International Calling

How to Call Hungary from Italy: A Complete Guide

Last Updated: February 11, 2026
blog-banner

Connecting with business partners or family members across borders requires precision. You might find yourself in Italy needing to reach someone in Hungary. The process involves specific dialing codes and international formats. A single missing digit prevents your call from connecting.

This guide simplifies the entire procedure for you. You will learn the exact steps to dial Hungary from Italy without errors. For a broader understanding of global dialing formats, you can check CountryCode.org for verified international data. However, dialing is only part of the equation.

You also need to consider costs and call quality. Traditional carriers often charge high fees for cross-border communication. We will explore cost-effective alternatives like Telfon that save money. Let’s ensure your next call connects smoothly and affordably.


Understanding the International Dialing Format

Every international call relies on a specific string of numbers. You cannot simply dial the local number as you would for a neighbor. The network needs to know you are leaving the Italian system. It then needs to know which country you are targeting.

Finally, it routes the call to the specific city and individual. The structure is standardized but crucial. Missing the exit code is the most common mistake. Omitting the country code is another frequent error.

You must follow the sequence exactly. This applies to both fixed landlines and mobile phones. Understanding these components saves you time and frustration.

The Essential Code Breakdown

You need four pieces of information to make this call successful.

  • Hungary’s Country Code: This identifies the destination country.
  • Area Code: This directs the call to a specific region.
  • Local Number: This is the subscriber’s personal line.

Italy’s Exit Code (00)

The exit code for Italy is 00. You must dial this number first. It tells your Italian carrier that the call is going abroad. If you skip this, the carrier looks for a local number.

Consequently, the call will likely fail immediately. This is the standard prefix for most European countries. It acts as the key to unlock the international network.

Hungary’s Country Code (+36)

Hungary’s unique identifier is 36. You dial this immediately after the exit code. When you see a number listed as +36, the plus sign replaces the 00.

If you are dialing manually on a landline, you use 0036. This code ensures the call enters the Hungarian telecom network accurately. Without it, you cannot reach any number within Hungary.


How to Call Hungary from an Italian Landline

Calling from a fixed landline in Italy follows a strict format. You do not have the luxury of the “+” symbol found on mobiles. You must dial every digit manually. Precision is key here.

  • Lift the receiver and wait for the dial tone.
  • Dial 00 (Italy’s exit code).
  • Dial 36 (Hungary’s country code).
  • Dial the City Area Code (e.g., 1 for Budapest).
  • Dial the Local Phone Number.

Practical Example for Landlines

Imagine you need to call a business in Budapest. The local number is 123-4567. You must combine the codes correctly.

You dial: 00 36 1 123 4567.

Always pause slightly if you are unsure of the number. Rushing leads to misdials. Ensure you have the correct area code for the specific town. Verification prevents wasted connection fees.

How to Call Hungary from a Mobile Phone

Mobile phones offer a slightly more convenient method. You can still use the 00 format if you prefer. However, the international format using the plus (+) sign is standard. This works on all modern smartphones.

  • Open your phone’s dialer app.
  • Hold the 0 key until + appears.
  • Dial 36 (Hungary’s country code).
  • Dial the Area Code or Mobile Prefix.
  • Enter the Phone Number.

Practical Example for Mobiles

Suppose you are calling a mobile number starting with 20. The number is 123-4567.

You dial: +36 20 123 4567.

The network automatically translates the “+” into the correct exit code. This is useful if you travel often. The saved number will work regardless of your location.

Select a country
Select Type
Note: Since we integrate Twilio's robust phone number system, some specific numbers might be unavailable in certain regions. However, you can request an exclusive local number by filling out the form provided.



Navigating Hungarian Area Codes

Hungary uses specific codes for different geographic regions. Landlines always require these codes. If you dial a landline without it, the call will fail. Budapest uses a single digit (1).

Conversely, other regions use two digits. You must know the city location of your contact. This ensures the call routes to the correct switching center.

Mobile Network Prefixes

Mobile numbers do not use geographic area codes. Instead, they use network prefixes. These prefixes act like area codes but indicate the mobile provider.

Common mobile prefixes include 20, 30, and 70. You do not need to know the city for mobile calls. The prefix is sufficient for the network to find the user.

