How to Call Hungary
Complete guide to dialing Hungary (country code +36)
Planning to connect with friends, family, or business contacts in Hungary? You've come to the right place. Learning how to call Hungary doesn't have to be complicated, and this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know. Whether you're calling Hungary from a mobile phone or landline, we'll cover the essential dialing instructions, country codes, and step-by-step procedures to ensure your call goes through successfully. We'll also highlight common mistakes people make when calling Hungary, share important phone etiquette tips to help you make a great impression, and provide useful emergency and service numbers you might need. By the end of this guide, you'll be confidently making international calls to Hungary with ease.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
International Dialing Format Structure
To call Hungary from abroad, follow this structure: Exit Code + 36 + Local Number (without leading zero)
Hungary's country code is +36. The exit code varies by country—011 for USA/Canada, 00 for most European nations, and + from mobile phones worldwide.
Dropping the Leading Zero
Hungarian phone numbers start with 0 when dialing domestically. Always remove this leading zero when calling from international locations. For example, a Budapest landline displayed as 01 234 5678 becomes 36 1 234 5678 internationally.
Specific Dialing Examples
Example 1 - Budapest Landline:
Hungarian number: 01 234 5678
- From USA: 011-36-1-234-5678
- From UK: 00-36-1-234-5678
- From mobile: +36-1-234-5678
Example 2 - Hungarian Mobile Number:
Hungarian number: 06 20 123 4567
- From USA: 011-36-20-123-4567
- From UK: 00-36-20-123-4567
- From mobile: +36-20-123-4567
Example 3 - Regional Landline (Debrecen):
Hungarian number: 052 123 456
- From USA: 011-36-52-123-456
- From UK: 00-36-52-123-456
- From mobile: +36-52-123-456
Step-by-Step Instructions by Country
From USA/Canada:
- Dial 011 (exit code)
- Dial 36 (Hungary country code)
- Dial the local number without the leading 0
From UK/Europe:
- Dial 00 (exit code)
- Dial 36 (Hungary country code)
- Dial the local number without the leading 0
From Any Mobile Phone:
- Press and hold 0 to insert +
- Dial 36
- Dial the local number without the leading 0
Pro Tip: Mobile numbers in Hungary typically start with 20, 30, or 70 after removing the zero. Budapest landlines begin with 1, while other cities have two-digit area codes like 52 (Debrecen) or 62 (Szeged).
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Common Mistakes
When calling Hungary, avoid these common mistakes that can prevent your call from connecting:
Forgetting to drop the leading zero: Hungarian phone numbers often appear with a leading zero (like 06-1-123-4567), but you must remove it when dialing internationally. The zero is only for domestic calls within Hungary. Dial +36-1-123-4567 instead.
Using the wrong exit code: Many people dial "011" (the US/Canada exit code) when calling from countries that use different codes. Check your country's international access code first—it might be "00" (most of Europe) or "0011" (Australia). Alternatively, use "+" which works universally from mobile phones.
Confusing the country code with area codes: Hungary's country code is +36, not to be confused with area codes like "1" for Budapest or "30" for mobile networks. Always dial the country code first, then the area or mobile code.
Adding unnecessary spaces or formatting: While written as +36 1 234 5678 for clarity, spaces don't matter when dialing. However, don't add extra zeros or dashes that aren't part of the actual number sequence.
Cultural Etiquette
When making phone calls in Hungary, proper etiquette reflects the country's appreciation for courtesy and formality, especially in professional settings.
Greetings Matter
Hungarians typically answer calls with "Halló" (hello) or "Tessék" (a polite invitation to speak). In business contexts, state your name immediately after greeting. For example: "Halló, Kovács János vagyok" (Hello, I am János Kovács). Note that Hungarians place surnames first.
Formality Levels
Business calls require formal language using "Ön" (formal "you") rather than "te" (informal). Maintain this formality until the other person suggests otherwise. Personal calls among friends allow casual conversation, but always start respectfully when calling someone's parents or elders.
Timing Considerations
Avoid calling before 9 AM or after 9 PM unless it's urgent or pre-arranged. Lunchtime calls (12-2 PM) to businesses may go unanswered. Weekends are reserved for family time, so business calls should wait until Monday.
