Budapest is generally safe, but it is a big city so rip-off, especially for tourists, is always around the corner. Here are some tips that can save you money.

1- MONEY EXCHANGE

The Hungarian currency is the forint (HUF). On your arrival you will need to change your money into the local one. Some places accept payments in Euro as well, but the exchange rate is not favorable. We recommend to always pay in HUF.

Exchange rate: it varies. Here you can find the official exchange rate: today’s exchange rate.

Where not to exchange money: at the airport, train stations and in the most central streets (Vaci utca for example) as the exchange rate is not convenient. Do not change your money on the street, illegally: the scam is around the corner. On your arrival at the airport pay by card, then change your money in the city centre: you will find a more convenient rate!

Where to change money: The best thing is to have a walk around and check the exchange rate of 3-4 exchange offices and then decide which one to go to. Many exchange offices also charge a commission so ask about it before changing. If you are at the airport and you need to change some money, just change a small amount, only for the first needs: once in the city you will find a better rate! Here it is an up-to-date list of exchange offices in the city. [One of Budapest’s best exchange offices is the Gold Change in front of the Hotel Boscolo near the Blaha Lujza metro station. Address:  Erzsébet  krt.8]

2- USE THE ATM

ATMs to avoid: Do not use the ATM with the EUR-HUF logo on a blue background, or with the large ATM sign. Those ATMs are everywhere in the most popular streets, inside pubs or restaurants. They are ATMs with an extremely unfavorable exchange rate and/or high commissions.

ATMs to use: The ATMs of regular banks. The exchange rate and commission will depend on the bank. Before leaving for Budapest, ask your bank what the costs and conditions are for cash withdrawal and for using your card in Hungary.

3- TAXI

There are plenty of taxis in Budapest. However, you have to be careful because sometimes taxi drivers try to take advantage of people, especially if they are foreigners and do not know the city. There’s a risk that that you will be charged a higher fee or that your ride will be longer than normal.

In Budapest there is a single taxi fare. All taxis (except luxury ones) have this fare: 700 HUF initial fare, plus 300 forints per km and 75 forints per minute of waiting. From the airport to the center the fare is about 25/30 euros. It will probably be difficult for you to check the route as you don’t know the city.

Tip: Download the BOLT application. With this app you can call taxis and know the price in advance.

4- PUBLIC TRANSPORT

In Budapest, public transport works very well and prices are convenient, especially if you buy a pass for some days: we recommend you to do so.

Please note that single-way tickets are only valid for a single uninterrupted trip without transfer. Each ticket must be validated on board or at the metro entrance. If you need to change mean of transport you need to use a new ticket! Always keep your tickets until the end of the ride because a control check can happen at any time. Tickets must be validated!

On Metro: The ticket must be validated before entering the metro. With a single-way ticket you can change the subway line.

Ticket inspectors: they are particularly strict with foreigners who do not have the right tickets.

Warning: sometimes there are people selling tickets near the ticket machines. Don’t buy public transport tickets from these people. They sell counterfeit tickets and if there is an inspection you will have to pay the fine. Buy public transport tickets in authorised places only or from our tour guides.

5- TICKET INSPECTORS

Ticket inspection can take place at any time on public transport or in metro stations. Inspectors, unfortunately, have the reputation of being rude and often don’t speak English. The inspectors often operate in plainclothes and only have a band of color. They are very strict and in case you travel with an irregular ticket you will have to pay a fee of 8000 HUF immediately and cash. In case you refuse they will call the police. After the payment of the fine you will get a receipt. We strongly recommend that you pay attention to the correct purchase of tickets/passes.

6- VACI STREET

It is a beautiful pedestrian street in the city centre, with many shops and restaurants. It is also the most expensive street in Hungary, be aware that everything you buy (souvenirs, food or money exchange) is not very convenient. Check the prices carefully before making purchases. In the evening it can happen to incur into scams. The most recurring scam: girls stop a tourist in the street asking for some information and after some chatting invite the tourist for a drink in a brewery. The pub they take the tourist to has sky-high prices, the tourist will pay a very salty bill and if he refuses to pay the bouncers will come.

7- CAR

Highway: Before entering the Hungarian highway, you have to buy a vignette. You can buy it on the internet or in the enabled petrol stations.

Parking: most of Budapest’s car parks are pay and display on weekdays. Always buy the parking ticket because inspections are frequent and clamp/boot can be put on your wheel! Usually on Saturdays and Sundays you do not need to pay for public parking, but in Hungary some Saturdays are considered as working days. It is usually the Saturday  following a bridge day or holidays. Find out more on the internet or check on the pay and display machine, if there is such information.

Traffic warden: beware of the way of parking, Hungarian traffic warden are particularly strict, the tow truck might take your car away if you park less than 5 meters from the pedestrian crossing or near an intersection.

8-SAFETY

Budapest is generally very safe, much safer on average than many other European cities of this size. It is not dangerous to go alone at night in any area of the center.  However, as in all big cities, you should pay attention in crowded places to avoid possible theft. In recent years, the Jewish quarter has become the “party district” and in the evening it is usual to find drunk young people. As it is a very busy district in the evening, it is easy to find here people offering for sale illegal drugs or various items: avoid them to avoid getting into troubles!

9- PARLIAMENT TICKETS 

The official prices of the Hungarian Parliament tickets are:

EU citizens:  Adults 3,200 HUF, Under 24 years 1,600 HUF

Non-EU citizens: Adults 6,400 HUF, Under 24 years 3,200 HUF

The official website is : www.jegymester.hu.  Some websites seem to be official, but they sell tickets for a much higher price. Be careful.

 

 

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