List of Major City Area Codes

Refer to this table for common city codes.

CityArea Code
Budapest1
Debrecen52
Szeged62
Miskolc46
Pécs72
Győr96
Nyíregyháza42
Kecskemét76
Székesfehérvár22

You must place this code between the country code (36) and the local number. Verify the city before you make the call.


Best Times to Call Hungary

Timing is vital for international communication. You want to ensure your contact is awake and available. Fortunately, planning calls between Italy and Hungary is simple.

No Time Difference

Italy and Hungary share the same time zone. Both countries observe Central European Time (CET). They also switch to Daylight Saving Time (Summer Time) on the same dates.

  • Current Time: If it is 2:00 PM in Rome, it is 2:00 PM in Budapest.
  • Planning: You do not need to calculate time shifts.
  • Convenience: Schedule calls as if they were local.

Business Calling Etiquette

Standard business hours in Hungary are similar to Italy. However, knowing specific preferences helps build better relationships.

  • Work Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Monday to Friday).
  • Lunch: Avoid calling between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM.
  • Mornings: Calls after 9:30 AM are generally preferred.

For personal calls, avoid late evenings. Calling after 9:00 PM is often considered intrusive unless it is a close relative. Weekends are generally open for personal chats.


Managing the Cost of International Calls

Calling traditionally can be expensive. Legacy carriers often charge high rates per minute for international connections. These costs accumulate rapidly during long conversations.

Traditional Carrier Fees

Your local Italian provider likely treats Hungary as Zone 1 or Zone 2. Even within the EU, caps apply mostly to roaming. They do not always apply to international calls from home.

  • Connection Fees: Some providers charge a flat fee just to connect.
  • Per-Minute Rates: These can vary based on landline vs. mobile destinations.
  • Surprises: You might receive a high bill at the end of the month.

The VoIP Advantage

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is the modern solution. It uses the internet to transmit your voice. This bypasses traditional telephone lines and their associated costs.

  • Lower Rates: VoIP is significantly cheaper.
  • Data Usage: It uses your internet connection (Wi-Fi or 4G/5G).
  • Flexibility: You can call from anywhere with a signal.


Why Choose Telfon for Calling Hungary

Telfon transforms how you communicate internationally. It is a cloud telephony solution designed for both individuals and businesses. It offers features that traditional phones simply cannot match.

You get more than just a call; you get a communication suite. Telfon is trusted by over 600 companies globally. It currently serves more than 30,000 users.

Cost Savings and Transparency

Telfon operates on a pay-as-you-go model. You only pay for what you use. There are no hidden contracts or surprise fees.

Users often save up to 50% compared to traditional providers. This makes long business meetings or family catch-ups affordable. You can manage your budget effectively without worrying about roaming charges.

Virtual Numbers for Local Presence

You can purchase a virtual Hungarian number while sitting in Italy. This is a game-changer for businesses. It allows you to operate locally without a physical office.

  • Local Trust: Hungarian clients see a local +36 number.
  • Incoming Calls: Friends in Hungary can call you at local rates.
  • Professional Image: It establishes a physical presence immediately.

Real estate agents and sales teams benefit immensely from this. It bridges the gap between you and your market.


Advanced Features for Business Growth

Telfon is not just for voice calls. It provides tools that enhance productivity for HR, sales, and support teams. These tools streamline operations and improve client interactions.

Comprehensive Communication Tools

Telfon integrates multiple channels into one platform.

  • SMS Capabilities: Send and receive text messages globally.
  • Bulk SMS: Ideal for marketing campaigns or urgent notifications.
  • Voicemail to Text: Read your voicemails when you cannot listen.

Global Reach and Analytics

Your business is not limited to Hungary. Telfon supports calling to over 180 countries. It also offers support in over 20 languages.

  • User Analytics: View graphs and charts of call performance.
  • Call History: Track user-wise logs for accountability.
  • Budget Assignment: Managers can assign specific budgets to users.
  • Number Management: Easily configure and block numbers.


Who Benefits Most from Telfon?

Various sectors find specific value in this virtual system. It adapts to different professional needs efficiently. Whether you are a freelancer or a corporation, the benefits are clear.

