Budapest in winter is a truly magical experience.
I visited during the Christmas market season, and the city was blanketed in snow. Proper, thick, crunchy snow. I spent my days wandering between Budapest’s Christmas markets, drinking a fair amount of mulled wine, and marvelling at the beautiful city.
But I’m not the biggest fan of travelling in freezing cold weather. Trying to open Google Maps to locate a nearby restaurant or a warming thermal bath is tough enough with my near-frozen fingers, not to mention the additional stress of patchy internet, or no internet at all!
Thankfully, my Saily eSIM kept me connected throughout my whole trip in Hungary. In this article, I am going to go into detail about why I recommend Saily’s eSIM for Hungary (or their regional Europe plan if you are planning to explore further afield), including my experience with reliability, internet speeds, security features and pricing.
Discover more eSIMs: The best eSIMs for all locations here
How to pick the best eSIM for Hungary?
Not all Hungary eSIMs are created equal. Before committing to a provider, there are a few key things I always check before travelling to a new country:
- Reliability: Hungary has three major mobile networks, Telekom, Yettel, and Vodafone, and I look for a provider that partners with one or more of these. They offer the most extensive 4G and 5G coverage across the country.
- Flexibility: Plans change when you travel. Maybe you meant to stay for a long weekend but suddenly decide you need another few days soaking in the thermal baths (wouldn’t blame you). I want to be able to top up data in seconds through an app, rather than hunting down a SIM card shop or downloading a whole new eSIM.
- Variety: I like to be able to select from a variety of different plan lengths and data amounts, like small quantities of data for quick trips abroad, as well as longer-term unlimited data options.
- Security: Hotel WiFi in Budapest can be hit or miss, and public networks at busy spots in the city can be a real risk. I much prefer having my own private connection.
- Price: When your data at home is so cheap, a trip abroad shouldn’t break the bank! I always compare providers to make sure I’m getting good value.
Why I recommend Saily Hungary eSIM
There is a lot that I love about Saily. Reliable coverage, great speeds, competitive prices, a variety of plans (including unlimited data) and a handful of genuinely useful security features that most other eSIM brands simply don’t offer. It is also really easy to top up data whenever you need it, which takes away a lot of the stress when travelling.
You can find out more about the brand in my full Saily review, or read on to find out more specifically about their Hungary eSIM.
Pros
- Reliable coverage with access to LTE and 5G
- Great internet speeds for calls, videos, and more
- Affordable plans with a variety of lengths and data
- Built-in ad blocker that saves data
- Web protection and other security features
- Just one eSIM download
- Unlimited data options for Hungary
Cons
- Data-only (no Hungarian phone number)
- Coverage may be weaker in very remote areas
Reliable coverage
Budapest is a city of two halves, quite literally. Buda sits on one side of the Danube, all hills and history, whilst Pest sprawls out on the other, full of ruin bars and buzzing streets. My Saily eSIM connected seamlessly in both.
Whether I was up at Fisherman’s Bastion taking photos of the Parliament building across the river, deep inside the Christmas markets at Vörösmarty Square, or tucked away in a cosy vegan restaurant down a side street, I had a consistent signal throughout.
Hungary’s mobile infrastructure is solid, with Telekom, Yettel, and Vodafone providing strong nationwide coverage. Saily partners with trusted local networks to ensure you are connected wherever you go in the country.
Great speeds
Speed was never an issue in Budapest. I was able to load everything I needed quickly, whether that was pulling up directions on Google Maps, scrolling through restaurant reviews, or sending photos back home to make everyone jealous of the snow.
For anyone who needs to work whilst travelling (like me), I find Saily’s speeds more than sufficient for video calls, uploading content, and hotspotting to my laptop. I have consistently recorded strong speeds with Saily across many destinations, and Hungary was no different.
Additional security features
One thing that really makes Saily stand out from other eSIM brands is its built-in security features, all accessible through the Saily app. These include:
- Ad blocker: Speeds up browsing and has been proven to reduce data usage by up to 28%. This means your data lasts longer, saving you money.
- Web protection: Blocks access to websites that may contain malware or other online threats. Handy if you are clicking on links from Google searches whilst exploring.
- Virtual location: Keeps your data private on public WiFi and lets you browse securely from anywhere. This also means you can access your favourite shows and content from home whilst abroad.
You don’t even need an active eSIM to use these security tools!
I find the ad blocker particularly useful when travelling, as it genuinely extends how long my data lasts. And the virtual location feature was a lifesaver in Budapest when I wanted to browse the internet as if I was back home.
Affordable prices
I like that Saily offers a range of eSIM plans for Hungary, from 1GB at just US$3.99, 20GB at US$31.99, and unlimited at $48.99 for 15 days. So you can pick one that suits the length and style of your trip. Whether you are visiting for a quick weekend or staying for a couple of weeks, there is an option to fit.
