Travel tips and valuable information for Hungary

[Dayna Stephens]

For those of you interested in visiting this Eastern European country but unsure where to start, we've compiled a list of our Top Travel Tips. While there, you'll discover stuff like which plug types you'll require, typical dishes to avoid, and how good the WiFi is. Cars-scanner.com has the most affordable car rental deals in Budapest.

Negotiation is it allowed in Hungary?
This means that visitors to Hungary will have a tough time finding a store that will take payment other than the price listed on the goods. Customers who buy a number of items from a market vendor may occasionally barter for a discount, but that's about it.

Is Hungary a safe destination for female tourists traveling alone?
The ease with which you may travel across Hungary as a single female traveler will surprise you. Foreign women in Hungary get roughly the same amount of attention that domestic women do. A simple 'no' will do the trick if you're the target of catcalling or other unwelcome attention. Afraid to go out alone at night in rural areas? Watch what you drink while you're out, even if the country seems safe.

How much duty-free shopping can I do in Hungary?
The European Union includes Hungary. Visitors from the UK can take advantage of tax-free fragrance, skincare, and cosmetics while they are in the United States. Certain wines and distilled beverages, as well as fashion items and souvenirs, have tax-free alternatives.

If you're coming from within the EU, there are no restrictions on what you can bring into the country. It's legal to import products for commercial reasons from another country. The following guideline quantities are used to determine whether or not commercially imported items are subject to duty:
800 cigarettes can be replaced with 400 cigarillos, 200 cigars, or 1 kilogram of tobacco.

A total of 10 liters of spirits (including up to 60 liters of sparkling wine) and 110 liters of beer can be consumed by one individual.

Items from non-EU countries may be brought into Hungary duty-free by passengers over the age of 17:
150 cigarette or 250g of tobacco; 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars; or 200 cigarettes (if arriving by air)
You can smoke 40 cigarettes, 20 cigarillos, 10 cigars, or 50 grams of tobacco (if arriving by other means) an amount equal to four liters of wine, beer, or spirits over 22%, or two liters of each of these alcoholic beverages under 22%
Additionally, travelers may carry up to €430 (for flying passengers) or €300 worth of extra luggage (for non-air passengers)
Hungary forbids the following types of imports: Meat, milk, and potted or rooted plants imported from outside the EU. Pornography, drugs, and illicit weapons are all common in the neighborhood.

What is the official currency of Hungary?
Hungary's official currency is the forint.
Local banks and bureaux de change can exchange money for Euros, British Pounds, US Dollars, and other major currencies before traveling. Visa and Mastercard are accepted as payment options by the vast majority of large hotels, restaurants, and retail establishments. Because ATMs aren't as common outside of large cities, you'll want to have cash when you go shopping or sightseeing.
Traveler's Cheques should be avoided since they are difficult to exchange and expensive.

In Hungary, how much does something cost?
Most of Europe's mid-range hotels start at around $30 per night while the cost of a dorm bed is as low as $7 in Hungary. There are street markets all around the world where you can pick up excellent and substantial meals for less than US $5. The average cost of a decent lunch in the United States is around 10 dollars. Taxis in the city cost between USD $5 and $10 for a 20-minute ride, while public transit is significantly less expensive and more efficient.

Why do I need a different adapter for Hungary?
Electricity is often supplied by two power sources: 230 volts and 50 cycles per second (Hz) (rpm). Most primary sockets accept European plugs, which have two circular pins. When traveling, it's a good idea to have a universal travel adaptor. You'll need a voltage converter and a plug adaptor to operate U.S. appliances.

Is free WiFi readily available in Hungary?
Nearly all hotels, restaurants, cafés, bars, and shopping malls offer free and fast WiFi.

Are you certain you're not referring to the local time?
Hungary and Greenwich Mean Time vary by one hour (GMT). From the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October, Hungary observes Daylight Saving Time, which puts it 2 hours ahead of GMT.