- Destinations
- Europe
- Hungary
Hungary
Hungary's location in the centre of Europe along with its
hospitable attitude makes it one of the best places from which to
embark on an Eastern European journey. It is both European and
distinctly Hungarian, incorporating a mixture of history and the
present-day. The country proudly upholds its traditions, culture
and arts, but is attentive to what is new and fashionable in the
outside world.
A small landlocked country sharing its borders with seven
neighbouring countries, travellers to Hungary should note that it
was originally inhabited by the Magyars, an equestrian nomadic
tribe. They were eventually converted to Christianity and in the
year 1000 their Prince Stephen was crowned the nation's first
ruler. Since then Hungary has seen numerous dynastic changes, from
Turkish occupation to the era of Communism, and today quaint little
towns, cities and ruins in the countryside bear the marks of this
turbulent history with a rich mosaic of architectural styles and
fortified hilltop castles. The Hungarian people, neither Slavic nor
Germanic, are formal, reserved and intensely proud of their ancient
nation and its cosmopolitan capital, Budapest.
Most visitors arrive in Budapest, situated on a lovely stretch
of the Danube, the river that invokes feelings of romantic
enchantment and musical memories. It is a city of culture and of
astounding beauty and grace, and visitors are drawn to its
enchanting magnetism. Outside of the capital the plains, rolling
hills and rivers, lakes and vineyards hold much to offer the
visitor. The Baroque town and fine wines of Eger, historical
riverside villages along the Danube Bend, commanding fortresses,
castles and palaces, the resort-lined Lake Balaton and the thermal
spas and volcanically heated lake at Hévíz are just some of the
country's many highlights awaiting discovery.
Information & Facts
Attraction Overview
Hungary is one of Europe's most fascinating countries and offers
a wealth of sight seeing and attractions to meet just about every
tourist's needs. Explore Budapest, one of the world's most
beautiful cities, marvel at the architecture, enjoy the renowned
operatic and music events and experience the romance of the Danube
River and Budapest's famed spa baths. Visit Hévíz and soak in the
world's second largest thermal lake, Gyógytó, visit Momento Park,
one of the world's most bizarre attractions, where hundreds of
giant figures were banished at the end of the Communist era; take a
trip to Szentendre for a spot of shopping, and visit the old
university town of Keszthely to enjoy the quaint streets lined with
trees, trendy cafés and busy markets. The best season to visit
Hungary is in the summer between April and September, when the days
are long and the weather warm. Most towns and cities in Hungary
have reliable and affordable public transport but the best way to
see the country is to hire a car and experience it all for
yourself!
Business
A handshake is the standard form of greeting when doing business
in Hungary and in mixed company it is usually women who initiate.
Conservative suits and ties are standard business dress and
business people should be addressed by their title and surname.
Business cards are often exchanged; Hungarians usually list their
surnames first. It is useful to have a local representative when
doing business in Hungary who can set up meetings and act as an
interpreter. It is important to invest time on building
relationships; socialising is a key element of this and
face-to-face meetings are vital. Punctuality is vital to all
occasions, and cancelling a meeting at the last minute may be
detrimental to a business relationship. Due to the communist legacy
there is an aversion to risk and plenty of red tape and therefore
negotiations can be slow-moving and patience is required. Although
Hungary remains male-orientated, being female is not a disadvantage
to doing business. Business hours are usually from 8am to 4pm
Monday to Friday, though summer hours tend to be shorter.
Climate
Hungary's climate is mild and it is best visited over the summer
period, when the weather is warmer and the attractions are all
open. The weather in spring and autumn can be very pleasant, but
temperatures drop to around 20°F (9°C). Over winter temperatures
approach freezing. Some rain can be expected throughout the
year.
Communications
The international access code for Hungary is +36. The outgoing
code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g., 0044 for
the United Kingdom). City/area codes are in use, e.g., (0)1 for
Budapest. There are often high surcharges on calls made from
hotels; it is cheaper to use public telephone boxes or calling
cards. Local directory assistance is available by dialling 198, and
international directory assistance is 199; callers may have to hold
for a few moments, but English-speaking operators are available.
