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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.
Buying Vodafone Hungary SIM cards & eSIMs: Detailed Guide
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Vodafone Hungary SIM cards & eSIMs are your gateway to staying connected while traveling in Hungary.
If you’re planning a trip to Hungary, understanding your options for Vodafone Hungary SIM cards & eSIMs is essential. This guide will help you explore everything you need to know, from Vodafone’s coverage and speed to the best SIM card options and where to buy them. By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with all the information needed to stay connected during your Hungarian adventure.
In this article
I. Overview of Vodafone Hungary – What you need to know
Vodafone Hungary is one of the country’s top mobile network operators, providing various telecommunications services.
Foundation: July 7, 1999.
Popularity: Operates in 25 countries and teams up with networks in 48 others. You’ll find Vodafone in places like the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain.
Rank: #2
Coverage: Offers strong network coverage in major cities like Budapest, Debrecen, and Szeged, though it can be weaker in rural areas. Overall, it covers about 98% of the country.
Speed: Fast
Highlights: Vodafone Hungary has been leading the way in telecom innovation. Back in 2019, they merged with UPC Hungary, a big player in cable and broadband, which boosted their service offerings and network capabilities.
II. Vodafone Coverage in Hungary
Source: nperf.com
Based on the Opensignal report:
- Coverage Experience: Vodafone scores 7.5/10, placing second behind Telekom (7.6)
- Availability: 95.2% of the time, ranking third behind Telekom (97.3%) and DIGIMobil (96.8%)
- 5G Availability: 12.9% of the time, ranking first.
Strengths:
- Strong coverage in major cities like Budapest, Debrecen, and Szeged
- Good 4G availability across populated areas
Weaknesses:
- Coverage can be spotty in rural regions, especially in northeastern Hungary
- 5G rollout appears less extensive compared to competitors
Notable coverage areas:
- Excellent coverage around Lake Balaton, a popular tourist destination
- Strong signals in the wine region of Tokaj
- Potential gaps in coverage in parts of Hortobágy National Park
In general, Vodafone offers decent coverage in cities and popular spots, but there’s definitely some room to step up in rural areas to keep up with the top competitors. Their 5G network expansion also seems to be trailing a bit behind Telekom and Yettel.
III. Vodafone Speed in Hungary
Source: opensignal.com
Vodafone provides competitive mobile network speeds in Hungary.
- Median download speed: Vodafone’s median download speed is 24.4 Mbps, slightly slower than Telekom’s 38.8 Mbps and Yettel’s 42.9 Mbps.
- Median upload speed: Vodafone’s median upload speed is 10.1 Mbps, trailing behind Telekom at 15.4 Mbps and Yettel at 14.1 Mbps.
IV. Types of Vodafone Hungary SIM Card Options for Tourists
There are two main types of Vodafone Hungary SIM card options for tourists:
- Physical SIM
- eSIM
Comparison Table: Vodafone Hungary SIM Card Options for Tourists
| Feature | Physical SIM | eSIM |
| Activation | Requires physical installation | Digital activation, no physical card needed |
| Availability | Available at stores and kiosks | Can be purchased and activated online |
| Convenience | Must carry and handle the SIM card | Embedded in the device, no card needed |
| Device Support | All unlocked phones with SIM slots | Only eSIM-compatible devices (the latest phones) |
| Switching Plans | Manual SIM card replacement | Instant digital switching between plans |
| Security | Risk of losing or damaging the card | Secure, no physical card to lose |
| Environmental Impact | Plastic waste from the SIM card | Eco-friendly, no physical waste |
► Recommendation: Using an eSIM is more convenient for tourists due to its digital nature, eliminating the need for a physical card. It offers ease of activation, instant switching between plans, and better security, making it an eco-friendly option for travelers.
V. Top Vodafone SIM cards for Tourists & Prices
If you’re heading to Hungary and want a reliable mobile network, Vodafone has great prepaid tourist plans. Here’s a handy overview of their options, packed with all the important details you should know!
