Language: Hungarian (Magyar) is the official language, but German is widely spoken. English is spoken in tourist areas and most hotels.
Currency: The official currency is the Hungarian Forint (HUF). Travelers cheques are not widely favored. Credit cards most accepted in the country are AMEX, Diners Club, EnRoute, Euro/Mastercard, JCB and Visa, and these can be used to withdraw cash from banks and ATMs and to pay bills in hotels, restaurants and most shops. Banks usually open between 8am and 4pm on weekdays and some are open on Saturdays. ATMs and currency exchange machines
are available in towns and cities throughout the country. It is advisable to retain exchange receipts for proof of legal currency exchange.
Time: Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October.
Electricity: Electrical current is 230 volts, 50 Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are standard.
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 dialing 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.
Duty Free: Travelers 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 liters spirits with more than 22% and ethyl alcohol, or 20 liters of beverages less than 22% alcohol content, or 90 liters of wine or 60 liters of sparkling wine, or 110 liters of beer. Travelers 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 liter of spirits and 2 liters 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.
Tourist OfficeHungarian Tourist Office: +36 (06)1 438 8080 or www.hungarytourism.hu
EmergencyEmergencies: 112.
Embassies
Hungarian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 362 6730.
Hungarian Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7201 3440.
Hungarian Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 230 2717.
Hungarian Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6282 3226.
Hungarian Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 430 3020/30.
Hungarian Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 661 2902.
Hungarian Consulate-General, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 973 7507.
United States Embassy, Budapest: +36 (06)1 475 4400.
British Embassy, Budapest: +36 (06)1 266 2888.
Canadian Embassy, Budapest: +36 (06)1 392 3360.
Australian Embassy, Budapest: +36 (06)1 457 9777.
South African Embassy, Budapest: +36 (06)1 392 0999.
Irish Embassy, Budapest: +36 (06)1 301 4960.
New Zealand Embassy, Berlin, Germany (also responsible for Hungary): +49 (0)30 206 210.
