Getting Around :
Budapest has an extensive, inexpensive and efficient public transport system that includes the metro, trams, buses, trolley buses and trains. Most transport runs until about 11.30pm after which there is a limited night bus and tram service until about 5am. The metro is clean, safe and frequent, and although there are only three lines it reaches most areas of interest to tourists. Trams are good for travelling around the Great Boulevard or along the embankment; trolleybuses (electric buses) operate in Pest; and although more difficult to use, buses are useful for journeys that can't be made by metro, especially around Buda. There are regular incidents of pick pocketing on buses and metro lines though, particularly when they are crowded. An over ground HÉV train network services the outer suburbs. All forms of public transport require the self-validation of pre-purchased tickets, which can get complicated; it is best to get a travel pass for convenience that will also save money. Day or multi-day passes are inexpensive and hassle-free, although the tourist Budapest Card combining three days of travel with discounted attractions isn't all that good value. Budapest's taxis have a reputation for cheating foreigners and visitors are warned not to do business with private, unmarked vehicles that hang around stations. Legal taxis should have a yellow number plate, clearly display their rates and have a meter that is switched on. It is cheaper to order one by phone from reputable companies such as Citytaxi, Fo Taxi or Tele-5-Taxi.
Health :
No vaccinations are required and standards of public health are good, but a hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Tap water is safe to drink and food poisoning is not considered a high risk, although visitors are recommended to vaccinate against typhoid, unless on a short stay and only eating at major hotels and restaurants. Travellers intending on visiting forested, grassy, lakeside or rural areas in spring and summer should consider a tick-borne encephalitis vaccine. Bird flu was discovered in wild birds in March 2006, but no human infections have been reported. The risk to travellers is low, but as a precaution visitors should ensure that all poultry and egg dishes are well cooked, and contact with live birds is avoided. A reciprocal health agreement with countries of the EU provides nationals with free emergency health care on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). All towns have pharmacies, but anyone requiring specific medication should bring a supply with them as most medicines are of Eastern European origin. Health insurance is recommended.
Tipping :
Taxi drivers and waiters expect a tip of 10 to 15%. Waiters should be handed the cash, rather than have it left on the table. Most people in the service industry expect to be tipped about 10 to 15%.
Safety :
Most visits to Hungary are trouble-free, but normal precautions against petty crime should be taken. Pick pocketing and bag snatching are common in Budapest, especially on crowded public transport and other places frequented by tourists. Some bars, clubs and restaurants in Budapest charge outrageous prices by means of scams that target foreigners in particular. Be cautious of invitations off the street to dine in certain establishments or of recommendations by taxi drivers who are often in on the scam. All political demonstrations should be avoided, as they have led to violence in the past.
Customs :
Everyone must carry official identification at all times; photocopies are not acceptable.
Business :
A handshake is the standard form of greeting in Hungary and in mixed company it is usually women who initiate. Conservative suits and ties are standard business dress and business people should be addressed by their title and surname. Business cards are often exchanged; Hungarians usually list their surnames first. It is useful to have a local representative when doing business in Hungary who can set up meetings and act as an interpreter. It is important to invest time on building relationships; socialising is a key element of this and face-to-face meetings are vital. Punctuality is vital to all occasions, and cancelling a meeting at the last minute may be detrimental to a business relationship. Due to the communist legacy there is an aversion to risk and plenty of red tape and therefore negotiations can be slow-moving and patience is required. Although Hungary remains male-orientated, being female is not a disadvantage to doing business. Business hours are usually from 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday, though summer hours tend to be shorter.
Duty Free :
Travellers to Hungary with goods purchased in the EU for personal use do not have to pay customs duty on 800 cigarettes, or 400 cigarillos, or 200 cigars, or 1kg smoking tobacco; 10 litres spirits with more than 22% and ethyl alcohol, or 20 litres of beverages less than 22% alcohol content, or 90 litres of wine or 60 litres of sparkling wine, or 110 litres of beer. Travellers arriving from non-EU countries do not have to pay customs duty on 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g of smoking tobacco, or a proportional mix of these. Alcohol allowances (for passengers over 17 years) include 1 litre of spirits and 2 litres of wine; perfume up to 50g and 250ml eau de toilette; and other goods for personal consumption to the value of EUR175 per adult or EUR90 for children under 15 years. Prohibited items include fresh meat and dairy products.
Communications :
The international access code for Hungary is +36. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g., 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are in use, e.g., (0)1 for Budapest. There are often high surcharges on calls made from hotels; it is cheaper to use public telephone boxes or calling cards. Local directory assistance is available by dialling 198, and international directory assistance is 199; callers may have to hold for a few moments, but English-speaking operators are available. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international operators. Internet cafes are available in the main towns.
History :
Contacts :
Emergencies: 112.
