Best eSIMs for Hungary in 2026: Comparison, prices, and recommendations

Looking for the best eSIM for Hungary? In this article, we compare six of the top eSIM providers for Hungary, including Holafly, Airalo, Saily, Nomad, Orange Travel, and Vodafone Travel, by reviewing their coverage, data plans, pricing, and pros and cons.

We also give you a quick overview of where you can purchase your Hungary eSIM, along with helpful tips to ensure a reliable connection.

Hungary eSIM prices and data plans

Before reading on, here’s a quick comparison of what each Hungary eSIM provider offers, including price, data, and other inclusions.

Best 6 eSIMs for Hungary

According to our research, below are the top eSIMs for Hungary. We looked into each provider’s data plans, pricing, pros and cons, and key features following our testing methodology, so you can choose the one that best fits your travel and data needs.

Holafly: Best for unlimited data across any destination

Holafly is a travel eSIM provider offering unlimited data plans for single destinations, regions, global use, and pay-monthly options.

It provides fast and reliable 4G, LTE, and 5G coverage in Hungary via partner networks such as T-Mobile Hungary, Vodafone Hungary, and Yettel. To set up, Holafly sends you a QR code and instructions. 

Key features:

• Holafly refund window available for six months after purchase
• Holafly app available in six languages
• Flexible usage periods from 1 to 90 days
• Live chat and in-app customer support available 24/7
• Choice of local, regional, global, or monthly plans

Pros:

• Unlimited data included in all plans
• Fast and responsive customer support
• Flexible plan durations to match your travel needs
• Multi-network coverage for better signal strength

Cons:

• Hotspot use limited to 500 MB per day
• No calls and SMS as plan has no local phone number
• Higher pricing compared to some competitors

Verdict: Holafly is the perfect travel eSIM for users who need huge amounts of data. It works best for those who do not need calls or SMS and are willing to pay a bit more for convenience and speed.

Airalo: Best for flexible packages

Airalo is a travel eSIM provider trusted by more than 20 million users worldwide. In Hungary, it provides LTE coverage through the Szia! Yettel (Telenor) network and 5G coverage through Vodafone.

You can buy, install, and manage your Hungary eSIM directly in the Airalo app. Installing the eSIM takes just a few minutes and requires an internet connection. Once installed, your plan usually activates automatically when your device connects to the local network.

Key features:

• Supports unrestricted tethering and mobile hotspot use
• 30-day Airalo refund policy for eligible refund requests
• Airalo app available in 53 languages
• Referral program offering $3 in Airmoney per referral
• Live chat and in-app customer support available 24/7
• Choice of local, regional, and global plans

Pros:

• Unlimited hotspot/tethering use within your data limit
• Several plan options for every budget
• Offers both fixed and unlimited data plans

Cons:

• Does not come with a local phone number for calls or SMS
• Customer support responses may take time
• Operates on a single local partner network

Verdict: Airalo is a good choice for travelers looking for flexibility. It is ideal for those who need both short-term and long-term plans, though it does not provide a local phone number, and support response times can vary.

Saily: Best for secure connectivity

Saily is an eSIM service by the NordVPN team that offers single-destination, regional, or global data plans with extra security features and virtual locations.

For unlimited plans, you can use 5 GB at full speed every day. Afterward, you can experience unlimited data at up to 1 Mbps. Coverage includes 3G, 4G, LTE, and 5G.

Choose the amount of data you need, buy the plan, and wait for a confirmation email with a QR code. Download the Saily app, scan the QR code, and follow the instructions to start using your data.

Key features:

• Saily refund available after 30 days of purchase
• Security features, including virtual location feature and ad blocker
• Supports unrestricted tethering and mobile hotspot use
• Live chat and Help Center customer support available 24/7
• Usage alerts at 80% of data allowance
• Choice of local, regional, global, or monthly plans
• Saily app available

Pros:

• Security-focused app with privacy protection
• Unlimited hotspot/tethering use within your data limit
• Offers both fixed and unlimited data plans
• Backed by NordVPN

Cons:

• No calls and SMS as plan has no local phone number
• Partner networks not disclosed

Verdict: Saily is best for those who prioritize privacy and security. It is ideal for those who want built-in protection and flexible plans, though it does not include a local phone number, and partner networks are not disclosed.

