Hungary Travel Guide:

         Travel Information

Hungary: Add-on Destination (two of four globes)

Hungary is a beautiful country: however, Budapest attracts the lion's share of tourism.  Tourist facilities outside of Budapest, though widely available, are not as developed as those found in Western Europe.

1.  Traveling in Hungary outside of Budapest is a difficult task for all but the experienced traveler.  Although Hungarians who speak English are on the rise, the Hungarian language is not one that lends itself to use by the casual tourist.  Hungary is a good place to visit as an add-on destination involving other, more highly rated destinations.



2. ThereArePlaces recommends that most travelers see Hungary as part of tour, organized by a reputable company.  Independent travel  should be undertaken only by experienced travelers.



3. ThereArePlaces recommended travel destinations in Hungary are described at Hungary: Best Places to Visit.



4. Additional information on travel to Hungary can be found at the country's official tourism website www.hungary.com.



5. When planning your travel, be sure to review the ThereArePlaces Travel Planning Guides for insights on how  to "travel well" and "travel safe".

Hungary is a relatively safe place for travel but we recommend that most travelers visit the country as part of a tour group, arranged by a reputable company.

1. The countries of the former Soviet Union do not provide health care and prevention systems that meet western standards.  Read our article on Health issues in Russia and Eastern European Countries for information on health risks and strategies for prevention.  Traveling in Russia or Eastern Europe without practicing the preventions described in this article is not recommended.  Check with the CDC for updates before you travel.



2. No specific travel warnings for Hungary are in effect at this time.  Before you depart, always check with the Department of State   insure that this conditions have not changed.  In addition, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office  of the British Government provides excellent travel advisories.



3.  Beginning in September 2006, a small number of incidents have taken place in which demonstrators and police have clashed. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid areas in which public demonstrations are taking place
   
   
4. The State Department's Overseas Citizens Services call center at 1-888-407-4747 can answer general inquiries on safety and security overseas. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-202-501-4444 .



5. When visiting a foreign country, avoid public demonstrations (whatever the cause) and do not broadcast either your public opinions or your nationality.



6. If you have an emergency in Hungary, call 112. 112 is an initiative to provide a one telephone number contact for ambulance services, the police, the fire service, air and sea rescue and other emergency services available within a specific country  The 112-telephone number is designed for use in emergencies only. Calls are answered in English and Hungarian.  The direct number for the police is 107. Direct connect to an ambulance dispatch is 104 and 105 is the direct number for fire.  The direct numbers may not be staffed with attendants who speak English.



7. The U.S. Embassy in Hungary is located at 1054 Budapest, Szabadsag Ter 12; telephone (36)(1) 475-4400 between the hours of 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., or if calling after hours, on weekends or holidays, (36)(1) 475-4703 or (36)(1) 475-4929. The Consular Section's fax is (36) (1) 475-4188 or (36) (1) 475-4113, and the Consular Section's website is located at http://hungary.usembassy.gov/information_for_travelers.html.  See our article on how U.S. Counsels can help Americans abroad.

A passport is required to visit Hungary. A visa is not required for tourist stays of up to ninety (90) days (that period begins when entering any of the following countries which are parties to the Schengen agreement: Austria, Belgium,  the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg,  Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia Spain, and Sweden).

If you do not have a passport, see our article on the Ins and Outs of Passports.  Other important travel documents, including visas are covered in our Information Guide on Passport, Visas, Customs.

As of  May 1, 2004, American citizen tourists have not been required to have a visa for stays of up to ninety (90) days.  American tourists may remain in Hungary for up to ninety (90) days during any six-month period from the date of first entry. If you plan to reside or study in Hungary for a period of more than ninety (90) days, a visa must be obtained from the Embassy of the Republic of Hungary at 3910 Shoemaker Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 362-6730, internet address  http://www.huembwas.org  or the nearest Hungarian Consulate in Los Angeles or New York.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parents or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure

DUAL NATIONALITY: U.S. citizens who are also Austrian citizens under Austrian law may be subject, while in Austria, to certain aspects of Austrian law such as mandatory voting. Those who may be affected should inquire at an Austrian Embassy or Consulate regarding their status.

