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 Yettel Hungary SIM cards & eSIMs: Detailed Guide
Yettel Hungary SIM cards & eSIMs provide easy connectivity for travelers in Hungary.
This detailed guide on Yettel Hungary SIM cards & eSIMs will help you understand their coverage, speed, and the various SIM card options available for tourists. You’ll also learn where to purchase these SIM cards and eSIMs and how to top them up during your stay in Hungary.
In this article
I. Overview about Yettel Hungary – What you need to know
Yettel Hungary is a well-known mobile network operator in Hungary, celebrated for its wide coverage and dependable services.
- Foundation: May 1, 1994.
- Popularity: Yettel works in Hungary, Bulgaria, and Serbia and is an important telecom company in Central and Eastern Europe.
- Rank: #3
- Coverage: Good coverage in big cities like Budapest, Debrecen, and Szeged, but it’s weaker in some rural areas. They cover about 97% of Hungary’s population.
- Speed: Fast mobile network speeds.
Highlights
- Yettel Hungary was called Telenor Hungary until it rebranded in March 2022 after being bought by PPF Group.
- Yettel is working on expanding its 5G network to provide faster speeds and better connections.
II. Yettel Coverage in Hungary
Source: nperf.com
Yettel provides extensive mobile network coverage throughout Hungary, with particularly robust service in major urban areas and popular tourist destinations. According to Opensignal’s latest report:
- Coverage Experience: 7.3/10 points, ranking 3rd among Hungarian carriers
- Availability: 95.1% of the time, users can connect to Yettel’s network
- 5G Availability: 8.0% of the time, indicating medium widespread 5G coverage
Strengths:
- Dense coverage in Budapest and other major cities
- Good coverage along main highways and in tourist hotspots like Lake Balaton and Eger
- Expanding 5G network in urban centers
Weaknesses:
- Some coverage gaps in rural and mountainous regions
- Slightly lower coverage in eastern Hungary compared to western areas
Compared to competitors:
- Ranks 3rd in overall coverage behind Telekom and Vodafone
- Nearly matches Telekom’s coverage in urban areas
- Slightly trails Telekom in rural coverage
Yettel’s network provides reliable connectivity for most users across Hungary, though there’s still room for improvement in some rural regions.
III. Yettel Speed in Hungary
Source: opensignal.com
Yettel’s speed in Hungary offers a reliable and competitive mobile network experience.
- Median Download Speed: Yettel boasts a median download speed of 42.9 Mbps, the fastest among its competitors, with Vodafone at 24.4 Mbps and Telekom at 38.8 Mbps.
- Median Upload Speed: Yettel’s median upload speed is 14.1 Mbps, exceeding Vodafone’s 10.1 Mbps and trailing Telekom’s 15.4 Mbps, making it competitive in the market.
Overall, Yettel provides the fastest download speed and a very competitive upload speed, making it a strong choice for mobile network users in Hungary.
IV. Types of Yettel Hungary SIM Card Options for Tourists
Yettel Hungary offers three main types of SIM card options for tourists:
- Prepaid SIM Card
- Tourist SIM Card
- eSIM
Comparison Table of Yettel SIM Card Options for Tourists
Criteria | Prepaid SIM Card | Tourist SIM Card | eSIM |
Activation Process | Requires physical SIM purchase | Ready-to-use upon purchase | Digital activation via app |
Data Allowance | Variable, customizable plans | Fixed data packages | Flexible plans with instant updates |
Top-up Options | Online and in-store | Limited to initial data package | Instant top-up via app |
Availability | Physical stores | Airports and tourist spots | Online and app stores |
Ease of Use | Moderate | Easy | Very easy |
Roaming | Available at additional cost | Usually included | Smooth integration |
Compatibility | Requires compatible phone | Works with most phones | Requires eSIM-compatible phone |
Customer Support | In-store and online | Limited on-site support | Online and app-based support |
► Recommendation: Using an eSIM is more convenient for tourists because:
- It allows for instant activation without needing to find a physical store.
- It offers flexible and customizable data plans that can be updated instantly.
- It eliminates the need for a physical SIM card, making switching between plans and providers easier.
- It provides smooth integration with roaming services, ensuring connectivity throughout the trip.
V. Top Yettel SIM cards for Tourists & Prices
If you’re visiting Hungary and need a reliable mobile network, Yettel offers several prepaid plans for tourists. Here’s a detailed look at their plans, including all the important details you need to know.