Nomad: Best for easy setup and connectivity

Nomad provides data plans in over 200 destinations, powered by LotusFlare, a leader in telecommunications infrastructure software. It offers 4G and 5G connectivity, with partner networks in Hungary including Yettel Hungary and Vodafone Hungary.

You have 60 days from the purchase date to activate your plan. After purchase, scan the QR code sent to you to install the eSIM. The plan starts automatically when your device connects to the local network.

Key features:

• Nomad refund window available after 30 days of purchase
• $5 referral bonus for every successful signup
• Live chat and email customer support available 24/7
• Supports unrestricted tethering and mobile hotspot use
• Choice of local, regional, or global plans
• Nomad app available

Pros:

• Strong 4G/5G coverage in major cities in Hungary
• Unlimited hotspot/tethering use within your data limit
• Offers both fixed and unlimited data plans

Cons:

• No calls and SMS as plan has no local phone number
• No longer-term unlimited data plans

Verdict: Nomad is best for travelers who want a simple and fast setup with reliable connectivity across multiple destinations. It is ideal for those who value easy plan management, though it does not provide a local phone number, and long-term unlimited data options are limited.

Orange Travel: Best for plans that include data, calls, and SMS

Orange Travel offers fixed-data eSIM plans with no speed limits, trusted by 250 million customers. Plans include calls, SMS, and data, with LTE and 5G coverage and 99% nationwide reliability in Hungary.

You can install your eSIM through the Orange Travel app and top up whenever needed. Simply choose a plan, add the eSIM to your phone, and start using it immediately.

Key features:

• Orange Travel app available
• 24/7 live chat support for quick assistance
• Supports unrestricted tethering and mobile hotspot use
• Orange Travel refund available as long as data plan has not been used

Pros:

• Unlimited hotspot/tethering use within your data limit
• Trusted by 250 million Orange customers
• Offers eSIM plans with data, calls, and SMS
• No speed limits

Cons:

• Partner networks not disclosed
• No unlimited data plans

Verdict: Orange Travel is best for travelers who want an all-in-one plan with data, calls, and SMS, backed by a trusted provider. It is ideal for those who value reliable coverage and unrestricted hotspot use, though it does not offer unlimited data or disclose partner networks.

Vodafone Travel: Best for brand reputation

Vodafone Travel is Vodafone’s digital travel platform, providing access to 700 networks worldwide. It offers 5G-ready plans in Hungary and other countries. After purchase, you activate your eSIM within 30 days.

Retrieve your eSIM details from your Vodafone Travel account or confirmation email, scan the QR code to install, and activate it. Keep in mind that deleting your Vodafone Travel eSIM from your device means you will no longer be able to use it.

Key features:

• Supports unrestricted tethering and mobile hotspot use
• Live chat, ticketing, and in-app customer support available 24/7
• Vodafone’s GenAI assistant, SuperTOBI
• Choice of local or regional plans
• Vodafone Travel app available

Pros:

• Unlimited hotspot/tethering use within your data limit
• Backed by Vodafone’s trusted global network

Cons:

• Refund policy not as transparent as competitors
• No unlimited data plans available
• No calls and SMS as plan has no local phone number

Verdict: Vodafone Travel is best for travelers who want the reassurance of a well-known, reliable brand and access to a global network. It works well for those who need consistent connectivity, though unlimited data and local phone numbers are not available.

Why you need an eSIM in Hungary

Traveling in Hungary without a local data plan can be frustrating. An eSIM solves these problems by giving you fast, secure, and flexible mobile data wherever you go.

• Reliable mobile data in Hungary: Avoid slow or insecure public Wi-Fi; get consistent 4G/5G coverage across cities and rural areas.
• Avoid high roaming charges: Pay local rates for calls and data, not expensive international roaming fees.
• No physical SIM swapping: Activate instantly via QR code without removing your home SIM.
• Works with apps and services: Access all sites and apps without restrictions often imposed by foreign networks.
• Supports mobile work and streaming: Seamless navigation, video calls, and media streaming without interruptions.
• Flexible plans for any stay: Choose short-term, long-term, or unlimited data plans to fit your travel schedule.
• Easy hotspot sharing: Connect multiple devices on the go without extra SIMs.

Where and how to buy an eSIM for Hungary

If you want to take advantage of eSIM benefits while in Hungary, here’s where and how to get one.

