Telekom eSIM and SIM Cards: Detailed Guides for Tourists

Telekom Hungary is the largest mobile network operator in Hungary with the best coverage and speeds across the country. As a tourist visiting Hungary, you may be wondering about the best Telekom SIM card or eSIM to get during your trip for hassle-free connectivity. This comprehensive guide will provide all the key details you need to know about getting connected to the Telekom network in Hungary.

1. Quick Facts About Telekom Hungary

• Telekom Hungary is part of Deutsche Telekom group and the market leader in Hungary with around 40% subscriber market share.
• It has the best nationwide 4G coverage in Hungary covering 99% population. The 5G rollout has also started and is expanding.
• Telekom offers prepaid SIM cards, postpaid plans, and eSIMs for tourists.
• Prepaid SIM cards are available for pickup at Telekom stores, post offices, or online delivery. eSIMs can be purchased online.
• Telekom prepaid packs come with unlimited data packages, EU roaming, and varying validity.
• eSIM activation takes only takes a few minutes online making it very convenient.

2. Hungary Telekom Coverage and Speed

As the largest mobile network operator in Hungary, Hungary Telekom provides nationwide 4G LTE coverage but speeds vary depending on location.

2.1. Telekom Coverage in Hungary

Telekom has the best mobile network coverage in Hungary, according to the Opensignal Mobile Network Experience Report for Hungary, August 2023.

• Telekom’s Availability score is 97%, which means that Telekom users spend the highest proportion of time connected to 3G or better mobile broadband services.
• Telekom also has the best 4G Availability score of the four major mobile operators in Hungary, at 93.7%. This means that Telekom users are less likely to experience periods where they are not connected to 4G.

In addition, Telekom has the fastest average download and upload speeds of the four major mobile operators in Hungary. Telekom’s average download speed is 22.9 Mbps, and its average upload speed is 9.1 Mbps.

Overall, Telekom has the best mobile network coverage and speeds in Hungary.

2.2. Telekom Speed in Hungary

According to the Opensignal Mobile Network Experience Report for Hungary, August 2023, Telekom has the fastest average download and upload speeds of the four major mobile operators in Hungary.

Telekom’s average download speed is 22.9 Mbps, and its average upload speed is 9.1 Mbps.

This means that Telekom users can expect to experience faster download and upload speeds than users of the other three major mobile operators in Hungary.

However, it is important to note that these are just average speeds. Telekom users can experience much faster speeds in some areas, and much slower speeds in other areas.

3. Telekom Connectivity Options for Travelers

With travelers increasingly reliant on fast and reliable internet connectivity while on the go, this article examines the various connectivity options that Telekom provides to its customers roaming in Hungary.

4. Best Telekom SIM Cards For Tourists & Costs

The best Telekom Hungary SIM card for tourists is Telekom Tourist SIM for tourists, as it offers a good balance of data, voice minutes, and SMS at a reasonable price. It is also valid for 30 days, which is enough time for most tourists’ trips to Hungary.

If you need more data, you can upgrade to the Telekom Tourist SIM+ or Telekom Tourist SIM Premium.

5. Does Telekom Hungary Support eSIM?

Yes, Telekom Hungary provides prepaid eSIM service but not for tourists.

Telekom HU eSIMs work on iPhone XS, iPhone XR, and above supporting iOS 13.

Most newer Android phones with Android 10 and above are also supported. Check this Hungary eSIM Compatible Devices List before getting a Telekom eSIM.

eSIMs are app-based and more convenient than physical SIMs. Activate using the app within minutes and no need to go to the store.

6. Where Can You Buy a Telekom SIM Card and eSIM?

For both tourists and residents wanting internet access through Telekom’s cellular network, it’s important to understand where SIM cards and the digital eSIM option can be purchased to easily connect any compatible device to Telekom’s coverage nationwide.

6.1. Where to Buy Telekom SIM Card for Hungary

Here are some ways to get a Telekom Hungary SIM card:

• Telekom stores – Available at all Telekom shops. Store locator available online.
• Post Offices – Sold at post offices throughout Hungary.
• Airport – Telekom shops at Budapest Airport and some regional airports sell SIMs.
• Online – Telekom website offers home delivery in Hungary or Europe. Provide local address.
• Other Retailers – Select supermarkets, gas stations, and retailers may offer Telekom SIMs.

When you buy, provide your passport and local address in Hungary. Activation is instant after inserting SIM and turning on mobile data.

6.2. Where to Buy Telekom Hungary eSIM

Telekom Hu eSIM can only be purchased online on their website or their official stores::

• Go to Prepaid eSIM section and select plan. Provide email and delivery address.
• Payment by credit card only. eSIM voucher will be emailed instantly.
• Scan QR code on voucher to download and activate eSIM profile.
• Overall process takes only a few minutes to get connected.

So online delivery makes getting eSIM super quick and convenient vs buying a plastic SIM.

7. How to Activate Telekom Hungary SIM/eSIM

To ensure a smooth onboarding experience and quick access to Telekom’s mobile network services, this guide will outline the simple steps required to activate a Telekom prepaid or postpaid SIM card or eSIM both online and through Telekom stores across Hungary.

7.1. How to Activate Telekom Hungary SIM Card

Activating a Telekom SIM card is straightforward:

1. Insert SIM in unlocked phone. Turn it on without a PIN code.
2. Connect to mobile data. This will configure and activate the SIM automatically.
3. You can recharge or add data packs at any time using vouchers, online account or MyTelekom app.

7.2. How to Activate Telekom Hungary eSIM

Follow below simple steps to activate Telekom Hungary eSIM:

1. Enter email used for purchase on eSIM voucher email.
2. Click on link to download eSIM profile or scan QR code.
3. On iPhone go to Settings > Add Cellular Plan to add downloaded profile.
4. On Android go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add new SIM profile.
5. Follow prompts to activate eSIM. Takes only a few minutes.
6. You can recharge and manage eSIM on MyTelekom app or online account.

That’s it! Your eSIM will be ready for use to connect seamlessly.

8. Hungary Telekom Call & SMS Rates

Telekom Hungary prepaid SIMs and plans provide the following calling and text rates:

Calls are cheaper within the Telekom network. Unlimited SMS is provided in most prepaid tourist SIM packs.

For postpaid plans on longer contracts – off-net calls are cheaper and unlimited texts are included.

9. Useful USSD Codes for Telekom Hungary SIM

Dial *102# to check your Magyar Telekom balance. You can also top up and check your balance on the Telekom Alkalmazás app (Android/iOS).

No need to call customer care for basic info. Just dial USSD code and get details instantly.

10. How to Top-up Telekom Hungary SIM/eSIM

You can recharge your Telekom Hungary prepaid SIM or eSIM using following convenient methods:

Please note that there may be a small fee associated with some top-up methods.

11. Alternatives to Telekom Hungary

Other mobile networks available in Hungary are:

• Vodafone – Second largest operator with good urban coverage.
• Yettel – Formerly Telenor, it has decent rural presence.
• hungaryesim.com – a good option for travelers to Hungary who are looking for Hungary eSIM with a good balance of data, voice minutes, and SMS at a reasonable price.

12. FAQs About Telekom Hungary

13. Final Words

Getting a Telekom prepaid SIM or eSIM in Hungary will provide you superfast speeds on 4G/5G thanks to their excellent network coverage even in rural areas and roads. Unlimited EU roaming allows you to stay connected across Europe at no extra cost. So grab a Telekom Hungary SIM or eSIM, explore this beautiful country freely and share memorable experiences with friends & family back home with ease. Have a great trip!