Currency and Exchange
The Hungarian currency is the Forint (Ft, HUF).
Prices, such as hotel rates, sightseeing tours, etc. are often quoted in Euros. Many businesses, even including some select supermarkets accept Euros. Don’t forget to check their exchange rates, as you might be better off exchanging your currency first and paying in Forints.
Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, shops and restaurants. Currency exchange kiosks located in tourist areas or shopping malls offer the best exchange rates. Currency exchange is also available at banks at a surcharge. ATMs dispense Hungarian currency at your bank’s daily exchange rate, however, you may be charged a foreign fee on top of the service fees.
Climate
Protected from the Siberian cold by the Carpathian mountains, Budapest has a temperate continental climate. The days are pleasant from June to August. Budapest is one of the sunniest cities in Europe. In the summer, the waters of Lake Balaton can reach 25°C / 77°F!
June in Budapest, can get quite hot during the daytime. However, there can be a lot of rain during this month as well. The average daytime high temperature is 24°C / 75°F, while the average night time low is a comfortable 14°C / 57°F. Both the average day and night temperatures tend to increase in the course of the month.
Language
The official language is Hungarian. English is moderately spoken.
Travelling between the airport and Budapest
The Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport is located about 20 kilometres southeast of downtown Budapest.
By car:
Access by Highway 4 and the M0 and M5 motorways, count on about 20 minutes to reach the city centre. There are five car parks at the airport, including two long-term lots. Count 1,200 HUF per hour and 7,000 for the day.
Bus/Metro:
Bus 200 E takes you from Terminal 2A and Terminal 2B to the subway station (line M3: Kőbánya-Kispest) for 350 HUF.
Train:
The train near the airport can be reached via the 200 E bus. You will arrive at the Western Train Station (Nyugati Pályaudvar) in just a few minutes.
Taxi:
Főtaxi is the official airport taxi company. The fare to the city centre costs approximately 6 500 HUF and will take roughly 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic.
Services:
Bars and restaurants, shops, free wifi, left-luggage desk.
Telephone: +36 (1) 296 7000
Website: http://www.bud.hu/english
Getting around Budapest
The public transport network is dense in Budapest. Metros, trams and buses have the advantage of being rapid and inexpensive.
Car:
Vehicles drive on the right side of the road. Speed limits are posted in kilometres-per-hour, with 50kph being the maximum speed within towns and cities (except in marked zones). Most foreign motorists are allowed on the road with a valid driver’s license from their home country during visits to Hungary.
Car parks are generally very full. The cost of parking varies from 120 to 430 HUF, depending on the neighbourhood.
Bus:
The bus network is excellent, with variable frequencies depending on the bus line (from 15 to 90 minutes). The main lines also have night buses.
You can buy bus tickets at metro stations, newspaper kiosks and tourist offices. Count on spending about 350 HUF one way. Tickets sold in the bus are more expensive (450 HUF).
Trolleybus:
There are 15 Trolleybus lines in the city. The lines 78 and 79 are particularly interesting for tourists in the centre of Budapest.
Tramway:
Budapest has 30 tramway lines.
Very practical, the yellow tramways run regularly. The tramway uses the same tickets as the buses (350 HUF).
Metro:
There are four metro lines that run from 4 a.m. to 11:15 p.m. (350 HUF).
Taxi:
The yellow official taxis in the city have a base fare of 450 HUF plus 280 HUF per kilometre. This rate is the same day or night.
Train:
The HEV train connects Budapest to the metropolitan areas. There are 4 lines in service from 4 a.m. to midnight with a frequency of every 5 to 10 minutes. The price of one ticket is 350 HUF.
Electric Current
European type 2 pin sockets with 220 – 240 Volts and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Health Requirements and Medical Care
There are no vaccination requirements for Budapest, but the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends travelers be covered for diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella and polio, regardless of their destination.
Tap water in Budapest is safe to drink.
Foreigners are entitled to first-aid and ambulance services only when they have suffered an accident; follow up treatment and medicine must be paid for. For a public ambulance, free-call 104 or +36 1 350 0388.
Smoking
Smoking is forbidden by law in public transportation, and in closed public areas.
Tipping
Sit-down eateries: 10-15% (as befitting service) but be mindful of “szervízdíj” (service charge) which is often already added to the bill. No need to add a second tip in the latter case.
Give 500 Ft to a bellhop carrying luggage from the lobby to the room or back.
Taxis: 5-10% of the total fare, or round up by about 100-200 forints for a typical ride of ten minutes or less.
Sales Tax
Sales tax (VAT) is included in prices quoted. For non E.U. residents, tax free shopping schemes are available in many shops, which give substantial savings to visitors.
Security
Violent crime is relatively rare in Budapest, though petty theft is rampant, especially aimed at tourists. Pick pocketing and bicycle theft are common. Travellers should use caution and common sense when on crowded trams or in tourist-heavy areas.
Visitor Information
Once you arrive in Budapest, don’t hesitate to be in touch with tourism professionals for information and help in organising your stay.
Tourism Office of Budapest
Adress: Bartók Béla út 105-113 1518 Budapest, Pf. 141
Telephone: +36 (1) 266 0479
Website: http://budapestinfo.hu/en/
Tourism information sites:
Adress: Sütő u. 2. (Deák Square)
1052 Budapest
Opening hours: From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Adress: Olof Palme sétány 5. (in the City Park Ice Rink building)
1146 Budapest
Opening hours: From 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Adress: Budapest Franz Liszt International Airport
Terminal 2A and Terminal 2B
Opening hours: From 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
