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Good to Know

Climate & Weather

Hungary experiences a continental climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mildly cold, snowy winters. The country has four distinct seasons: winter (December–February), spring (March–May), summer (June–August), and autumn (September–November).

The average annual temperature is 9.7 °C (49.5 °F). During summer, high temperatures range from 23 to 28 °C (73 to 82 °F), but on the hottest days in July and August, temperatures can exceed 35 °C (95 °F). In winter, low temperatures range from −3 to −7 °C (27 to 19 °F), with occasional drops below −10 °C (14 °F) on the coldest days.

The warmest period typically lasts from May to September.

Currency & Payments

The official currency is the Hungarian Forint (HUF), but many places accept Euros (at a poor exchange rate). Coins are HUF 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200. Denominations of banknotes are HUF 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000 and 20,000.

Credit/debit cards are widely accepted, but it's good to carry some cash for small shops and markets. ATMs are easily available, but avoid Euronet ATMs as they charge high fees.

Costs

Groceries:

  • 1 kg loaf of bread: 600–800 HUF
  • 1 litre of milk: 400–700 HUF
  • 1 bottle of beer: 300–400 HUF
  • 1 bottle of table wine: 1,000–5,000 HUF

Dining:

  • Meal in a mid-range restaurant: 5,000–8,000 HUF
  • Meal in a fast-food restaurant: 2,700–4,000 HUF

Utilities and Services:

  • Cinema ticket: 2,500 HUF
  • Museum entry fee: 2,000–4,000 HUF
  • Swimming pool entry fee: 4,500–9,500 HUF

Note: The exchange rate used is approximately 1 EUR = 401 HUF.

Language

The official language is Hungarian, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Basic Hungarian phrases:

  • “Hello” = Szia (see-ya) (informal) / Jó napot! (yo na-pot) (formal)
  • “Goodbye” = Viszlát! (vees-lat)
  • “Thank you” = Köszönöm (kuh-suh-nuhm)
  • “You're welcome” = Szívesen (see-ve-shen)
  • “Please” = Kérem (kay-rem)
  • “Excuse me / Sorry” = Elnézést (el-nay-zesht)
  • “Yes” = Igen (ee-gen)
  • “No” = Nem (nem)
  • “How much does it cost?” = Mennyibe kerül? (men-yee-be keh-rul)
  • “Where is...?” = Hol van...? (hol van...)
  • “I don't understand” = Nem értem (nem air-tem)
  • “Do you speak English?” = Beszél angolul? (be-sayl an-go-lul?)
  • “Cheers!” = Egészségedre! (egg-esh-she-ge-dre)

Time zone

Winter: UTC+1 (CET)
Summer (DST): UTC+2 (CEST)

Emergency numbers

  • Fire service: 105
  • Ambulance: 104
  • Police: 107
  • Tourist Police: 06-1-438-8080

Electricity

The types of standard power plugs and sockets are marked with 13 letters worldwide. In Hungary, the types C (Europlug) and F are used.

The electric current in Hungary is 230 V and 50 Hz.

Visa Information for Budapest, Hungary

Hungary is part of the Schengen Zone, meaning visa requirements depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit.

Who Needs a Visa?

  • EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens – No visa required; can stay indefinitely with valid ID/passport.
  • Visa-Free Countries (e.g., USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, etc.) – No visa required for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
  • Non-Schengen Countries – Most other nationalities require a Schengen Visa to enter Hungary.

Types of Visas

  1.  Schengen Visa (Short Stay – Up to 90 Days) – For tourism, business, or family visits.
  2.  Long-Stay Visa (Over 90 Days) – For work, study, or residence permits.
  3.  Transit Visa – Required if passing through Hungary to a non-Schengen country (exceptions apply).

Thermal Baths Etiquette

  • Bring your own towel, slippers, and swim cap (for some pools).
  • Some baths have gender-specific days (check before visiting).
  • Most famous baths: Széchenyi, Gellért, and Rudas.

Free Attractions & Activities

  • Heroes' Square & City Park
  • Fisherman’s Bastion (free except for upper towers)
  • St. Stephen’s Basilica (free, but small fee to climb the dome)
  • Walking along the Danube Promenade & Chain Bridge
  • Margaret Island

Unique Experiences

  • Take a Danube River Cruise at sunset.
  • Visit a Ruin Bar like Szimpla Kert.
  • Try Hungarian chimney cake (kürtőskalács) and goulash.
  • Ride the Buda Castle Funicular for a scenic trip.
  • Walk up Gellért Hill for the best panoramic views.

Traditional Hungarian Cuisine

Hungarian food is known for its generous use of paprika, rich meats, and comforting, home-style dishes.

Must try Hungarian dishes

Gulyás (Goulash) – A slow-cooked beef soup with paprika, potatoes, and vegetables.
Pörkölt & Paprikás – Meat stews, often made with beef, pork, or chicken, served with nokedli (dumplings). Lángos – Deep-fried dough topped with sour cream, cheese, and garlic.
Hortobágyi Palacsinta – Savory crepes stuffed with meat and topped with paprika sauce.
Töltött Káposzta – Cabbage rolls filled with minced pork, rice, and paprika, cooked in tomato sauce.
Halászlé (Fisherman’s Soup) – Spicy fish soup made with paprika and freshwater fish.

Street Food & Snacks

For a quick and delicious bite, try these street food favourites:

Kürtőskalács (Chimney Cake) – Sweet, spiral pastry coated with cinnamon, sugar, or nuts.
Kolbász & Hurka – Traditional Hungarian sausages, served grilled or smoked.
Pogácsa – Small, fluffy cheese biscuits, perfect as a snack.
Lecsó – Hungarian-style ratatouille with peppers, tomatoes, and onions.

Hungarian Desserts

Dobos Torta – Layered sponge cake with chocolate buttercream and a caramel top.
Somlói Galuska – A rich trifle with sponge cake, rum, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream.
Palacsinta – Hungarian crepes filled with jam, chocolate, or cottage cheese.
 
 
 
 
 


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