# What to do when you land in Hungary

> The moment you land in Hungary: activate your eSIM, clear arrivals, get cash/transport and head to Budapest. Here are the steps.

The moment you land in Hungary: activate your eSIM, clear arrivals, get cash/transport and head to Budapest. Here are the steps.

## Get online at the airport

Install a MerrSIM eSIM for Hungary (from €1.99, 10 GB €10.49) before departure and you’re online the moment you land at Budapest Ferenc Liszt Airport — no WiFi hunt, no roaming.

[MerrSIM — eSIM Hungary](https://merrsim.com/destinations/esim-plans-for-hungary)

## How much data you really need

For normal use — maps, messaging, social media and the odd video — budget about 300–700 MB a day. A light traveller is fine with 3–5 GB for a week, while anyone doing video calls, streaming or laptop hotspot will want 10–20 GB. In Hungary, download offline maps and use hotel WiFi for big downloads; that way a 10 GB plan comfortably lasts two weeks. If you run out, you buy a new plan in the app with no waiting.

## Does your phone support eSIM?

Before you buy, check two things. First, the phone must be eSIM-compatible: iPhone XR/XS and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and many recent Motorola, Huawei and Oppo models. Second, it must be carrier-unlocked. You can verify by dialling *#06# — if an EID number appears, your phone supports eSIM. This saves you any surprises when you arrive in Hungary.

## How an eSIM works

An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone: there is no physical card to insert. You buy it online, get a QR code by email and scan it in your settings. Once installed, the profile lives on your phone and activates when you reach Hungary, connecting automatically to a local partner network. You can keep your main SIM at the same time, so your number still gets calls and texts while the eSIM handles data.

## Tips to save data

A few small habits make your gigabytes last in Hungary. Download Google Maps offline before you head out, set video quality to “Auto” or 480p, and turn off background app refresh. Use hotel WiFi for big updates and high-resolution photo uploads. With these steps, even a modest plan covers the whole trip, and your hotspot stays free for the moments you really need it.

## Coverage and 5G speed in Hungary

The eSIM connects to the main local operators, so you get the same coverage as a local, including 4G/LTE and 5G where available. In the cities and tourist areas of Hungary the signal is strong and stable; in very remote villages or mountains it can weaken, as with any operator. Hotspot is included, so you can share the connection with your laptop or a travel companion at no extra cost.

## FAQ

### How do I get online as soon as I arrive in Hungary?
Activate a MerrSIM eSIM for Hungary (from €1.99, 10 GB €10.49) by QR before departure; you connect automatically at the airport.


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Author: Etnik Beqiri  
Published: 2026-05-28  
Source: https://merrsim.com/en/blog/udhezues-arritjeje-hungary-en