The official currency of Hungary is the forint (HUF). Although Hungary is a member of the European Union, it is not part of the eurozone and is not currently adopting the euro.

In September 2024, one euro will be worth 394 forints. However, this value may change. The forint will become less and less valuable in the long term. In 2000, one euro was worth about 260 forints, in 2010 about 280 and in 2020 about 330. Inflation has been higher in Hungary than in the euro countries in recent decades.

Banknotes and coins
Banknotes: 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000 and 20,000 forints.
Coins: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 forints.
The forint banknotes are designed in different colors and each depicts an important historical figure or a scene from Hungarian history.

Boat tours on the Danube in Budapest are very popular among tourists. There are many different offers. Some tourists take a simple 1-hour tour, others an exclusive dinner tour with a 4-course menu. Many of these tours on the Danube can be booked on the great German website Getyourguide. Link to booking at Getyourguide

ATMs
ATMs are common throughout Hungary, especially in cities and tourist areas. They are usually located in banks, shopping centers, train stations and large hotels. Most ATMs accept international debit cards and credit cards such as VISA, Master Card and Maestro (most EC cards). So similar to ours.

ATM fees Hungary: Withdrawal fees may apply, which vary depending on the bank and card. We recommend that you check the exact conditions with your bank before you travel.

Maximum withdrawal amount: The maximum withdrawal amount varies greatly, but is often between 150,000 and 200,000 forints (around €400-500), depending on the ATM and bank.

Credit cards and debit cards Hungary:

Credit cards are readily accepted in most Hungarian cities, hotels, restaurants and shops. VISA and MasterCard in particular are very commonly accepted. However, some shops, especially in rural areas, only accept cash.

American Express and Diners Club are only accepted in a few places, so it is advisable to carry other cards or cash with you.

Cashless payments: In addition to credit cards, most large shops and restaurants are increasingly accepting contactless payments (including NFC technology). EC cards are usually MAESTRO cards and are widely accepted.

Buy tickets for the Great Synagogue in advance: Since a lot of tourists come to the synagogue, the queues at the ticket office can be very long. This is why more and more visitors are buying their entrance tickets, including a guided tour in German, online in advance. You can find the tickets and more information on this link

Exchange offices and money exchange:
In the big cities and tourist areas there are a sufficient number of exchange offices, which usually offer favorable exchange rates for exchanging euros or US dollars into forints. Many banks also offer a money exchange service. There are always exchange offices with very bad exchange rates. After arriving in Hungary we prefer to withdraw forints from the ATM.

Airports and train stations: There are exchange offices here too, but the rates are often much worse. You should generally be careful.

Tipping Hungary: In restaurants, cafes and taxis in Hungary it is customary to give a tip of around 10-15% of the bill.

Paying in euros: Some shops and restaurants in tourist areas accept euros, but the exchange rate can be unfavorable. It is better to pay in forints. You often get change in forints if you pay with euros. In general, however, euros are not welcome as cash in Hungary.

With a combination of cash and credit cards or debit cards, you are well equipped to pay in Hungary.