobile provider to find out if they provide roaming services and activate them on your account.
• Roaming Packages: Some providers have special roaming packages to help you save on data costs.

Data Usage and Prices:

• Data Limits: Monitor your data limits; excessive use can lead to high charges (typically 500MB to 5GB daily).
• Prices: Costs vary by provider and roaming plan, averaging 10-20 HUF (0.03-0.06 USD) per MB.
• Free Wi-Fi: Use free Wi-Fi hotspots in cafes, restaurants, and public areas to save data.

II. How does Roaming in Hungary Work?

Hungary, part of the EU, has a “Roam Like at Home” policy that lets people use their phones in other EU and EEA (European Economic Area) countries without extra charges. Since June 2017, there are no roaming fees, so you can use your mobile devices abroad for free.F

Hungarian mobile operators like Yettel Telekom, Vodafone Hungary, and Telekom Hungary provide roaming services to help users stay connected while traveling.

Roaming Services in Hungary

• EU/EEA Roaming: Hungarian mobile operators provide EU/EEA roaming at no extra cost, allowing calls, texts, and data at Hungarian rates.
• International Roaming: Roaming charges outside the EU/EEA may apply for calls, texts, and data usage.
• Data Roaming: Many Hungarian operators offer fixed-price data roaming packages to manage data use abroad.

Key Features and Benefits

• No Surprise Bills: “Roam Like at Home” protects users from high roaming charges.
• Easy to Use: Roaming services activate automatically when traveling.
• Competitive Rates: Hungarian operators provide competitive EU/EEA roaming rates.
• Wide Coverage: Many partner with international carriers for extensive coverage.

III. Roaming Charges in Hungary – Is It Expensive?

YES, roaming rates in Hungary can be high, especially for international calls and data. Rates differ between network operators, but they can add up fast, so you should know the costs and plan.

In Hungary, there are three main types of roaming: call, SMS, and data.

• Call roaming: Make and receive voice calls while abroad. 
• SMS roaming: Send and receive text messages 
• Data roaming: Access the internet and mobile data services

Here’s a table summarizing roaming rates for calls, texts, and data for Hungary’s main network operators:

Operator	Local Call/min (Outgoing)	Local Call/min (Incoming)	International Call/min (Outgoing)	International Call/min (Incoming)	SMS (Local)	SMS (International)	Data (Per MB)
DIGIMobil	~$0.25	Free	~$1.50	~$0.75	~$0.10	~$0.50	~$1.20
Yettel	~$0.30	Free	~$1.80	~$0.90	~$0.15	~$0.60	~$1.50
Telekom	~$0.35	Free	~$2.00	~$1.00	~$0.20	~$0.70	~$1.80
Vodafone	~$0.40	Free	~$2.20	~$1.10	~$0.25	~$0.80	~$2.00

IV. How to Activate Roaming Service for Hungary in Your Cell Phone?

There are four main steps:

Step 1: Choose Your Preferred Service Provider

Here’s a table summarizing the roaming fees for different mobile operators in Hungary:

Mobile Operator	Roaming Fees (USD)
DIGIMobil	Calls: ~$0.25/min, Data: ~$1.20/MB
Yettel	Calls: ~$0.30/min, Data: ~$1.50/MB
Telekom	Calls: ~$0.35/min, Data: ~$1.80/MB
Vodafone	Calls: ~$0.40/min, Data: ~$2.00/MB

These rates can vary depending on the specific plan and usage. Always check with your provider for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Step 2: Activate the Roaming Function for Your Service Provider

Each mobile network carrier has a different method for activating roaming services. For detailed instructions, it’s best to refer to the official website of your chosen operator.

E.g: With Vodafone: Download the My Vodafone app > Select “International Roaming” > Choose your destination country > Activation complete.

Step 3: Buy a Mobile Package with Roaming

After selecting your provider and activating roaming, buy a mobile package that includes roaming. Many operators offer bundled calls, texts, and data for a fixed price to help manage costs.

Step 4: Turn On Your Phone’s Roaming

To enable roaming on your device:

• Android:
  • Go to Settings.
  • Select Connections.
  • Tap on Mobile Networks.
  • Toggle Data Roaming to ON.
• iPhone:
  • Open Settings.
  • Tap Cellular.
  • Select Cellular Data Options.
  • Toggle Data Roaming to ON.

V. How to Avoid Roaming Charges To Save Money When Traveling to Hungary?

Here are some practical tips to help you stay engaged in Hungary without overspending:

1. Turn Off Data Roaming:

• iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > toggle Data Roaming off.
• Android: Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > toggle Data Roaming off.

2. Use Wi-Fi When Possible: Connect to free Wi-Fi at hotels, cafes, and public spots to avoid charges. Use apps like Skype, WhatsApp, and FaceTime for calls and messages over Wi-Fi.

3. Turn Off Automatic App Updates:

• iPhone: Go to Settings > App Store > toggle App Updates off.
• Android: Go to Google Play Store > Menu > Settings > Auto-update apps > select Don’t auto-update apps.

4. Get an International SIM Card/eSIM: Buy an international SIM card or eSIM before your trip for better rates on data, calls, and texts. Make sure your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM by checking the eSIM compatibility list.

5. Use a VPN: Secure your internet connection and reduce data usage by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). This can compress data and reduce the amount used for browsing and streaming.

• Download and install a reliable VPN app.
• Connect to the VPN before using the internet.

VI. Hungary eSIM – Alternative to Data Roaming in Hungary to Get Internet

Traveling to Hungary can make it hard to stay connected with your friends and family. Instead of using expensive data roaming, try travel eSIM Hungary. This prepaid, data-only option lets you save money on internet costs while you travel.

Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of eSIM Hungary vs. traditional data roaming. 

Feature	eSIM Hungary	Data Roaming in Hungary
Cost	Affordable, prepaid plans	Expensive, pay-per-use
Convenience	Easy to install, no SIM swap needed	SIM swap required, may not work with all phones
Data Speed	4G/LTE speed	2G/3G speed in some areas
Coverage	Nationwide coverage	Limited coverage in rural areas
Flexibility	Multiple data plans available	Limited data plans offered

As shown in the table, the advantages of eSIM Hungary far outweigh those of traditional data roaming in Hungary. 

One of the leading eSIM providers is Gigago eSIM, which offers extensive data plans for Hungary. With Gigago’s eSIM Hungary, you can enjoy the following benefits:

• Multiple data plan options than any competitors
• No need to remove your original SIM card
• 24/7 technical support via chat or email
• Instant delivery via email, within only 5 minutes after purchase

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.

VII. How to Turn Off Data Roaming When Traveling to Hungary?

1. Turn off International Roaming on Android 

• Open the Settings menu
• Select Connections > Mobile Networks
• Turn Data Roaming on or off as needed

2. Turn off International Roaming on iPhones

• Open the Settings app 
• Tap on Cellular 
• Select Cellular Data Options 
• Ensure the Data Roaming switch is off (it should be grey. If it’s green, it’s turned on)

VIII. FAQs

IX. Conclusion

In conclusion, data roaming in Hungary can be pretty easy with the right plan. Tourists have plenty of options to stay connected, but it’s important to know the costs involved. Going for international SIM cards or eSIMs can save you some cash and give you reliable internet access. Always check your mobile carrier’s roaming rates before you travel to dodge any surprise charges. With a bit of prep, you can enjoy your trip without stressing over high roaming fees.