International Calling

How to Call Hungary from Italy: A Complete Guide

Last Updated: January 13, 2026
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Connecting with family or business partners across borders requires precision. You might find yourself in Italy needing to reach someone in Hungary. The process involves specific dialing codes and an understanding of international formats. A single missing digit can prevent 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 visit 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 International Dialing Components

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 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 landlines and mobile phones.

The Essential Code Breakdown

You need four pieces of information to make this call.

  • Italy’s Exit Code: This signals an international call.
  • 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 first. It tells your Italian carrier that the call is going abroad. If you skip this, the carrier looks for a local number. The call will likely fail immediately. This is the standard prefix for most European countries.

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.


How to Call Hungary from a Landline

Calling from a fixed landline in Italy follows a strict format. You do not have the luxury of the “+” symbol. 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.

Example:

To call a landline in Budapest (123-4567), 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.


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

Example:

To call a mobile number starting with 20 (e.g., 123-4567), you dial:

+36 20 123 4567.

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


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). Other regions use two digits.

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.

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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.


Major City Area 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.

Business Calling Etiquette

Standard business hours in Hungary are similar to Italy.

  • 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, not always 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.

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.

Virtual Numbers for Local Presence

You can purchase a virtual Hungarian number while sitting in Italy. This is a game-changer for businesses.

  • 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 without an office.

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. Over 600 companies globally trust this system.

Comprehensive Communication Tools

  • Call Recording: Review details from important client meetings later.
  • SMS Capabilities: Send and receive text messages globally.
  • Bulk SMS: Ideal for marketing campaigns or urgent notifications.

Global Reach

Your business is not limited to Hungary. Telfon supports calling to over 180 countries. It also offers support in over 20 languages. You can manage multi-country numbers simultaneously. This centralizes your global operations into one dashboard.


Who Benefits Most from Telfon?

Various sectors find specific value in this virtual system. It adapts to different professional needs efficiently.

International Hiring Institutes

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

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.

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.


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.

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.

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.

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.


Summary of Dialing Steps

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

  • 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 and start talking for as long as you need.



Frequently Asked Questions

What is the country code for Hungary?

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

Do I need an area code for mobile phones?

No, you do not use a geographic area code. You use the mobile network prefix (like 20, 30, or 70) included in the number.

Is it free to call Hungary from Italy?

Not via standard carriers. However, using Telfon significantly reduces costs. App-to-app calling over Wi-Fi can be free with some services.

Can I keep my Italian number when calling?

Yes. With Telfon, you can display your virtual number. Alternatively, standard roaming uses your existing Italian SIM.

What is a virtual number?

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

Does Telfon support WhatsApp?

Yes. Telfon offers WhatsApp integration. You can manage conversations and multiple accounts 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. You can also send broadcast messages for business purposes.

How many countries can I call with Telfon?

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

Is the call quality good?

Yes. Telfon uses cloud telephony. This ensures high-definition voice quality, often better than traditional cellular reception.

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