International Hiring Institutes

Recruiters need to interview candidates abroad. Reliable connections are non-negotiable. Telfon allows for clear interviews and call recordings for review.

HR teams can use analytics to track call durations. This helps in assessing the screening process. Cost savings on international interviews are significant.

Real Estate Professionals

Agents often deal with foreign buyers. Having a local number in the client’s country builds immediate trust. It makes the agent accessible and professional.

You can forward calls to your mobile easily. This ensures you never miss a potential lead. The WhatsApp integration helps in sharing property photos instantly.

Customer Support Teams

Support agents need tools like call history and analytics. Telfon provides user-wise logs and graphs. Managers can assign budgets and monitor performance easily.

Features like “Twilio token management” and “Custom messaging service” allow for tailored support. The dashboard filters help in organizing large volumes of data.


Troubleshooting Your Call to Hungary

Sometimes calls fail despite your best efforts. Before you panic, check these common issues. A small oversight is usually the culprit.

Check the Exit Code

Did you dial 00 or use the + sign? If you dialed just 36, the Italian network tries to connect locally. This will result in an error message.

Always verify the prefix. If you are using a landline, ensure you dialed 00. On mobile, ensure the + sign appears.

Verify the Area Code

Are you calling a landline? You must include the city code. Calling a Budapest landline without the “1” will not work.

Double-check the city list provided earlier. If you are calling a mobile, ensure you have the correct network prefix (20, 30, 70).

Inspect the Mobile Number

Hungarian mobile numbers are 9 digits long after the country code. Ensure you haven’t missed a digit. Also, ensure the number is still active.

Sometimes numbers are deactivated or changed. Try sending a text message to verify connectivity.

Network Restrictions

Some workplace phones block international calls. Check with your administrator if you are calling from an office. Ensure your personal plan allows international dialing.

If using Telfon, check your internet connection. A weak Wi-Fi signal can prevent the call from connecting.


Summary of Dialing Steps

Let’s recap the process to ensure success. Keep this checklist in mind for every call. Precision ensures connection.

  • Start: Dial 00 or +.
  • Country: Dial 36.
  • Region: Dial the Area Code (Landlines only).
  • Subscriber: Enter the local number.
  • Connect: Press the call button.

Using an app like Telfon automates much of this. It stores numbers in the correct format. It also ensures the highest quality connection route.

Stop paying high fees for convenient conversations. Start talking for as long as you need. Telfon is available on Google Play, the App Store, and the Chrome Web Store.

Your seamless connection from Italy to Hungary is just a tap away.



Frequently Asked Questions

What is the country code for Hungary?

The country code for Hungary is 36. You must dial this code after the exit code (00) or the plus sign (+) to connect successfully.

Do I need an area code for mobile phones?

No, you do not use a geographic area code for mobiles. You use the mobile network prefix (like 20, 30, or 70) which is already part of the phone number.

Is it free to call Hungary from Italy?

Not via standard carriers, as international rates apply. However, using Telfon significantly reduces costs. App-to-app calling over Wi-Fi can be much cheaper than traditional lines.

Can I keep my Italian number when calling?

Yes. With Telfon, you can choose to display your virtual number or use your existing ID. Standard roaming uses your existing Italian SIM but costs more.

What is a virtual number?

It is a phone number not tied to a physical wire or SIM card. It works over the internet. You can have a Hungarian number on your Italian mobile using the Telfon app.

Does Telfon support WhatsApp?

Yes, Telfon offers robust WhatsApp integration. You can manage multiple WhatsApp accounts and conversations directly through the system.

Is there a time difference between Rome and Budapest?

No. Both cities are in the same time zone (CET/CEST). You can call during your normal business hours without calculating time shifts.

Can I send SMS to Hungary with Telfon?

Yes. The app supports sending and receiving SMS globally. You can also send broadcast messages for business marketing purposes.

How many countries can I call with Telfon?

You can reach over 180 countries using Telfon. It is a truly global communication solution ideal for travelers and international businesses.

Is the call quality good with VoIP?

Yes. Telfon uses advanced cloud telephony technology. This ensures high-definition voice quality, often clearer than traditional cellular reception in poor signal areas.

Related Post

Assistant

Agents are Online!