Useful Information – Hungary

General:

•  Primary language: Hungarian, however English is widely spoken in Budapest,
  especially in the tourism industry
•  Plug Type: C and E
•  Electricity: 230 V
•  Currency: Hungarian forint (Ft), even though the Euro is widely accepted through the
  country, be prepared to receive change in the form of Forints if you choose to exchange
  your currency locally.

Important telephone numbers:

• Emergencies: 112
•  International Dialling code: +36 1
  Weather:
  Budapest has a humid continental climate, with average temperatures ranging from 0°C in winter to
  22°C in summer.
•  Rain is evenly distributed throughout the year, with an average of 7 rainy days per month.
•  Snowfall can be expected between November and March.
•  June–August is the most popular time to visit Budapest. It’s the peak season, so hotel and
  flight prices rise accordingly.
•  April–May and September–October are great times to visit Budapest. The weather and
  temperatures are mild, you’ll avoid the summer crowds, and hotel and flight prices are
  lower.

Taxi:
Taxis can be hailed on the street in Budapest, but be careful to only pick registered taxis with
yellow plates, name on the doors and an identification badge on the dashboard – it’s required by
law. You can easily find cab stands in the city centre, generally outside hotels and near the main
attractions.

•  You can directly call popular companies such as City Taxi (211 1111), Fötaxi (222 2222)
  or Budapest Taxi (777 7777).
•  Not all taxis accept payment of the fare by credit card, so check with the driver before you
  get in.
•  It’s important to have enough change when taking a taxi in Budapest – notes of 1,000 and
  2,000 Ft – as taxi scams are widely reported.

Other General Information:

•  Tipping in Budapest is appreciated but not mandatory. Many restaurants and cafes include a
  service charge in the bill. When this fee is included, additional tipping is not obligatory, but it’s still
  appreciated for exceptional service.
•  Mind the Dress code when visiting churches – Shoulders and Knees should be covered, having
  a scarf to throw on is very useful
•  Tap water is safe to drink in Budapest and meets high-quality standards. Familiarize yourself
  with the color code for bottled water to choose your preference. Water with a BLUE CAP is
  usually fizzy with bubbles. Water with a PINK CAP is still. Water with a GREEN CAP is lightly
  carbonated.