Budapest Currency

Money tips

The easiest and best way to get cash away from home is from an ATM (automated teller machine). The Cirrus and PLUS networks span the globe; look at the back of your bank card to see which network you're on, then call or check online for ATM locations at your destination. You can also exchange your foreign cash at banks, travel agents, shopping centers and exchange offices in the shopping area. Commission is around 2%. The best official rates for both cash and traveler's checks are obtained at banks.

Exchange booths are also located throughout the city center, in train stations, and in most luxury hotels, but exchange booths almost uniformly offer less favorable rates than banks. Traveller's cheques are not accepted very widely, or if yes, at a rather low rate, so it's better to walk around with the minimum cash and a bank card. Banking hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1600. Some banks are open on Saturdays.

Hungarian society is very tip conscious. Never forget to tip waiters and taxi drivers. Tip is about 10% of the total amount.

Some indicatory prices:
Fast-food meal: $2,50 USD (700 HUF)
Restaurant meal: $4-6 USD (1200-1800 HUF)
Taxi: $0,80 + $0,65 USD/kilometer (200 HUF + 160 HUF/kilometer)
Bus/metro ticket in Budapest: $0,30 USD (100 HUF)
Petrol: 95 octane, unleaded - $0,70 USD (230 HUF)
Bread: 1 kg - $0,50 USD (150 HUF)