Basics
You can always use the full international format: +36 (1-2 digits area code) (6-7 digits phone number). If you can't type a plus sign, dial double zero (00) instead.
00 is the International Direct Dial code you use to call overseas from within Hungary.
36 is the International Country Code for Calling Hungary.
Details
A typical Hungarian phone number consist of a prefix, an area code and a six or seven digit number.
For example: 06-23-400-400 (where 06 is the prefix, 23 is the area code, and 400400 is the phone number). Budapest has the special area code 1, and the phone numbers in Budapest are 7 digits long (for example: 06-1-211-1111). Note: when you're inside the area you wish to call, you don't have to dial either the prefix or the area code (so when you're making a call inside Budapest, just dial 211-1111).
Cell phones: there are 3 companies in Hungary: Pannon, T-Mobile and Vodafone. They have their own default area codes (although they offer free number portability today): 20 (Pannon GSM), 30 (T-Mobile) and 70 (Vodafone). When you call a cell phone number, you should dial the prefix (06), the "area" code (20, 30 or 70), and the 7 digit long phone number. For example: 06-30-1234567.
There are some special area codes:
- 40 - you only pay the actual area's price list (Blue Number)
- 80 - your call is free of charge (Green Number)
- 90 : be aware - phone numbers with this area code are very, very expensive! (generally 18+ phone numbers...)
Calling cards
You can buy various types of calling cards in GSM-Shops, news agents, post offices or in shopping centers.