Welcome to Hungary 😊

Quick Facts About Hungary

Money and Finances

Hungarian Forint (HUF), coins in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200, and notes in denominations of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000 and 20,000

ATM Network

ATMs are readily available in major cities and tourist areas but may be limited in rural areas.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are generally accepted in Hungary, and Visa and Mastercard are the most widely used. American Express is less commonly accepted. Some smaller establishments may only accept cash so it is advisable to have some cash on hand.

Internet and Phones

In Hungary, the average download speed is around 62 Mbps, while the average upload speed is around 19 Mbps. The government does not actively censor the internet, but there have been concerns about media concentration and a lack of diversity in online news sources.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

There are three major telco companies in Hungary: Magyar Telekom, Vodafone Hungary, and Telenor Hungary. The average cost of a mobile phone plan can vary, but expect to pay around 9,000 HUF (about 32 USD) per month. There are no major sim compatibility issues in Hungary.

Dialling to Hungary

To call Hungary from another country, dial the international code (usually + or 00), followed by 36 (the country code for Hungary), and then the local number. When calling within Hungary, use the area code before the local number. The most common area codes include 1 for Budapest and 20-99 for other cities and regions.

Transport Around Hungary

Air Travel

Hungary has one major airport, the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, located in the capital city of Budapest. There are smaller airports in other cities such as Debrecen.

Train Travel

Hungary has an extensive inter-city train network, with connections to neighboring countries. Example ticket prices include 12,000 HUF (40 USD) for a one-way ticket from Budapest to Vienna, which takes around 2.5 hours.

Metro / Local Trains

Budapest has a metro system with four lines that run throughout the city.

Buses

Hungary also has a good network of inter-city buses with example ticket prices ranging from 2,500 HUF (8.5 USD) for a one-way ticket from Budapest to Szeged, which takes around 3.5 hours.

Rideshare

Rideshare companies such as Uber and Taxify are available in Hungary, with average prices ranging from 1000-5000 HUF (3-17 USD) depending on the distance of the trip.

Driving by Car

Driving in Hungary is relatively easy, with good roads and signage. The speed limit on highways is 130 km/h (80 mph) and 50 km/h (30 mph) in built-up areas. Hungary uses right hand drive.

Local Customs

In Hungary, tipping is common in restaurants, usually around 10% of the total bill. Locals commonly greet each other with a handshake or a kiss on both cheeks. Speaking with strangers is generally reserved and formal, with titles and surnames used in professional settings. Men and women generally address each other with formal titles unless a closer relationship has been established.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

The healthcare system in Hungary is a mixture of publicly funded and private healthcare. The government provides free or low-cost healthcare for Hungarian citizens and residents, with some out-of-pocket expenses for prescription drugs and specialist services. Private healthcare is also available for those who can afford it, with costs varying depending on the provider. A visit to a GP can cost around 10,000 to 15,000 HUF (30 to 45 USD) without insurance.

COVID Situation

Hungary has implemented strict measures to control the spread of COVID-19, including lockdowns and mandatory mask-wearing in public spaces. As of September 2021, the COVID-19 situation in Hungary is improving, with decreasing numbers of new infections and deaths.

Common Health Risks

The main health risks in Hungary are foodborne illnesses such as E. coli and salmonella, as well as tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease. Visitors to rural areas should take precautions against tick bites and avoid consuming raw or poorly cooked meat. Hepatitis A and B are also prevalent, so travelers should ensure they are vaccinated before visiting Hungary.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In Hungary, the legal drinking age is 18, and it is illegal to sell alcohol to someone under this age. There are no specific laws prohibiting public drinking; however, it is illegal to be drunk and disorderly in public places. Alcohol consumption is banned in some public spaces, including schools and hospitals.

Recreational Drugs

Recreational drug use in Hungary is illegal and punishable by law. The possession, distribution, and sale of illicit drugs such as cannabis, ecstasy, and cocaine are all prohibited and punishable by imprisonment. It's important to note that even soft drugs such as marijuana are strictly prohibited in Hungary.

Pre-Marital Relationships

There are no specific laws affecting pre-marital relationships in Hungary.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Same-sex sexual activity and relationships are legal in Hungary, but the country does not recognize same-sex marriages or civil partnerships. LGBTQ rights have been a contested issue in Hungary in recent years, with several measures passed by the government that limit the rights of LGBTQ individuals.

Firearms / Guns

Hungary has strict laws regarding firearms. Possessing firearms without a license is illegal, and licenses are only granted to individuals who pass a background check, provide a reason for owning a firearm, and undergo training. Gun ownership in Hungary is relatively low, and as of 2017, there were approximately 508,000 registered firearms in the country.