Need a SIM card for your phone and traveling to Budapest, Hungary soon? One can also access a local SIM card with great ease at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD). Budapest Airport SIM Card features a lot of providers with several plan options, thus enabling you to remain connected to Budapest and your next destination while on the trip.

sim card at Budapest Airport

I. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport

There are a few places to purchase Budapest airport SIM cards once you arrive at Budapest Airport:

1. Vodafone Store

There is a Vodafone store located in Terminal 2B, near gate B. Vodafone offers Vodafone Hungary prepaid and postpaid SIM cards with flexible data packages.

To buy a SIM card, you will need to provide your passport or other form of identification. You may also need to pay a deposit.

  • Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM
  • Location: Arrivals hall, Terminal 2A
  • Language support: English, Hungarian
vodafone store budapest airport
Vodafone store at Budapest airport

2. Replay Convenience Store

There are two Relay convenience stores at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, one in Terminal 2A and one in Terminal 2B. Both Relay stores sell SIM cards from different operators, including Yettel.

To buy a SIM card from a Relay store, you will need to provide your passport or other form of identification. You may also need to pay a deposit.

Once you have purchased a SIM card, you will need to activate it. You can do this by following the instructions that come with the SIM card.

  • Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
  • Location: One in Terminal 2A and one in Terminal 2B
  • Language support: English and Hungarian
Relay store at Budapest Airport
Relay store at Budapest Airport

3. Other kiosks

There are also a few other mobile operators’ temporary kiosks in the arrivals hall of Terminal 2A that sell SIM cards from different operators. You can get prepaid SIMs with data plans here.

All these stores are located past immigration/customs in the arrivals halls. You can easily stop to purchase a SIM card on your way out of the airport. Keep your passport handy as you’ll need it to register the Budapest Airport SIM card.

II. Hungary Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport SIM Card Options and Costs

The key prepaid SIM card providers at Budapest airport include Vodafone, Telekom, and Yettel. Here’s an overview of what’s available from each:

Operator Type Cost (USD) Notes
Yettel Prepaid $10 Includes 5 GB, 25 minutes of calls.
Vodafone Prepaid $3 Includes 100MB of data.
Telekom Prepaid $14.10 Includes 4GB of data, 200 minutes of calls, and 200 SMS.

Notes:

  • Please keep in mind that all listed prices are approximate and reflect the current exchange rates of HUF/USD.
  • This price can differ between retailers.
  • The data, call, and SMS allowances could also differ from one plan to another.
  • The user may be liable for extra fees associated with roaming, international calls, and premium services.

Which one is appropriate for you?

You will need to select the most suitable SIM card depending on your needs as well as financial capacities. The Vodafone prepaid SIM cards is a good value offer if you plan to stick to a tight budget. The Yettel prepaid SIM card is good and affordable if you require extra data or minutes.

III. What You Need to Prepare for Buying SIM Card in Budapest Airport

Obtaining a Budapest airport SIM card is easy. Here are a few tips on what to prepare:

  • Passport – You’ll need your passport for registration of prepaid SIM card in Hungary. Always carry it with you when buying a SIM.
  • Unlocked Phone – You should have an unlocked phone for this reason, because your phone has to be unlocked to use a foreign SIM card. Unlock your phone by contacting your home provider before traveling.
  • eSIM Compatible Phone – You can get eSIM in Budapest if your phone is compatible with eSIM. Almost all recent iPhone and Android models are compatible with eSIM.
  • Local Currency – Have some Hungarian Forint cash on hand to pay for your SIM card and any initial recharge credit. A credit card can also be made available in Vodafone and Telekom stores.
  • SIM Tool – You need to have a SIM tool, a paper clip, or a safety pin to replace your old SIM with the Hungary SIM you bought.

It is also easy to get a sim card provided that you have an unlocked phone, passport, and a few dollars of local currency which takes less than an hour to purchase of sim card at a budget airport.

IV. eSIM as an Alternative to SIM Card at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport

hungary esim plans

Another option is getting an eSIM upon arrival at the Budapest Airport. This is an electronic SIM with profile that is embedded in your phone. Here are some benefits of using an eSIM for your Hungary trip:

  • Fast Set Up – An eSIM is activated on your phone in 5 minutes with the help of a service provider mobile application. No shopping, neither swapping of sims.
  • Multiple SIMs – With eSIM you can have both your home SIM and a local Hungary SIM active simultaneously. Seamlessly switch as needed.
  • Short Term Use – eSIMs are ideal if you just need connectivity for part of your trip vs. a long term SIM card.
  • Eco-Friendly – No plastic SIM card waste since it’s all digital.

Get connected in Hungary from just $3 with hungaryesim.com easy eSIM plans. No roaming or SIM swaps needed. Buy now, scan and go online upon arrival. Stress-free connectivity for your trip awaits.

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V. FAQs about Budapest Airport SIM Card

Do I need to register my SIM card?

Yes, you will need to register any prepaid SIM card purchased in Hungary by providing your passport details. This is required by law to help prevent criminal activities through anonymous SIM usage.

Can I use my SIM card throughout Europe?

Most Hungary prepaid SIMs include some EU roaming, but limited. If traveling to multiple countries, you may want to purchase a dedicated Europe SIM with more roaming data.

How can I recharge my Hungary SIM?

You can top up your SIM at Vodafone/Telekom stores, newsstands, metro stations, or online via the provider website/app using a credit card.

Do Hungary SIM cards work in unlocked phones?

Yes, Hungary prepaid SIMs will work in any unlocked GSM phone like iPhones or Android smartphones. Just swap it out for your existing SIM.

Can I use dual SIM phones with an eSIM?

Yes, dual SIM phones like newer iPhones and Samsung models can hold a physical SIM card and digital eSIM to have two active lines. Convenient for using a local Hungary eSIM.

VI. Final words

Getting a Budapest airport SIM card or eSIM at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport when you land is super convenient for staying connected throughout your Hungary trip. Stop by one of the arrival hall stores to buy a SIM card in Budapest Airport with a data package. Alternatively, you can quickly activate a tourist eSIM plan right on your phone. With a Budapest airport SIM Card in hand, you’ll be able to use maps, rideshare, social media, and more during your time in Budapest. Enjoy your trip!