Plugs and voltage
Hungary uses Type C and Type F plugs (the round two-pin European standard) and runs on 230V / 50Hz. UK, US and Australian devices need an adapter. Phone and laptop chargers are usually dual-voltage, but check a US hair dryer before plugging it in. A small multi-USB adapter covers most travellers.
Language basics
Hungarian (Magyar) is unrelated to most European languages, so a few words go a long way. English is widely spoken in central Budapest, less so in villages.
- Szia - hi / bye (informal)
- Koszonom - thank you
- Kerem / Kerek - please / I'd like
- Igen / Nem - yes / no
- Egeszsegedre - cheers
- Mennyibe kerul? - how much is it?
What to pack
- Comfortable shoes - Budapest's cobbled Castle District and riverside walks add up fast.
- A swimsuit and flip-flops for the thermal baths (Szechenyi, Gellert, Rudas).
- Layers - summers hit 35C, winters drop below freezing.
- A reusable water bottle - Budapest tap water is safe and good.
- Some cash in forint for markets, though cards are accepted almost everywhere.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi is common in cafes, hotels and on many trains, but it is patchy for navigating on foot or hopping between baths. An eSIM gives you instant data the moment you land at Budapest Ferenc Liszt Airport, with no SIM swap or roaming bill.
Quick tips
- Pay in forint, not euros. Hungary uses the forint (HUF); if a shop offers to charge your card in euros, decline - the rate is poor.
- Validate transport tickets. Single BKK tickets must be stamped; inspectors fine fare-dodgers on the spot.
- Book thermal baths online in peak season to skip the queue.
- Tip around 10% in restaurants; check the bill, as service is sometimes already included.
- Try the ruin bars in District VII (Szimpla Kert) for nightlife in old courtyards.
- Carry your passport - police can ask for ID.
- Watch for taxi scams - use Bolt or the official Fotaxi line instead of hailing on the street.
- Day-trip easily to Szentendre, Eger or Lake Balaton by train.
Stay connected in Hungary
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