The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming
agreements with most international operators. Internet cafes are
available in the main towns.
Customs
All travellers to Hungary must carry official identification at
all times; photocopies are not acceptable.
Duty Free
Travellers to Hungary with goods purchased in the EU for
personal use do not have to pay customs duty on 3200 cigarettes, or
400 cigarillos, or 200 cigars, or 3kg of smoking tobacco; 10 litres
of spirits; 110 litres of beer; 20 litres of fortified wine, such
as sherry or port; and 90 litres of wine. Travellers arriving from
non-EU countries do not have to pay customs duty on 200 cigarettes,
or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g of smoking tobacco, or a
proportional mix of these. Alcohol allowances (for passengers over
17 years) include 1 litre of spirits and 2 litres of wine; perfume
up to 50g and 250ml eau de toilette; and other goods for personal
consumption to the value of EUR175 per adult or EUR90 for children
under 15 years. Prohibited items include fresh meat and dairy
products.
Electricity
Electrical current is 230 volts, 50 Hz. European-style
two-pin plugs are standard.
Getting Around
Most of Hungary's larger towns and cities have efficient and
reliable public transport. However, hiring a car is definitely the
way to get the most out of a trip to Hungary. Travellers are
advised to be wary of crowded buses as there have been incidents of
pick-pocketing.
Health
No vaccinations are required for travel to Hungary and standards
of public health are good, but a hepatitis A vaccination is
recommended for all travellers. Tap water is safe to drink and food
poisoning is not considered a high risk, although visitors are
recommended to vaccinate against typhoid, unless on a short stay
and only eating at major hotels and restaurants. Travellers
intending on visiting forested, grassy, lakeside or rural areas in
spring and summer should consider a tick-borne encephalitis
vaccine. A reciprocal health agreement with countries of the EU
provides nationals with free emergency health care on presentation
of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). All towns have
pharmacies, but anyone requiring specific medication should bring a
supply with them as most medicines are of Eastern European origin.
Health insurance is recommended.
Language
Hungarian (Magyar) is the official language, but German
is widely spoken, especially in the areas close to the Austrian
border. English is spoken in tourist areas and most
hotels.
Money
Even though Hungary is part of the EU it does not use the Euro;
the official currency is the Hungarian Forint (HUF). Travellers
cheques are not widely favoured. Credit cards most accepted in the
country are AMEX, Diners Club, EnRoute, Euro/Mastercard, JCB and
Visa, and these can be used to withdraw cash from banks and ATMs
and to pay bills in hotels, restaurants and most shops. Banks
usually open between 8am and 4pm on weekdays and some are open on
Saturdays. ATMs and currency exchange machines are available in
towns and cities throughout the country. It is advisable to retain
exchange receipts for proof of legal currency exchange.
Passport Visa
The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the
following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark,
Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy,
Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and
Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa
that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to
travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned
countries. All visitors to Hungary, other than EEA members, should
ensure that their passports are valid for at least six months
beyond the expiry date of their visa. Foreign passengers must be in
possession of a return/onward ticket (or sufficient funds to buy
one), and the necessary travel documentation for their next
destination. Additionally, visitors must hold the equivalent of HUF
1, 000 per day of stay, in hard currency, although the following
documents are also accepted: a major credit card, a letter of
invitation, proof of accommodation (reserved and paid for), or a
document authorising the visitor to withdraw cash from a bank in
Hungary. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at
least six months validity remaining after your intended date of
departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often
apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official
sources.
Safety
Most visits to Hungary are trouble-free, but normal precautions
against petty crime should be taken. Pick pocketing and bag
snatching are common in Budapest, especially on crowded public
transport and other places frequented by tourists. Some bars, clubs
and restaurants in Budapest charge outrageous prices by means of
scams that target foreigners in particular. Be cautious of
invitations off the street to dine in certain establishments or of
recommendations by taxi drivers who are often in on the scam. All
political demonstrations should be avoided, as they have led to
violence in the past.
Tipping
Taxi drivers and waiters expect a tip of 10 to 15% in Hungary.
Waiters should be handed the cash, rather than have it left on the
table. Most people in the service industry expect to be tipped
about 10 to 15%.