Hungary
“There are many memories along the Danube, and more yet to come.”
Explore
Budapest
Food
Activities
Budapest Hot Springs and Baths
Transportation
Autoturist – From Belgrade To Budapest
Getting In
- There are five international airports servicing Hungary: Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport; Debrecen International Airport; Hévíz-Balaton Airport; Győr-Pér International Airport; and Pécs-Pogány International Airport.
- There are numerous land border crossings with Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, and Croatia. Check here for more information.
- Hungary is a member of the EU and a part of the Schengen agreement. Visitors may enter visa free for up to 90 days.
Money
- Hungary is a moderately priced country. Various tourist activities can be high in cost, but overall is still significantly cheaper than western Europe.
- Hungary is a member of the EU but does not accept Euros € for the majority of transactions. However, the Forint (HUF) is the official currency. Expect to use Forint for everyday purchases.
- ATMs are readily available and reliable throughout.
- Visa credit cards are accepted at most major outlets and even some smaller markets and merchants.
$1USD = 260 Forint (HUF)
A mid-level meal costs $5.70
A 1 bed apartment will cost $490
Climate
- Hungary has a continental European climate. Warm dry summers and long cold winters.
- During the winter you can expect snow for at least some time. Dress for below 0C in the winter.
- The country is situated at a higher latitude than countries. Expect longer than usual days and nights during the summer and winter respectively.
History
Hungary has an old history, with evidence of human settlement going back tens of thousands of years. The Romans conquered the region around 9 BCE and remained under Roman control until the collapse of the Empire in the 5th century.
Hungary then underwent numerous occupations and rulers from Central Asian groups such as the Huns and Europeans such as the Goths. The emerging Magyars came about in the 10th century and struggled to hold on to power for centuries, often in constant conflict with the Ottoman Empire.
In the 1700s, the country came under Hapsburg rule of the Austrian Empire. Revolts in the late 1800s led to the formation of the Austria-Hungary Empire. This collapsed after World War I, with Hungary becoming an independent state, that then fell under Nazi occupation during World War II, and then Soviet occupation after the war. The revolution of 1956 led to the eventual collapse of the Arrow-Cross Party and the total eradication of communism in 1989.
Hungary joined the EU in 2004.
Need to Know
- There is a large transient population of Roma peoples across Hungary with one of the highest concentrations in all of Europe.
- It’s pronounced “Buda-pesht” not “Buda-pest”; Budapest was once two separate cities – Buda and Pest.
- Paprika is one of the popular spices in Hungary, and you can find it in almost every dish in some form. It comes in many forms from sweet to smokey to spicy.
- There are numerous public baths, hot-spring fed, throughout the city ranging from small and modest, to large and opulent.
Warnings
- Hungary is generally safe, but warrants standard caution. Be alert when in crowded areas and vigilant of theft and robbery at train stations, on trains, and riding public transportation.
- As with the rest of Europe and the region, there is a heightened risk of terrorism. Be wary of large crowds and political demonstrations.
We recommend reviewing safety guidelines by various state departments: – we make no guarantees to your safety!
US State Department – Moderate to High bias, with moderate levels of broad information. We advise checking against other sources to confirm veracity of statements.
British State Department – Low bias, and very thorough information. We recommend checking with the FCO for tourist warnings.
Australian State Department – Moderate bias, but with thorough information. We advise using as an additional resource for tourist warnings.