Essentials
Good to know
The practical basics for a smooth trip to Hungary.
For guidance112
Emergency number
112 is the general European emergency number and works in Hungary.
Emergency
- Pharmacies are marked “Gyógyszertár” or “Patika”; larger cities have on-duty pharmacies at night.
- Keep your passport or ID card with you; officials may ask to see it.
Money
- The currency is the Hungarian forint (HUF, Ft). Hungary does not use the euro.
- Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted; keep some cash for markets and small shops.
- When a card machine or ATM offers to charge in your home currency, choosing HUF usually avoids a poor conversion rate.
- Avoid street money changers.
Tipping
- Tipping is customary in restaurants and for taxis.
- Check whether a service charge (szervízdíj) is already on the bill.
- You can tell the server the total you want to pay including tip, rather than leaving coins on the table.
Getting around
- Budapest has metro, trams, buses and trolleybuses run by BKK.
- Intercity trains and long-distance buses are run mainly by the state MÁV group (which includes Volánbusz).
- Validate paper tickets before travel where required; inspectors do check.
- Driving on motorways requires an electronic vignette (e-matrica).
- Always check the operator for current routes, timetables and fares.
Check official sources
Language
- Hungarian (magyar) is unrelated to its neighbours' languages. English is common in tourist areas and among younger people.
- Hello: Szia (SEE-ya, informal) · Jó napot (yoh NA-pot, polite)
- Thank you: Köszönöm (KUR-sur-num)
- Please: Kérem (KAY-rem)
- Excuse me: Elnézést (EL-nay-zaysht)
- Hungarian names are written family name first: Nagy János = John Nagy.
Entry & documents
- Hungary is part of the EU and the Schengen Area.
- Entry rules depend on your nationality and can change — check official EU and Hungarian government sources before you travel.
Check official sources
Power & plugs
- Hungary uses 230 V with Type C and Type F (Schuko) plugs, the same as most of continental Europe.
Water
- Tap water is generally safe to drink.
- Thermal water in baths is for bathing only unless a drinking fountain is clearly marked.
Time & seasons
- Hungary is on Central European Time (CET, UTC+1) with summer time (CEST, UTC+2).
- Summers are warm to hot; winters are cold, often with frost. Spring and early autumn are pleasant for sightseeing.
- Opening times on Sundays and public holidays can be shorter or different — check ahead.