Travel Essentials

Hungary: What To Know Before You Go

Q: What is the emergency number in Hungary?

One number for everything: 112, Police: 107, Ambulance: 104, Fire: 105

Plugs: Types C and F, 230 V. Emergency: One number for everything 112, Police 107, Ambulance 104, Fire 105. Tipping: 10-15% is expected in restaurants unless a service charge is already added. Tap water: Generally safe to drink tap water.

Open The Hungary Trip Kit

Plugs And Power

Types C and F, 230 V

Emergency Numbers

One number for everything	112
Police	107
Ambulance	104
Fire	105

Checked 13 Oct 2026 against the official page: travel.gc.ca

Tipping

10-15% is expected in restaurants unless a service charge is already added.

Water And Health

Tap water: Generally safe to drink tap water
Vaccines: Routine vaccines; hepatitis A; hepatitis B for unvaccinated travelers under 60; tick-borne encephalitis for extensive tick exposure
Malaria: None

Checked 13 Oct 2026 against the official page: wwwnc.cdc.gov

Apps To Download Before You Go

Bolt: The most-used ride-hailing app in Budapest, with regulated fixed taxi rates.
BudapestGO: The official BKK app for Budapest metro, tram and bus tickets and route planning.
MÁV: Hungarian Railways' app for national train tickets and timetables.
Simple: A Hungarian app for parking, motorway vignettes and mobile payments.
Főtaxi: A long-established Budapest taxi company with its own booking app.
MOL Bubi: Budapest's public bike-share system, cheap for short rides along the Danube.
Wolt: The leading food delivery app in Hungarian cities.
Foodora: The other major delivery app for restaurants and groceries.

Customs And Etiquette

Greetings. A firm handshake with eye contact is standard; Hungarians tend to be reserved with strangers initially but warm up once acquainted.

Toasting. Traditionally, Hungarians don't clink beer glasses when toasting (a custom dating to 1848); it's polite to be aware of this, though it's relaxed today.

Punctuality. Being on time for appointments and reservations is expected and appreciated.

Safety And Scams

Hungary is very safe for tourists; violent crime is low, with petty theft (pickpocketing) in crowded tourist areas like Budapest's metro and thermal baths being the main concern.

Overpriced bars/hostess scam. Friendly strangers invite tourists (often men) to a bar that then presents a hugely inflated bill; avoid bars suggested by strangers on the street.

Taxi overcharging. Unlicensed taxis, especially near the airport or tourist sites, may overcharge; use official taxi apps or licensed yellow cabs with visible pricing.

Currency exchange tricks. Some exchange booths advertise great rates but charge high commissions or short-change customers; use reputable banks or ATMs.

Women travelers. Generally safe; normal nightlife precautions apply, and harassment is uncommon in tourist areas.

LGBTQ+ Travelers

Legal · Use Caution

Same-sex partnerships (not marriage) have been legal since 2009; a 2025 law restricting Pride events was struck down by the EU's top court in April 2026 and Pride now proceeds, but a 2021 law limiting LGBTQ+ content aimed at minors remains on the books pending repeal, so social attitudes and enforcement can vary.

What Things Cost

Coffee (café)	HUF 900	$2.90
Local bus or metro ride	HUF 450	$1.45
Mid-range restaurant meal	HUF 6,500	$21
Hostel bed / budget room (night)	HUF 8,500	$27
Mid-range hotel (night)	HUF 35,000	$113
Daily budget, mid-range traveler	HUF 35,000	$113

2026-09

Best Time To Visit

Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) offer mild weather and lower prices; summer (June-August) is warm and busy, especially during the Sziget festival, while winter is cold but has festive Christmas markets.

Do You Need A Visa?

Hungary visa requirements by nationality

Phrases

Basic Hungarian phrases

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