Budapest F.A.Q.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BUDAPEST

( What tourists ask the most at a tourist information office, hotel reception, from a guide)

  1. How do you say "THANK YOU" in Hungarian?
    Köszönöm!
  2. Is EURO widely exepted here / Can I pay by EURO at shops?
    In the tourism sector people accept EURO for their services (accomodation, some restaurants, taxis, some shops too) but we still use Hungarian Forints. It is better to have forints with you for the daily expenses.
  3. When will be EURO  the official currency / When will Hungary join the EURO ZONE?
    We still don't know, maybe around 2010.
  4. Where can I find internet access?
    Internet cafés are highly fashionable in Budapest. Walking around in the town you will surely stub your toe against some good places.
  5. Where can I find ATM machine / Are credit cards widely accepted in Budapest?
    There are many credit card and cash card ATMs in operation day and night - almost on every corner. 
  6. What is the inflation rate right now?
    6,2 %
  7. Until what time public transport works?
    Until 11pm in general but there are night buses afterwards.
  8. What is the voltage in Hungary/Budapest?
    220 V
  9. How is the public transport works, what kind of tickets can I buy?
    You can buy single tickets (also booklets of 10 and 20 pieces), but 1-3-7day passes too. Single tickets are valid for 1 trip, no change between lines. The day passes are for calendar days for unlimited travel. Ticket must be pre-purchased and validated before using the service, yo can not buy tickets on the vehicle. Tickets are sold at metro station, tobaccos, newspaper stands. If you need more info please read our site about tarvelling in Budapest by public means:
    Public transport
  10. What is the difference between Rákosi and Rákoczi?
  11. What is the opening ours of shops, are they open on weekends?
  12. Is it better to live in Hungary now or it was better in the Socialism ( before 1990 ) ?
  13. What is the customary tip here ?
    10%
  14. How much is a beer ?
    For a big mug of Hungarian draught beer in a pub you pay 250-500 HUF, beers from abroad in bottle can cost more (1000 HUF). If you go to a shop and buy beers in can or bottle you can pay even only 100 HUF.
  15. Where is the flea market ?
    The larges second-hand market in Budapest is know by the locals simple as "Ecseri". From trinkets to Art Nouveau furniture , from black and white greeting cards to silver fob watch,from an early camera to paintings of all schools and qualities, the "Ecseri" has that all. Address: Nagykőrösi út 156. Mo-Fri: 8am-4pm, Sat: 8am-3pm. Access: bus 54 from Boraros ter (tram 4 and 6, tram 2) or bus 154 from Határ út (M3)
  16. Is the tap water drinkable in Budapest ?
    yes
  17. Is it safe to walk around the city at night?
    Yes, it is. Althoght Budapest is a big town, its crime level is relatively low. But never forget, you are in big capital!
  18. Is there a pub / reastaurant area in Budapest ?
    There are some areas where pubs, restaurants and bars are next to each other, such as Liszt Ferenc square, Ráday street or Hajós street.
  19. Is there a red-light district in Budapest?
    No, we have no red-light district, but there are several nightclubs, bars in the city.
  20. Where is the main pedistrian/shopping street?
    Váci utca is in the downtown of Budapest between Vörösmarty square and the big Market hall?
  21. Typical Hungarian souvenirs? What are the Hungaricums?
    Hungarian wines are famouse of their quality, especially TOKAJI, the dessert wine and the red Blood of the Bull from EGER (Egri bikavér). The so called Pálinka is originally a homemade spirit made of plum, apricot or other fruits. It is a very popular local drink with its 40-50% alcohol content. The bitter aromatic herbal liqueur, Unicum is also worls-famouse. They are good for you health (in small doses!) :)
    The highest quality salamis of the world are the Hungarian Pick and Herz., but also a wide selection of paprika can be purchased in the Market hall.  Crystal and China from Herend and Pécs(Zsolnay) is abit more expensive but a brillinat souvenir.