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.
In this article
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:
Data Usage and Prices:
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
Key Features and Benefits
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.
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 |
Note: These rates may change, so you should verify with each operator for the latest pricing. Many operators also offer special roaming packages and add-ons to help reduce costs.
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:
Note: Once you return from Hungary, turn off the roaming feature when not in use to prevent unnecessary expenses. This can help you avoid unexpected charges on your bill.
Here are some practical tips to help you stay engaged in Hungary without overspending:
1. Turn Off Data Roaming:
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:
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.
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:
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.
Note: If the Data Roaming option is greyed out, check if Mobile data is turned on. Go to Settings u0026gt; Connections u0026gt; Data usage u0026gt; Mobile data.
If you exceed your data limit, you can purchase additional data packages from your carrier or use Wi-Fi hotspots to avoid extra charges.
Yes, apps like My Data Manager and Onavo Extend can help monitor and manage your data usage while roaming. These apps track your usage in real-time and can alert you when you’re nearing your data limit.
Yes, you can use your phone’s hotspot feature while roaming, but be aware that this can quickly consume your data allowance. Check your carrier’s policy on hotspot usage while abroad.
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.
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