You can also use my Saily discount code MVT10 at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase!
When comparing their prices against other providers, I find them to be very reasonable and competitive. Particularly when you consider their additional security features, often not provided by other eSIM brands.
Here are some price comparisons with Airalo (a main competitor):
| Data amount | Duration | Saily price | Airalo price |
| 5 GB | 30 days | $11.99 | $12.00 |
| 10 GB | 30 days | $18.99 | $19.00 |
| 20 GB | 30 days | $31.99 | $32.00 |
Who should buy Saily’s eSIM for Hungary?
Anyone travelling to Hungary will benefit from having an eSIM. It is the simplest and most affordable way to stay connected, and with Saily’s eSIM for Hungary, you get reliable coverage, unlimited data options, great speeds, competitive pricing, and useful security features on top.
If you fit any of these groups, you will want to consider their eSIM:
- Weekend city breaker heading to Budapest for a few days of sightseeing and thermal baths.
- Backpacker looking to save money whilst staying connected to people back home.
- Full-time traveller and/or digital nomad (you may want to check out their monthly worldwide subscription, the Ultra Plan).
- A family with kids to entertain, making a hotspot and access to video streaming platforms particularly handy.
How to get started with Saily
It is really easy to get set up with Saily. Here is the process I followed to get started:
- Check your phone compatibility: Most newer iPhones and Androids support eSIMs, but it is worth confirming before you buy. Here is a helpful guide from Saily.
- Pick your plan: Saily offers flexible data options for Hungary, from 1GB to 20GB. Browse them here.
- Download the Saily app: Available on both iOS and Android. You can purchase and manage your eSIM plan directly through the app.
- Install your eSIM: Follow the in-app instructions or scan the QR code you receive via email. It takes just a couple of minutes.
- Activate when you arrive: Once you land in Hungary, make sure your Saily eSIM is turned on in your phone’s settings and that data roaming is enabled. It should connect automatically to a local network.
- Top up if needed: Running low on data? You can top up directly in the app without needing to install a new eSIM. Your new data plan will activate once your current one runs out.
Each plan comes with a 30-day activation period, so you can purchase your eSIM ahead of your trip. If you don’t activate it within this window, it will automatically activate on the 30th day.
My verdict: The best eSIM for Hungary
After spending time exploring Budapest in the snow, I can say that having a reliable eSIM like Saily made my trip so much smoother. I had internet access wherever I went, without any hassle.
What I love most about Saily is the combination of features: flexible data plans, solid coverage across Hungary, fast speeds, unlimited data options, and built-in tools that save data and keep me secure, like the ad blocker, web protection, and virtual location.
On top of that, Saily’s pricing is very fair, especially compared to major providers like Airalo and Holafly. And the ability to top up your plan directly in the app makes it ideal for both short visits and longer stays.
Not to mention that you only need to download one eSIM for all your travels. So on your next holiday, simply top up that eSIM with a new destination plan. It is one less thing to stress about while planning your trip, and that is always a win.
Hungary eSIM FAQs
Does Hungary support eSIM?
Yes! Hungary has excellent mobile infrastructure, and eSIMs work seamlessly across the country. The three major networks, Telekom, Yettel, and Vodafone, all provide strong coverage, including 4G and 5G in major cities like Budapest.
Can I use my eSIM for Hungary in other countries?
If you purchase a Hungary-specific plan, it will only work in Hungary. However, Saily also offers regional Europe plans that cover multiple countries (or their worldwide subscription, the Ultra Plan), which is a great option if you are planning to visit neighbouring countries like Austria, Slovakia, or Croatia during your trip.
How much data do I need for Hungary?
This depends on how you use your phone. For a weekend trip with light usage (maps, messaging, and the occasional search), 1-3GB should be plenty. If you are staying longer, working remotely, or plan to stream content, I would recommend 10GB or more.
Is Saily cheaper than roaming in Hungary?
Almost certainly, yes. Roaming charges from UK networks can add up quickly once you reach your allowance. A Saily plan starting at just US$3.99 is far more predictable and affordable.
Can I buy a SIM card at Budapest Airport?
You can, but options at the airport tend to be overpriced and limited. I always prefer to have my eSIM set up before I land, so I am connected the moment I arrive. It saves time and stress, especially after a flight.
Do I need an eSIM if my UK network includes Hungary in its roaming?
It is worth checking the terms of your roaming package carefully. Many UK networks have reduced or removed free EU roaming since Brexit, and those that still offer it may come with data caps or fair usage policies. An eSIM often works out cheaper and gives you more control over your data.
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