Planning a trip to Budapest, Hungary and wondering how to stay connected without the stress of roaming fees or local SIM shops? An eSIM for Hungary is the easiest and fastest way to get online as soon as you land!
In this guide, we’ll show you the best eSIM for Hungary, how it works and why thousands of travellers (including myself and my Hungarian husband) choose Airalo’s Hungary eSIM for seamless internet access. Whether you're a digital nomad, tourist or student, this post will help you choose the right eSIM for your trip - no contracts, no paperwork, just data!
First things first, what even is an eSIM? Technically speaking eSIM stands for "embedded SIM", and whilst that might sound like an implant or a parasite, what it actually is is a digital SIM built into your phone. What this means is you can now buy and activate data plans without changing your physical SIM. Yes, no need to buy and throw out little bits of - plastic? (hmm what are regular Sim cards made of?)
Whatever, we don't need to know - now we're talking about getting an eSIM! A word of warning though - not all phones support eSIMs but most newer phones do (just be sure to check compatibility before purchase)! When it comes to Hungary, its capital Budapest, its secondary cities of Szeged, Debrecen and others, and even out in the countryside (I personally tried it out for you), eSIMS work over Hungary's major networks (which includes T-Mobile HU, Yettel and Vodafone, now renamed One).
Airalo is a trusted eSIM provider with plans for over 200 countries and they have an eSIM specifically designed for travellers in Hungary that you can activate instantly through the app. They offer affordable data packages starting at 1GB, 3GB, 5GB and even unlimited amount of data... again: no hidden fees, contracts or SIM swapping hassle! But I think telling you my own personal experience with Airalo in Hungary is in itself not necessarily the most important point, but the most personal for sure so here we go:
I used Airalo in Hungary for six months and I think the most important thing to tell you is I had zero issues with coverage - which was nice! This included at Budapest airport, Budapest city centre, Lake Balaton, Szeged and even a tiny village outside of Szeged where the wi-fi from our Vodafane router would cut out after 6pm (because everyone in the village was using their network), so I would just switch to Airalo data after 6 and voila!
Wait... What Is an eSIM (and How Does It Work in Hungary)?
First things first, what even is an eSIM? Technically speaking eSIM stands for "embedded SIM", and whilst that might sound like an implant or a parasite, what it actually is is a digital SIM built into your phone. What this means is you can now buy and activate data plans without changing your physical SIM. Yes, no need to buy and throw out little bits of - plastic? (hmm what are regular Sim cards made of?)
Whatever, we don't need to know - now we're talking about getting an eSIM! A word of warning though - not all phones support eSIMs but most newer phones do (just be sure to check compatibility before purchase)! When it comes to Hungary, its capital Budapest, its secondary cities of Szeged, Debrecen and others, and even out in the countryside (I personally tried it out for you), eSIMS work over Hungary's major networks (which includes T-Mobile HU, Yettel and Vodafone, now renamed One).
But Why Do I Need an eSIM for Hungary?
- To avoid high roaming fees from your home provider;
- To stay connected with fast mobile data as soon as you land;
- It's also great for digital nomads, backpackers, travellers and even locals!
- Because there's no need to search for local SIM cards or deal with language barriers.
- And finally: because eSIMs are convenient, fast to set up and eco-friendly (no extra bits of plastic).
Who Should Use an eSIM for Hungary?
- Tourists visiting for a few days to a few weeks;
- Digital nomads or remote workers needing reliable internet;
- People who hate SIM card drama and want something fast and digital!
The Best eSIM for Hungary: Airalo (My Recommendation)
Airalo is a trusted eSIM provider with plans for over 200 countries and they have an eSIM specifically designed for travellers in Hungary that you can activate instantly through the app. They offer affordable data packages starting at 1GB, 3GB, 5GB and even unlimited amount of data... again: no hidden fees, contracts or SIM swapping hassle! But I think telling you my own personal experience with Airalo in Hungary is in itself not necessarily the most important point, but the most personal for sure so here we go:
My personal experience with Airalo in Hungary
I used Airalo in Hungary for six months and I think the most important thing to tell you is I had zero issues with coverage - which was nice! This included at Budapest airport, Budapest city centre, Lake Balaton, Szeged and even a tiny village outside of Szeged where the wi-fi from our Vodafane router would cut out after 6pm (because everyone in the village was using their network), so I would just switch to Airalo data after 6 and voila!
In Hungary there is generally good internet in hotels and Airbnbs, fancier cafes and bars. There is decent wifi on some train lines (but only in first class which is totally not cool). Generally I used the eSIM for:
The last point is probably the most important, because transport in Hungary is pretty straight forward even without internet, but translation is hard in Hungary. This isn't just any European language - this is Hungarian! One of the hardest languages for most people to get their head around.
I tended to buy 3 gigabytes per month and that was enough for me, I never went over (actually often I was significantly under, especially when I banned my Instagram app from using my data ha!). If you do want to keep using your social media on data (fair) it works well for that and if you go over your data allowance, it's very easy (and cheap) to simply top-up your eSIM via the Airalo app.
