Entry & Money
Entry
As an EU citizen, you need no visa. Hungary is a Schengen member — you only need a valid ID card or passport.
Currency & Exchange
Hungary uses the Forint (HUF), not the Euro. 1€ ≈ 390–410 HUF (fluctuates). Card payment is widespread — most restaurants, shops, and thermal baths accept cards. You will need cash for:
- Street stalls (Langos, chimney cake)
- Small shops and markets
- Tipping
- Public toilets
Currency Exchange Rules
- NEVER exchange at the airport — the rates are terrible.
- NEVER exchange in hotels — even worse rates.
- Good exchange offices: Correct Change (Váci utca), Gold Change (several locations) — here you get rates close to the market rate.
- Best option: Revolut, Wise, or N26 — card payment or ATM withdrawal at top rates. For withdrawals: ALWAYS choose "without conversion" / "in local currency" — otherwise, the ATM charges an exorbitant rate.
- Beware of "Dynamic Currency Conversion": If the ATM or card terminal asks if you want to pay "in Euro" or "in Forint": ALWAYS choose Forint! The Euro option costs you 3–8% more.
