eSIM and SIM cards in Hungary

The networks

• Yettel, Telekom and One are the three operators. One was Vodafone Hungary until it was rebranded.
• Telekom has the strongest network in eastern and southern Hungary. In Budapest all three are fine.
• A tourist prepaid package runs roughly HUF 4,000 to HUF 9,000 for 30 days with generous data, and includes an EU roaming allowance.

Registration is mandatory and awkward

• Hungarian law requires every prepaid SIM to be registered against a photo ID.
• You must do it in person at a shop. Foreign passports cannot be verified through the online portals, so the self-service route that Hungarians use is not open to you.
• Some smaller shops will not do it at all rather than deal with a foreign document. Go to a flagship operator store in Budapest and it is straightforward.
• This friction is why an eSIM is often simply easier. All three networks support eSIM, as does Saily, and a travel eSIM skips the shop entirely.

Coverage

• 4G everywhere, 5G in Budapest and the larger cities.
• The Budapest metro has coverage on all four lines.
• Rural Hungary is well covered, and the Great Plain and Balaton are no trouble.
• Free wifi is widespread in cafes, on many buses and trains, and across central Budapest.