In some instances, dual nationality may hamper U.S. Government efforts to provide protection abroad. For additional information, please see the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet home page at
http://travel.state.gov for an explanation of dual nationality issues. U.S. citizens who are also citizens of 
any other nation are reminded that U.S. law requires they enter and
depart the United States documented as U.S. citizens.

Before you travel, read our articles on Pickpockets, Con Artists, and ATM safety in the ThereArePlaces Information Guide on Personal Safety for travelers.

Be alert and avoid the petty theft situations that target travelers.  The more common situations are described below.

Street crime occasionally involving violence has been reported, especially near major hotels and restaurants and on public transportation. Theft of passports, currency, and credit cards is a frequent problem, especially in train stations and on public transportation.

Do not let seemingly helpful taxi drivers or local women lure you to an establishment they recommend - they may receive a commission for bringing victims to the club/restaurant. It is also advised that you not patronize clubs/restaurants that do not list prices or provide a menu with prices. Always verify the cost prior to purchase. Be aware that a menu switch may occur at the time of a billing complaint/dispute, for you may be handed a menu that lists higher prices and other hidden charges. Use common sense and take note when/where one or more local women approach you in the guise of friendship. Most of the establishment to avoid are located in Budapest's fifth district, on/near the main tourist street, the Váci utca.

The vast majority of clubs and restaurants in Budapest are legitimate businesses that offer good value and service. However, there are clubs and restaurants in Budapest about which the U.S. Embassy has received numerous complaints from U.S. citizens for engaging in unethical business practices. Victims have filed reports with the Embassy describing the following practices: excessive billing of customers, physical intimidation to force customers to pay exorbitant bills (including holding a member of a party while others in the group pay the bill at ATMs, 24-hour cash facilities), and assault by club/restaurant employees for non-payment of excessive bills. There have been incidents, albeit rare, where U.S. citizens unknowingly have been drugged.

The following clubs have been identified by the U.S. Embassy as clubs that should be avoided.  The Embassy indicates that the list is not all encompassing. Most of these places are located in Budapest's Fifth District, or or near the main tourist street the Váci utca

Városközpont (accessible by outside elevator)
Budapest V district, Váci utca 16.

La Dolce Vita
Budapest V district, Október 6. utca 8.

Nirvana Night Club
Budapest V district, Szent István krt.13.

Ti'Amo Bar
Budapest IX district, Ferenc körút 19-21.

Diamond Club
Budapest II district, Bimbó út 3.

Pigalle Night Club
Budapest VIII district, Kiss József utca 1-3.

Next, the U.S. Embassy has received reports of attacks in the Chain Bridge area on both sides of the Danube, and on the bridge itself. Avoid these areas at night.  Be cautious at all times if traveling alone.

One common scam usually occurs in tourist areas and involves a "money-changer" and two "undercover policemen." In this scam, a tourist is approached by a man who asks if s/he would like to change money. If the tourist says, "No, thank you," the man will leave. A minute or so later, two men (sometimes of intimidating size and demeanor) in plainclothes will approach the tourist. The two men will openly display their false police badges or "police identification cards," and request to see all of the tourist's money - the money the tourist might have changed with the first man. At this point, the money will be handled by the two men and then replaced in the tourist's wallet. Only, not all the money is replaced - the small bills are put back in the wallet and later, the tourist will learn s/he has been robbed of the larger denomination dollar and/or Forint bills. By the time the loss is discovered, the team of three men will have escaped.

• There are variations of this scam and one of them involves questioning by these "undercover policemen" of the tourist about drugs and eventually leads to seeing the tourist's wallet.
• Hungarian police are generally in uniform and do not deal with tourist money changing issues. Tips on avoiding the above scam are: turn away and head in another direction after being approached by the first man; tell them you'd like to consult with another police officer patrolling the area; or tell them you'd like to call the U.S. Embassy.
  

The number of highway robberies has increased over the past few years. Drivers should be cautious when stopping at gas stations and highway parking lots, or fixing flat tires or other mechanical problems, especially at night. There have been reports of scams perpetrated on unwitting victims while traveling the highways. One reported scam involves someone who attracts the driver's attention by saying that there is something wrong with his/her car (e.g. a smoking hood or a flat tire) in order to encourage the driver to pull over to the side of the road. Once pulled over, the people participating in the scam will remove purses, passports, etc., from the car and drive away. Luggage and valuables should not be left unattended inside any vehicle.