Buy online in advance: Buying an eSIM before you travel is quick and convenient. Top global providers include:

• Holafly: Unlimited data and reliable urban coverage.
• Saily: Secure browsing with VPN-backed privacy.
• Nomad: Stable 4G/5G coverage across major cities.
• Alosim: LTE coverage plus a free international phone number.
• Airalo: Flexible data plans for short or long stays.
• Vodafone Travel: Global provider with dependable 5G service.

Purchase locally (local carriers): Hungary’s leading mobile networks, including Telekom, Telenor, and Vodafone Hungary, sell prepaid eSIMs at airports, stores, and shopping centers.

Make sure you bring a valid ID or passport with you to avoid any registration issues. English is widely understood in bigger cities, but knowing some Hungarian or having a translation app can make the process smoother.

Pro tip: Buying online before your trip is the easiest way to start using your eSIM immediately. Keep a copy of your QR code or activation email offline so you can set it up even if you don’t have WiFi right away.

How to activate an eSIM for Hungary

After purchasing your eSIM for Hungary from your provider of choice, they will send a confirmation email with an eSIM QR code, or make it available in your email inbox or in your account on their website or app. Scan the QR code or follow the app instructions to activate your eSIM.

For iPhone:

• Open Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) > Add Cellular Plan.
• Scan the QR code provided by your eSIM provider or follow the app instructions.
• Assign the eSIM as your primary or secondary line for mobile data.
• Enable Data Roaming to start using your plan once you arrive in Hungary.

For Android:

• On Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM.
• On Google Pixel: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add SIM.
• Select Download a SIM or Add eSIM and scan the QR code or follow app instructions.
• Set the eSIM as your mobile data line and enable Data Roaming.
• The plan usually activates automatically when your device connects to the local network.

How do I know if my device is eSIM compatible

Before getting an eSIM for Hungary, make sure your phone supports eSIM. If it doesn’t, the eSIM won’t work. Follow the steps below to check your device.

For iPhone:

• Open Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) > Add Cellular Plan.
• If you see Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan, your device can use eSIM.
• You can also check Settings > General > About for a Digital SIM or IMEI2 number.

For Android:

• On Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM.
• On Google Pixel: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add SIM.
• Look for options like Download a SIM or Add eSIM.
• Some devices may require the latest software update to activate eSIM functionality.

Check out our list of eSIM-compatible devices for a quick reference.

Insider tips for your Hungary eSIM

Avoid any problems with your Hungary eSIM with these quick tips.

• Install your eSIM before you travel to avoid delays upon arrival.
• Make sure you have an eSIM-compatible device before even considering getting an eSIM.
• Use your eSIM provider’s app to more easily monitor data usage, top up, and access customer support.
• Check for tethering restrictions before sharing your connection.
• Enable data-saving features like WiFi Assist or Data Saver, and limit background app usage.
• Know whether your Hungary eSIM supports 5G, 4G, or LTE.

eSIM vs. physical SIM card in Hungary

While both eSIMs and physical SIM cards let you stay connected in Hungary, eSIMs make it easier to switch plans, avoid swapping cards, and get connected instantly. Check out why an eSIM could be the smarter choice for your trip.

How we chose the best eSIMs for Hungary

We evaluated each eSIM provider for Hungary to ensure travelers get reliable, fast, and convenient connectivity. Our selection focuses on the following factors:

• Network coverage: Availability of 4G, LTE, and 5G across Hungary
• Data speed & reliability: Consistent performance in both major cities and rural or less crowded areas
• Plan flexibility: Short-term, long-term, and top-up options
• Ease of activation: QR code setup and app support
• Customer support: Availability, responsiveness, and language options
• Device compatibility: Works with major smartphones, tablets, and wearables
• Tethering/hotspot support: Ability to share data with other devices
• Pricing & value: Competitive rates for data plans and other features
• Refund policy: Availability of refunds or cancellations if the plan or service doesn’t meet expectations

Verdict: What is the best eSIM for Hungary?

After comparing coverage, pricing, plan flexibility, and user experience, among other factors, Holafly comes out on top for travelers who want reliable, unlimited data in Hungary.

Its multi-network support, fast activation, and responsive customer service make it the easiest choice for both short and long trips. Whether you need heavy data for streaming, a secure connection, or flexible plan options, there’s a provider to match your needs.

Quick recommendations:

• Unlimited/heavy users → Holafly
• Budget/short trips → Airalo
• Multi-network / flexibility → Nomad