Voice Messages
Hungarians often prefer speaking directly rather than leaving voicemails. If you must leave a message, keep it brief, clear, and include your contact information. Many people will see a missed call and return it without listening to the message.
Cultural Considerations
Be direct but polite. Hungarians appreciate efficiency and don't expect lengthy small talk on business calls. However, always ask "Van időd/ideje?" (Do you have time?) before launching into lengthy discussions.
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Emergency Numbers
112 – European Emergency Number (police, ambulance, fire brigade)
- Free from all phones including mobiles
- English-speaking operators available
- 24/7 service
- Works throughout the EU
107 – Ambulance (direct)
105 – Fire Department (direct)
104 – Police (direct)
All emergency numbers in Hungary are toll-free and accessible from both landlines and mobile phones, even without credit or a SIM card. The 112 number is particularly useful for international visitors, as operators typically speak English and can dispatch the appropriate emergency service. Direct numbers (104, 105, 107) connect you immediately to specific services but may have limited English support. For non-urgent medical assistance, contact your hotel or accommodation for local doctor recommendations. Emergency services operate 24/7 throughout the country.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 11818 – Domestic directory assistance for finding phone numbers and addresses
- 11800 – International directory assistance for worldwide contacts
International Calls
- 190 – International operator for assisted calls and billing inquiries
Tourist Services
- 1/438-8080 – Tourinform helpline providing travel information, accommodations, and attractions (English available)
Transportation
- 1/3-494-949 – Budapest public transport information (BKK)
- 1/349-4999 – MÁV railway information
Utilities & Services
- 1/477-4100 – Lost and found service (Budapest)
- 188 – Weather forecast
Embassy Contacts
Contact your embassy through their local Budapest numbers, which can be found via directory assistance or online embassy listings. Most embassies provide 24-hour emergency contact numbers for citizens.
Banking
Major banks offer English-language customer service lines listed on their cards.
Tips for Calling Hungary
When calling Hungary, remember the country operates on Central European Time (UTC+1), shifting to UTC+2 during daylight saving time from late March to late October. If calling from the US East Coast, add 6-7 hours to your local time.
For business calls, aim for 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Hungarian time, Tuesday through Thursday, when offices are fully staffed. Avoid Mondays (catch-up day) and Friday afternoons when people leave early. Always schedule business calls in advance via email, as Hungarians appreciate punctuality and preparation.
Major holidays to avoid include January 1, March 15 (National Day), Easter Monday, August 20 (St. Stephen's Day), October 23 (Republic Day), and December 24-26. The week between Christmas and New Year typically sees reduced availability.
For off-peak international rates, call during evening hours Hungarian time (afternoon in US time zones). To ensure clear communication, speak slowly and confirm understanding, as English proficiency varies. Have important details written down to share via email afterward. Consider using internet-based calling services for better quality and lower costs than traditional international calling plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Hungary is +36. You need to dial this code before the local phone number when calling Hungary from another country. It's an essential prefix that routes your call to Hungary's telephone network.
To dial Hungary from your cell phone, start with + (or 011 in the US/Canada), then dial 36 (Hungary's country code), followed by the area code without the leading zero, and finally the local number. For example: +36 1 XXX XXXX for Budapest.
Yes, you must drop the leading zero from the Hungarian area code when calling from abroad. For example, Budapest's area code is 01 domestically, but you dial +36 1 when calling from outside Hungary, omitting the zero.
The cheapest way to call Hungary is using ZippCall, which offers affordable pay-as-you-go international calling rates. With ZippCall, you can call from your web browser, iPhone, or Android device with no contracts, no subscriptions, and no hidden fees—just transparent, low-cost rates for calling Hungary.
In Hungary, dial 112 for all emergencies (police, fire, ambulance). This is the universal European emergency number. You can also use specific numbers: 104 for ambulance, 105 for fire brigade, and 107 for police. All emergency calls are free.
Yes, you can call Hungary directly from your web browser using ZippCall. Simply visit the ZippCall website, enter the Hungarian phone number, and make your call without downloading any software. It's convenient, fast, and works on any device with internet access.
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