When someone comes to Hungary for work, especially to industrial hubs like Győr, one of the first and most important tasks is securing a reliable mobile connection. Stable mobile internet and a local phone number are essential not only for work but also for everyday life: navigation, communication, administration, banking, everything depends on it.
In this guide, we explain the available options in Hungary, how much a SIM card costs, and where you can buy one, whether you are a local resident or a foreign worker.
Mobile Service Providers in Hungary
There are currently three major mobile operators in Hungary: Magyar Telekom, One (formerly Vodafone), and Yettel (formerly Telenor). All three provide nationwide coverage and offer especially strong and fast mobile internet in Győr. Each provider has local stores and offers both prepaid (top-up) and postpaid subscriptions. The differences are mainly in pricing, current packages, and additional services, so it is worth choosing based on your individual needs.
Prepaid or Postpaid? The First Decision You Need to Make
If you have just arrived in Hungary and are unsure how long you will stay, or simply do not want monthly commitments, a prepaid SIM card is the better choice.
There is:
- no contract
- no loyalty period
- no fixed monthly fee
You simply pay as much as you need, whenever you need it. However, if you plan to stay in Győr for several months and regularly use your phone, a postpaid subscription is usually more cost-effective and often includes unlimited data plans, which are harder to get with prepaid options.
The Hungarian Media and Communications Authority (NMHH) publishes a monthly comparison of mobile providers, which shows estimated monthly costs based on average usage. If you are unsure, it is worth checking their website: nmhh.hu
The 3 Providers and What They Offer
Magyar Telekom — Domino Prepaid
Telekom’s prepaid service is called Domino. The online Domino SIM package costs around 990 HUF and includes 2 GB of data and 40 minutes of calls, valid for 366 days if you keep your balance active. There is also a simpler in-store version called Domino Quick, which includes 1 GB of data and 20 minutes, valid for 120 days. This can also be purchased at petrol stations such as MOL, Shell, and OMV, which is very convenient if you are on your way to accommodation.
Postpaid Telekom plans start at approximately 5,000–7,000 HUF per month and include 5G access. Customers who choose electronic billing and online payment receive an additional e-Pack discount of 800 HUF per month.
One (formerly Vodafone) — Tuti Prepaid Card
One offers the “Tuti Prepaid” card for new users. Upon activation, customers receive 2 GB of data and 100 minutes for the first 30 days, with an extra 1 GB if activated online. Afterwards, the plan automatically renews every 30 days with 100 MB of data. Additionally, there is a free calling option every Monday between 12:00 and 13:00. Postpaid plans start at around 4,000–6,000 HUF per month, depending on current promotions. It is recommended to check one.hu directly, as One frequently offers discounted introductory deals.
Yettel — Widely Available SIM Cards
Yettel prepaid plans are also available without contracts or monthly obligations. Data top-ups can be managed through the Yettel app, which also offers a 10% discount on data packages. Postpaid plans start from approximately 4,000–5,000 HUF per month, generally making Yettel one of the most cost-effective options for light users. For heavy internet users, One’s promotional offers may be more competitive depending on the current campaign.
In Győr, Yettel SIM cards are widely available in supermarkets such as Auchan, Tesco, Spar, Interspar, as well as at MOL, Shell, OMV petrol stations, and even at the Hungarian Post.
Important Information for Foreign Workers
If you do not have a Hungarian-issued ID card, prepaid SIM cards can only be purchased in person at official provider stores, with a passport or residence permit. Online purchases and reseller locations (such as petrol stations or supermarkets) do not allow activation with foreign identification.
This rule applies to all three providers and cannot be bypassed. The best approach is to visit a store in Győr within your first few days; the process usually takes 10–15 minutes.
Where to Buy in Győr
All three providers have stores in Győr. The easiest location is Árkád Shopping Center (Budai út 1., 9027 Győr), where Telekom, One, and Yettel stores are all available in one place. They can also be found at Győr Plaza. If you need a SIM card urgently and do not have time to visit a store immediately, prepaid SIM packages from Telekom and Yettel are available at petrol stations (MOL, Shell, OMV) and major supermarkets. However, these can only be activated independently by Hungarian citizens.
As a foreign worker, you can buy the SIM card, but the actual activation must be completed in a provider store with your passport or residence permit. Top-ups, on the other hand, are very easy: via mobile apps, online with a bank card, or with prepaid vouchers available at almost any petrol station or supermarket.
Which One Should You Choose? A Simple Decision Guide
If you are staying short-term (1–3 months), rarely making calls, and mostly using Wi-Fi, Yettel or Telekom prepaid cards are the best option with minimal upfront cost. If you are staying longer and regularly using mobile internet for work and daily life, a postpaid plan is recommended. Yettel and One typically offer the best value in the 4,000–6,000 HUF range. If network coverage is your priority, both Magyar Telekom and Yettel provide very reliable service in Győr’s industrial areas.
The most important thing is to choose based on your own needs, the right mobile plan will make your daily life significantly easier and more efficient.
If you are moving to Győr or arriving for a longer work assignment and are looking for accommodation, check out Motel Next premium worker housing. We offer modern, fully furnished apartments for companies and employees for long-term stays. From moving in to handling your first local administrative tasks, we aim to make everything as easy as possible.
