Hungary lies in the centre of Europe, its population numbers nearly 10 million, and the country’s official language is Hungarian.
The capital, Budapest (population: 2 million), is located in Central Hungary. The river Danube bisects Budapest, creating the iconic cityscape with its nine bridges.
Visas
The conditions for entry to Hungary depend on your citizenship. If you are not, for example, a citizen of an EU country, then you may need a visa to enter.
Further information: Consular Services
Currency
Hungary’s official currency is the Hungarian forint (HUF). The currency comprises coins and banknotes. The smallest denomination is the HUF 5 coin, the largest is the HUF 20,000 banknote.
Transport
Budapest, the capital of Hungary, can be approached by car (from the west: M1, M7 motorways; from the north M2; from the east: M3; from the south: M4, M5, M6). The maximum permitted speed on motorways is 130 km/h, on highways 110 km/h. A motorway vignette must be purchased before driving on motorways. The maximum permitted speed outside built-up areas is 90 km/h, and within built-up areas 50 km/h.
Budapest can be reached by rail on services of MÁV-Start. There are good international travel connections with the country. The most important station for international arrivals and departures is Keleti (Eastern) Railway Station, but international services also arrive at Déli (Southern) and Nyugati (Western) Railway Station. Local public transport services and the metro depart from all three stations to points around Budapest. International trains arriving from the west stop at Kelenföld Railway Station as well, from where it is easy to travel by metro to, for instance, Budapest downtown.
The capital can be accessed by air via Liszt Ferenc International Airport. The airport, known locally simply as Ferihegy, maintains extensive international air connections with airports in Europe, North America, the Far East, Africa and the Middle East.
Arriving at Liszt Ferenc International Airport, it is possible to get to Deák Ferenc Square in the heart of Budapest by public transport bus No. 100E, but naturally taxis and shuttle buses are also available.
Public transport
Budapest has an excellent public transport system, travelling within the city is quick and there is an extensive network of connections. One can rapidly and reliably reach destinations in the capital, particularly in the inner districts.
Travel can be planned using the BKK Futár app.
Budapest’s metro network
The yellow M1 metro line (Millennium Underground Railway, known colloquially as Kisföldalatti) opened in 1896, making it the first underground railway on the European continent.
To travel on public transport, you need to purchase one of a variety of tickets, a day or week travelcard, 15-day or 30-day travel pass.
Taxis
Several taxi firms operate in Budapest. For fares and services, we recommend you read the information at Taxi in Budapest – Budapest Taxi Services - Budapest Taxi Companies.
Emergency numbers
104 Ambulance
105 Fire Service
144 Police
112 Combined emergency number
Important tips
The following are a few pieces of information that may come in handy during your stay in Hungary:
Power supply
Electricity in Hungary is rated at 230 V and 50 Hz frequency. All connectors in Hungary are F type, although it is also possible to use C type plugs.
Bank cards
According to regulations, bank cards must be accepted in all places where there are online tills. Bank card usage is not limited by the amount of the purchase, therefore cards can be used to buy even an ice cream. The most accepted brands are Maestro, MasterCard and Visa.
Currency exchange, ATMs
There are plenty of bureaux de change in Budapest and naturally one can also change money in banks, in compliance with the given banking conditions.
Budapest has many ATMs dispensing currency in HUF, in compliance with the given banking conditions.
Please note that your original bank may charge a fee for using ATMs in Hungary or commission for switching between exchange rates. We recommend you find out about these charges before you travel.
Tipping
It is customary to tip in Hungarian restaurants and bars. There is no fixed amount but on average it is around 10% on top of the final amount. Many catering outlets now levy a service charge; naturally, here you do not have to add a tip.
Petrol stations are self-service. If, however, a person working there offers to help, it is customary to give a tip at your discretion.
Internet, wifi
Wifi is available in large shopping malls and fast food outlets although it is now a generally available service in restaurants and public institutions, too.