Hungary

Travel tips for Hungary: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.

Cash and cards

Cards work almost everywhere. Hungarian law mandates electronic payment options, making cards and contactless near-universal across transit, dining, and small shops, so visitors can easily go cashless aside from keeping a few coins for public toilets.

Try the food

  • Goulash (Gulyás): A hearty soup or stew of meat and vegetables seasoned generously with paprika and other spices.
  • Lángos: A deep-fried flatbread typically rubbed with garlic and topped with sour cream and grated cheese.
  • Chimney Cake (Kürtőskalács): A sweet, spiral-shaped pastry roasted over charcoal and coated in sugar, cinnamon, or crushed walnuts.
  • Chicken Paprikash (Paprikás csirke): Tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy paprika sauce, usually served with small egg dumplings.

Say it in Hungarian

  • Hello: Szia
  • Thank you: Köszönöm
  • Please: Kérem
  • Excuse me: Elnézést
  • How much is this?: Mennyibe kerül?
  • The bill please: A számlát kérem
  • Yes / No: Igen / Nem
  • Goodbye: Viszlát

Essentials

Plugs
Type C / Type F
Voltage
230V, 50Hz
Driving
Right side
Tap water
Safe to drink
Emergency
112 (general), 104 (ambulance), 105 (fire), 107 (police)
SIM tip
Purchase a prepaid SIM card from Telekom, Yettel, or Vodafone at Budapest Airport, or download an eSIM like Airalo before you travel for instant data access.

Etiquette

When tipping in a restaurant, do not leave cash on the table; instead, tell the server the total amount you wish to pay (including a 10-15% tip) when handing over your payment.

Airports in Hungary