- getting from A to B,
- meeting with friends (cause nowadays we apparently can't just agree to meet in a place, we have to text each other on the way there lol),
- for using Google Maps to check the public transport routes and times (Hungary is famously good and reliable at public transport);
- for translation (again, Google Translate), both with the locals and when trying to work out what the labels of foods said (cause my husband and I are both vegan).
The last point is probably the most important, because transport in Hungary is pretty straight forward even without internet, but translation is hard in Hungary. This isn't just any European language - this is Hungarian! One of the hardest languages for most people to get their head around.
I tended to buy 3 gigabytes per month and that was enough for me, I never went over (actually often I was significantly under, especially when I banned my Instagram app from using my data ha!). If you do want to keep using your social media on data (fair) it works well for that and if you go over your data allowance, it's very easy (and cheap) to simply top-up your eSIM via the Airalo app.
My only issue with the Airalo eSIM in Hungary is sometimes when I bought a new months worth of data the eSIM didn't automatically connect (which it has done in different countries like Albania). It wasn't really a big deal, what I had to do was read and follow their clear instructions.
Good news: Hungary has excellent 4G/LTE coverage, even in countryside areas! Airalo partners with top local networks for strong, stable data speeds so it's totally ideal for video calls, streaming, Google Maps, and social media, too.
There are 101 reasons I wouldn't recommend getting a local SIM in Hungary. In fact, before I discovered eSIMs I never bothered with local SIMs because:
Skip the hassle of physical SIM cards and start your trip connected with a digital eSIM that just works. You can get the Airalo “Hugor” Hungary eSIM now with:
You can buy your Hungary eSIM with Airalo here.
Network Coverage & Speeds in Hungary
Good news: Hungary has excellent 4G/LTE coverage, even in countryside areas! Airalo partners with top local networks for strong, stable data speeds so it's totally ideal for video calls, streaming, Google Maps, and social media, too.
Cost Comparison: eSIM vs Local SIM in Hungary
There are 101 reasons I wouldn't recommend getting a local SIM in Hungary. In fact, before I discovered eSIMs I never bothered with local SIMs because:
- Local SIM cards require ID registration and, more often than not, language help;
- Tourist SIMs at the airport are overpriced;
- eSIMs save you time, are ready instantly and let you keep your regular number, yay!
- Airalo offers more transparency with clear pricing upfront.
In Summary: Why I Recommend Airalo for Hungary
- They have reliable coverage across Hungary (including Budapest & rural areas);
- It's perfect for checking Google Maps, checking transport, connecting with friends, translation issues and posting on socials;
- Their competitive prices - often cheaper than physical tourist SIM cards!
- Easy top-ups if you need more data during your trip;
- Ideal for both short trips and longer stays;
- Super user-friendly app with fast activation (just make sure you read the instructions!)
So... Are You Ready to Stay Connected in Hungary?
Skip the hassle of physical SIM cards and start your trip connected with a digital eSIM that just works. You can get the Airalo “Hugor” Hungary eSIM now with:
- Instant activation;
- Affordable data plans;
- Trusted by millions of travellers;
- Works anywhere in Hungary!
You can buy your Hungary eSIM with Airalo here.
How to Set Up an Airalo eSIM for Hungary
- Download the Airalo app (iOS or Android).
- Search for Hungary and choose the eSIM.
- Purchase the plan that fits your data needs.
- Install the eSIM using the QR code or via manual setup (we recommend the QR code btw).
- Enable it and connect instantly once you arrive in Hungary!
Using Airalo Beyond Hungary
Another important point - if, like me, you tend to spend months at a time in Hungary, then the monthly eSIM is going to be great for you. But if you're including Hungary on some greater Europe trip and are only intending to spend a few days there, you will need the Europe eSIM instead - this covers 42 countries in Europe, including Hungary!
Wrap Up: What's a Good eSIM to use in Hungary and Budapest?
Staying connected while travelling through Hungary has never been easier. With an eSIM like Airalo’s Hugor plan, you can activate mobile data in minutes, skip SIM card shops, and explore with confidence. Whether you're wandering the streets of Budapest or heading into the countryside, Airalo gives you affordable, flexible Hungary eSIM data with no hidden costs!
FAQs About Using an eSIM in Hungary
Can I use an eSIM in Hungary with a phone?
Only phones with eSIM capability can use it. Don't forget to check your phone's compatibility before buying!
Yes, Airalo offers a Hungary-specific plan and regional Europe plans.
Nope - Airalo eSIMs don’t require ID or in-person verification!
Ready to go? You can buy your Hungary eSIM from Airalo here.
Is Airalo available in Hungary?
Yes, Airalo offers a Hungary-specific plan and regional Europe plans.
Do I need to show ID to buy an eSIM in Hungary?
Nope - Airalo eSIMs don’t require ID or in-person verification!
Ready to go? You can buy your Hungary eSIM from Airalo here.
