Practical A–Z
Entry & Visa
EU Citizens
As an EU citizen, you do not need a visa. Hungary has been a Schengen member since 2007 — you only need a valid ID card or passport. No border controls when entering from other Schengen countries.
Stay: Unlimited for EU citizens. For stays over 90 days: registration with the immigration authority is recommended.
Swiss Citizens
Same rules as EU citizens (Schengen Agreement). Passport or ID is sufficient.
Currency & Payment
Hungary uses the Forint (HUF), not the Euro. Current rate: approx. 1€ = 390–410 HUF. Card payment (Visa, Mastercard) is almost universally accepted in Budapest and tourist areas — many restaurants, shops, and even market stalls accept cards. In rural areas and small shops: carry cash.
ATMs: Widely available. Be cautious with the question "Settle in Euro or Forint?" — always choose Forint! Dynamic currency conversion (DCC) costs an extra 3–5%. Exchange offices in the city center often have poor rates — Revolut, Wise, or a fee-free credit card are the best options.
Tips: In restaurants 10–15%. When paying, say: "Keep the change" or state the desired amount. In thermal baths and hotels: 500–1,000 HUF for special services.
Internet & Communication
Mobile Internet
Thanks to EU roaming, you can use your German mobile contract in Hungary without additional costs — calls, surfing, and SMS are included in your plan. Network coverage is good — 4G/LTE in all cities and most tourist spots. In remote parts of the Puszta or Bükk Mountains, the signal may be weaker.
WLAN
Free WLAN is available in most hotels, cafés, and restaurants. In Budapest, there is also public WLAN in some squares and in the metro.
Useful Apps
- BudapestGO — Official public transport app for Budapest (tickets, routes, real-time)
- MÁV — Hungarian Railways (schedules, tickets)
- Bolt — Ride-sharing (cheaper than taxis)
- Google Maps / Maps.me — Navigation, also usable offline
- XE Currency — Currency converter Euro/Forint
- Wolt / Foodpanda — Food delivery in Budapest
Language
In Budapest and tourist areas, you can get by well with English — especially among younger Hungarians. German is partially understood by older generations and in Western Hungary (Sopron, Pécs). In rural areas, communication can be more challenging — a smile and Google Translate always help. The most important Hungarian words:
- Szia / Sziasztok — Hello (informal, singular / plural)
- Jó napot! — Good day (formal)
- Köszönöm / Köszi — Thank you / Thanks (informal)
- Igen / Nem — Yes / No
- Elnézést! — Excuse me!
- Mennyibe kerül? — How much does it cost?
- Egészségedre! — Cheers! / Bless you!
- A számlát, kérem! — The bill, please!
Health & Safety
Health
Hungary has a good healthcare system. No special vaccinations required — standard vaccinations (tetanus, diphtheria, polio, hepatitis A) should be up to date. Bring EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) for treatments in public hospitals. A travel health insurance is still recommended — it covers private doctors and repatriation.
Drinking Water
Tap water is generally drinkable in Hungary. In Budapest, the water quality is excellent. In rural areas, it may be more calcareous — not to everyone's taste, but harmless. Note: The thermal water in the baths is not for drinking (high mineral concentration). However, in some places, there are special drinking cures (ivókúra) with medicinal healing water — only use these on medical advice.
Safety
Hungary is a safe travel destination. Violent crime against tourists: very rare. The most common issues:
- Pickpocketing: Be cautious in Budapest in the metro, on Váci utca, and at the Christmas market. Normal big city precautions are sufficient.
- Taxi scams: Only use Főtaxi or apps (Bolt). Never take a taxi that "happens" to be on the roadside and approaches you.
- Restaurant tricks: In some tourist restaurants (especially Váci utca), prices can be significantly higher than stated. Always check the menu with prices before ordering, and review the bill.
- Currency exchange: Do not exchange money at exchange offices at the airport or in the pedestrian zone — the rates are often terrible. Use ATMs or card payments.
| Risk | Assessment | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Crime | Low | Be aware of pickpocketing in Budapest |
| Road Traffic | Medium | Aggressive driving style on country roads |
| Natural Hazards | Low | Heat in summer (38°C+), thunderstorm storms |
| Health | Low | Ticks in forests (consider TBE vaccination) |
Emergency number: 112 (Europe-wide) or 107 (police), 104 (ambulance), 105 (fire brigade).
Tipp
The Váci utca (pedestrian zone in Budapest) is nice for strolling, but for dining, it is the most expensive and worst address in the city. A few side streets away, you can find food twice as good for half the price. Locals consistently avoid Váci utca for dining.
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