| Package Type | Price (HUF) | Price (USD) | Data | Local/EU Minutes | Validity | Activation Code |
| Once Daily Net | 300 | 0.84 | 300 MB | Shared | 1 day | 300MB1DAY |
| 350 | 0.98 | 500 MB | 500 MB | 1 day | 500MB1DAY | |
| 550 | 1.54 | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 day | 1GB1DAY | |
| 1000 | 2.80 | Unlimited | 3.1 GB | 1 day | UNLIMITED1DAY | |
| One-Time-5-Day Net | 550 | 1.54 | 500 MB | 500 MB | 5 days | 500MB5NAP |
| 950 | 2.66 | 1 GB | 1 GB | 5 days | 1GB5NAP | |
| 1600 | 4.48 | 3 GB | 3 GB | 5 days | 3GB5NAP | |
| 2200 | 6.16 | Unlimited | 6.8 GB | 5 days | UNLIMITED5DAYS | |
| Net Renewed Every 30 Days | 750 | 2.10 | 500 MB | 500 MB | 30 days | 500MBHAVI |
| 1100 | 3.08 | 1 GB | 1 GB | 30 days | 1GBHAVI | |
| 2500 | 7.00 | 3 GB | 3 GB | 30 days | 3GBHAVI | |
| 5000 | 14.00 | 10 GB | 10 GB | 30 days | 10GBHAVI |
VI. Where can tourists buy Vodafone Hungary SIM cards?
You can buy a Vodafone Hungary SIM card directly at the airport, after arriving in the city, or even online before your departure.
1. At Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) Airport
- Vodafone Store: Terminal 2A, near arrivals. Open daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Offers prepaid SIMs with data, calls, and texts.
- Relay Convenience Store: Terminals 2A and 2B. Open daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Sells SIM cards from multiple operators, including Vodafone.
What to Prepare:
- Passport for registration
- Cash or card (5,000-10,000 HUF, $15-$30 USD)
- Expect limited plans and possible long queues.
2. In Hungary’s City Center
- Vodafone Stores: Locations in Budapest, Debrecen, and Szeged city centers.
- Convenience Stores: Such as Relay, Billa, and Spar.
- Train Stations: Major stations like Budapest Keleti and Nyugati.
What to Prepare:
- Passport for registration
- Lower prices (2,000-5,000 HUF, $6-$15 USD)
- Wider selection of plans but a more time-consuming process.
3. Online Before Departure
- Travel SIM Providers
- Online Marketplaces: Amazon or eBay.
Process:
- Provide basic information online
- Receive SIM card before the trip
- Prices around 2,000-5,000 HUF ($6-$15 USD)
- Convenient and proactive method.
VII. Where to Buy Vodafone Hungary eSIM for Tourists?
Get your Hungary eSIM online before you travel – it’s easy and smart:
- No need for passport checks or tricky paperwork
- Skip the long lines at the airport
- Use your data right when you land
Welcome, Gigago – where you can find the most reliable eSIM services for your Hungary trip. Why choose Gigago?
- Lots of plans to pick from
- Help anytime: Team support in English, Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, or French, day or night.
- Great coverage: Gigago works with Hungary’s best phone companies (Yettel, Telekom, and Vodafone) so you get fast internet all over.
- Backup plan: In some places, Gigago can switch between different companies to keep you online, even in far-off areas.
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.
VIII. How to top up a Vodafone Hungary SIM Card?
There are several easy ways to top up your Vodafone Hungary SIM card, ensuring you stay connected effortlessly. Here’s how:
My Vodafone App:
- Download and install the My Vodafone app.
- Register your SIM card if you haven’t done so.
- Follow the in-app instructions to top up using your credit or debit card.
Online Top-Up:
- Visit the Vodafone Hungary website.
- Enter your phone number and choose the top-up amount.
- Complete the payment using a credit or debit card.
Physical Vouchers:
- Purchase a top-up voucher from Vodafone stores, grocery stores, post offices, or gas stations.
- Dial the code provided on the voucher to add the balance to your SIM card.
Automated Phone Service:
- Call 1270 from your Vodafone number.
- Follow the automated prompts to top up using your registered payment method.
IX. FAQs about Vodafone Hungary SIM Cards
Can I use Vodafone Hungary SIM cards in other countries?
Yes, with Vodafone’s EU Roaming, you can use your SIM card across the EU without extra charges, as long as you meet the usage conditions.
How do I activate my Vodafone Hungary SIM card?
Insert the SIM into your phone, and it should auto-configure. You will receive a welcome SMS with plan details.
What are the call and SMS rates for Vodafone Hungary prepaid SIMs?
Domestic calls and SMS within Hungary and the EU cost about $0.07 per minute/SMS.
X. Conclusion
Getting a Vodafone Hungary SIM card is a great choice for travelers, providing good coverage and different prepaid plans. With simple top-up options and great rates, you can stay connected easily. For more convenience, using an eSIM. Choose a Gigago Hungary eSIM for a smooth and secure mobile experience, making your travels easy and enjoyable.
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