Organize your stay Budapest
Money Budapest
Hungary has no plans to adopt the euro. Payment is made in forint, symbolized by Ft (national abbreviation) or HUF (ISO code). Coins of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100, 200 Ft. 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000 and 20,000 Ft bills.
A few establishments accept euros (exchange rate rarely attractive).
Exchange rates (June 2022):
1 € = 371 Ft; 1,000 Ft = 2.70 €
Banks are generally open Monday to Thursday from 8am to 4pm, Friday from 8am to 2pm. Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Euros are often accepted in tourist areas, but not always. Changing money on the street is forbidden by Hungarian law and has effectively disappeared. Bank exchange rates are not very advantageous. Don't change money at the airport: rates are prohibitive (cabs and transport ticket machines take CBs).
In Budapest, there are a large number of exchange offices on the main boulevard (Erzsébet boulevard: from Blaha Lujza to Oktogon, on Teréz körút - up to Nyugati pályaudvar and beyond), towards Déak Ferenc tér and Ferenciek tere. However, exchange fees can be multiplied by five from one exchange office to another (these fees are often already included in the posted exchange rate). The same applies in France.
You can also opt for a bank card. For card payments and withdrawals, the exchange rate used for operations is generally more attractive than the rates charged by exchange offices (don't choose the "advantageous" rate offered by certain Hungarian distributors, opt for the forint option and your bank will convert, at a better price. Bank charges are added to this rate).
Budget & Tips Budapest
Budapest is an inexpensive city. Entrance fees and services are moderate (museums, shows, concerts and baths can all weigh heavily on the budget). Beware of the bill in luxury restaurants, which can easily rise. All these services remain expensive for most of the population, with an average salary of around €600 per month in Budapest. For the visitor, it's accommodation that's the most expensive, even if, out of season, you can get by with a bed in a hostel for €12. There's a plethora of accommodation on Airbnb and other platforms at €12 per person for a small room (double that in high season), but here as elsewhere, unscrupulous short-term rentals have consequences for the vitality of the area and access to housing for locals.
To give an idea of a small, detailed budget per day for one person, you need to allow 4,500 Ft for two meals in a restaurant (small canteen), 7,000 Ft for one night's accommodation and 4,000 Ft for visits and transport, i.e. 15,500 Ft per day.
For a medium budget, allow 12,000 Ft for two meals in a restaurant, 20,000 Ft for one night's accommodation and 5,000 Ft for sightseeing and transport, i.e. 37,000 Ft per day.
For a large budget, allow 20,000 Ft for two meals out, 50,000 Ft for one night's accommodation and 6,000 Ft for sightseeing and transport, i.e. 76,000 Ft per day.
Passport and visas Budapest
European Union nationals wishing to visit Hungary for stays of less than 90 days do not need a visa, nor do Canadians. A valid EU identity card or passport is all you need. Always take photocopies in case of loss or theft, to make the process easier. For stays of more than 90 days, you will need to apply to the Hungarian authorities for a residence permit. In the event of a problem, and to guarantee the safety of French nationals traveling abroad, a French government service called Ariane has been set up to keep you informed of any potential dangers.
Driver's license Budapest
European driving licences are recognized in Hungary. Those over 21 years old can rent a car there.
Health Budapest
You're not gambling with your life when you go to Budapest. If you're a European citizen, remember to ask your social security office for a European Health Insurance Card before you leave, so you don't have to pay in advance.
Mandatory vaccination Budapest
No vaccine is mandatory. However, it is recommended that you get vaccinated against the flu during the transmission period, and against tick-borne encephalitis if you plan to go into the woods (effectiveness of the vaccine is disputed). Also check if you are up to date with your DT-polio vaccines, etc. 24-hour duty pharmacy (it's the small window on the left) in Pest: Teréz Patika, Teréz krt. 41 +36 1 3 114 439.
Security Budapest
Delinquency is low in Hungary and brawls are infrequent.
Time difference Budapest
Hungary is on the same time zone as France, Belgium or Switzerland (GMT + 1). Winter time is used there (time change at the same time as in France). This means that in winter, at 4:30 pm, it is already dark.
Spoken languages Budapest
In Hungary, we speak... Hungarian! It is a difficult language that is not related to any other in Central Europe. Hungarians in their forties and older often speak German and sometimes a little Russian, and more rarely English. The younger generation speaks English rather well, as it is compulsory at school. As for French, it is not very widespread, but you could be in for a pleasant surprise! In Budapest and the surrounding area, you will generally have no trouble making yourself understood; it is sometimes more difficult in the provinces. In Budapest there are several language schools to learn Hungarian, including Fungarian, which offers fun guided tours of Budapest.
Communication Budapest
Foreign SIM cards work without a hitch in Hungary (4 G). Normally, since the abolition of roaming costs within the EU, whether in your home country or in Hungary, your calls are included in your package if you have a cell phone package from an EU operator. It is also possible to buy a cell phone with a Hungarian SIM card (9,000 Ft in total for the lower end). Always check with your operator. A Hungarian prepaid SIM card(feltöltőkártyás) costs around 1,000 Ft to buy, and some formulas include data for a smartphone. It can be purchased in operator stores. In theory, you need to be resident in Hungary to obtain one, but if the salesperson is complaisant (it's best to advise shopping centers), it'll be no problem. You need to show proof of identity. You can top up your credit (at least 3,000 Ft) by credit card at ATMs, by card at kiosks or from supermarket cashiers, or on the Internet.
Electricity and measurements Budapest
Hungary uses exclusively the metric system. The same voltage (220 volts) and the same type of plugs as in continental Europe (France, Belgium, but adapters are needed for Switzerland).
Luggage Budapest
The climate in Budapest is continental, with harsh winters and hot, sometimes very hot, summers. It doesn't rain much except in mid-season, and it snows a little in winter. But it's better to take a light raincoat even in summer, you never know. Summer evenings are not particularly cool, but a vest may be welcome, especially on the banks of the Danube. Don't forget mosquito repellent for trips to the countryside, or even Buda. Take your bathing gear and flip-flops with you whatever the season (for bathing). No dress code when going out, except in certain nightclubs (jeans forbidden, etc.).