Yettel SIM Cards for Tourists
Package | Data | Voice Credit | Validity | Price (HUF) | Price (USD) | Notes | Activation Locations |
500 HUF | 0 GB | 1000 HUF | 5 days | 500 HUF | $1.40 | Ideal for short stays. Balance can be used for calls at 30 HUF/min and SMS at 30 HUF/SMS. | Astoria, Westend City Center, Corvin Mall |
1500 HUF | 3 GB | 3000 HUF | 5 days | 1500 HUF | $4.20 | Good for moderate data usage. | |
3000 HUF | 10 GB | 6000 HUF | 5 days | 3000 HUF | $8.40 | Best for heavy data users. |
Top-Up Options
Top-Up Amount | Validity | Price (USD) | Notes |
1500 HUF | 90 days | $4.20 | Useful for longer stays or future visits. |
3000 HUF | 365 days | $8.40 | Great for those planning to return within a year. |
5000 HUF | 365 days | $14.00 | Economical option for extended usage. |
10000 HUF | 365 days | $28.00 | |
15000 HUF | 365 days | $42.00 |
Yettel has different plans for tourists, from basic to high data usage. However, getting a network SIM after arriving in Hungary can be harder. You’ll need to show a passport or ID; some networks don’t sell SIM cards to tourists.
► Recommendation: To make things easier, buy an eSIM SIM before your trip to Hungary. This way, you’ll have quick access to mobile services when you arrive.
VI. Where can tourists buy Yettel Hungary SIM cards?
Tourists can buy Yettel Hungary SIM cards in three main ways: directly at the airport upon arrival, in Hungary’s cities, or online before departure.
1. Buy Yettel SIM at Hungary airport
You can purchase a Yettel SIM card at Budapest Airport in the Universal Airport Hub in Arrival Hall 2B. This shop sells Yettel prepaid SIM cards next to the Spar Supermarket.
- You’ll need to present your passport and take a photo for registration.
- Prices are generally higher at the airport, ranging from €50-60 for tourist packages.
- While convenient, risks include long queues and potential closure of counters during late-night arrivals.
2. Buy Yettel SIM in Hungary’s city center
You can also buy a Yettel SIM card in popular cities such as Budapest, Debrecen, and Szeged from network representative stores, convenience stores, and train stations.
- Locations: Use Google Maps to find Yettel stores and authorized resellers. Examples include:
- Yettel Store in Budapest, Váci út
- Convenience stores like Spar and Tesco
- Kiosk stores at major train stations
- Procedure: The process involves registering your personal information, making it more complex.
- Price Range: €10-€30
3. Buy Yettel Hungary SIM card online before departure
The most proactive and convenient option is purchasing a Yettel SIM card online before your trip.
- Where to Buy:
- Travel SIM websites
- Online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay
- Process:
- Choose a SIM card from the online store
- Provide basic information: name, phone number, and shipping address
- No need to present personal documents
- Benefits:
- Convenient and time-saving
- Reasonably priced
- Ensures you have a SIM card upon arrival
- Price Range: €15-€40
VII. Where to Buy Yettel Hungary eSIM for Tourists?
Do you want to stay connected during your adventure in Hungary? Let’s keep it simple and stress-free! Here’s why buying your Hungary eSIM online before you travel is a smart move:
- No passport troubles or complicated paperwork
- Avoid long queues at the airport
- Start using your data as soon as you land
Very happy to introduce to you Gigago – your trusted travel companion for Hungary eSIMs! Here’s why you ought to love Gigago:
- 24/7 multilingual support: Get help in English, Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, or French anytime you need it.
- Top-notch network coverage: Gigago partners with Hungary’s leading carriers (Yettel Hungary, Telekom Hungary, and Vodafone Hungary) for reliable, speedy connections nationwide.
- Multi-carrier backup: Gigago’s eSIM can switch between carriers in some areas, keeping you connected even in remote spots.
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 Yettel Hungary SIM Card?
To top up your Yettel Hungary SIM card, there are several easy methods:
Online Top-Up:
- Visit the Yettel website.
- Enter your phone number and the desired top-up amount.
- Complete the payment using a secure method like a credit card or PayPal.
Yettel App:
- Download the Yettel app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Log in with your Yettel account.
- Select the top-up option and follow the instructions to add credit.
In-Store Top-Up:
- Visit any Yettel store or an authorized retailer.
- Provide your phone number and the amount you wish to top up.
- Pay at the counter, and the credit will be added to your account instantly.
SMS Top-Up:
- Send a text message with the code of the desired top-up amount to the Yettel service number.
- Your balance will be updated once the SMS is processed.
IX. FAQs about Yettel Hungary SIM Cards
How can I buy a Yettel SIM card in Hungary?
You can buy Yettel SIM cards at Yettel stores, authorized dealers, supermarkets, and even at the airport.
How do I activate a Yettel Hungary SIM card?
Insert the SIM into your phone, turn it on, and enter the PIN provided with the SIM. The SIM should activate automatically.
Can I use Yettel SIM cards for roaming in the EU?
Yes, Yettel SIM cards can be used for roaming within the EU, with the same rates as domestic usage.
What prepaid plans does Yettel offer?
Yettel offers various prepaid plans, including data-only and voice + data plans, with 5 to 365 days of validity.
X. Conclusion
Buying a Yettel Hungary SIM card offers a reliable and flexible mobile experience, with good coverage and competitive prepaid plans. Yettel’s packages cater to tourists and locals, providing ample data and voice options. For added convenience and security, consider using an eSIM. It’s quick to set up and eliminates needing a physical SIM card. Try Gigago Hungary eSIM for great connectivity on the go!