Tourists who become victims of a crime in Hungary are strongly encouraged to call a 24-hour multilingual crime reporting telephone number. The number from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. is 01-438-8080; from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., the number is 06-8066-0044. There is also a 24-hour police Tourinfo office that provides service in English and German and is located in one of downtown Budapest 's busiest tourist areas: Vigado Utca 6, 1051 Budapest.  

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of any crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance.

If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. The embassy/consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members of friends, and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution for the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney

2.  ThereArePlaces makes every attempt to ensure that the travel information we present to you is current. Before you depart, be sure to check with official government sources to determine the status of critical information relating to a particular county.

While driving in Hungary you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

The information below concerning Hungary is provided for general reference only and may not be accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Safety of Public Transportation: Good
Urban Road Condition/Maintenance: Good
Rural Road Condition/Maintenance: Fair
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Good

In Hungary, fatal traffic accidents number approximately 1,200 per year, with about 7,000 traffic accidents per year resulting in serious injury. While this may seem low compared to the Untied States, Hungary has a much higher rate of accidents per miles driven. Americans should drive with caution and always be alert for other vehicles that may be violating traffic laws.

Road travel is more dangerous during the Christmas season, summer months, and at night. Roadside assistance, including medical and other services, is generally available. English is usually spoken at the emergency numbers listed below. In case English is not spoken, dial 112.

Ambulance: 104 or 350-0388
Police: 107
Fire: 105
24-hour English-speaker: 112

Bus, train, and taxi services are readily available for inter-city travel.

Hungarian motorways and highways are generally in good condition. Urban roads and road maintenance are also good although areas under construction are not always adequately marked or blockaded. In Budapest, many roads are often under construction.  In rural areas, however, roads are often narrow, badly lit, and can be in a state of poor repair in some areas. Pedestrians, agricultural machinery, and farm animals often use these small rural roads. This requires increased caution on the part of drivers. Additional information on road conditions is available from "Utinform" at phone number (36)(1) 336-2400.

Hungary has a policy of zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol. Police often conduct routine roadside checks where breath-analyzer tests are administered. Persons found to be driving while intoxicated face jail and/or fines. See our article on drinking and driving in foreign countries  for more information.

Possible penalties for a car accident involving injury or death are one to five years in prison. Police have instituted a widespread practice of stopping vehicles, particularly in Budapest, to check driver identity documents in a search for illegal aliens and residents in Hungary, and to check vehicle registration and fitness documentation.

It is against the law to use a hand-held cell phone while driving anywhere in Hungary.

Hungary recognizes international driver's permits (IDP) issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance when presented in conjunction with a state driver's license.

Speed Limits in Hungary:

1. Built-up areas - 50 km/h
2. Outside Built up areas (including  dual carriageways) - 110 km/h
3. Motorways - 130 km/h

Our information on speed limits is as current as possible. Always confirm the speed limits with your rental car agent and observe the posted speeds limits whenever and wherever you drive.

Special seats are required for infants. Children under age 12 may not sit in the front seat of an automobile. Seat belts are mandatory for everyone in the car.

Unless another instruction sign is displayed, yielding the right of way to cars approaching from the right is the general rule.

Turning right on a red light is prohibited.

If another car flashes its high beams at you, it means the driver is giving you precedence at an intersection or calling your attention to the presence of something that may affect your driving.

Tickets for traffic violations are written up by the police, thus documenting the infraction and any applicable fine(s). The police will give the offender a postal check (money order), on which the amount of the fine to be paid is written, and this postal check may be presented and paid for at any Hungarian post office. Sometimes, in disputes about fines or the offense, the police will confiscate the person's passport and issue a receipt for the passport with an "invitation letter" to appear at the police station the next day or day after to resolve the dispute. The passport is returned after resolution and/or the payment of the fine.

Tourists driving rented vehicles should pay close attention to the provisions of their rental contracts.  Failure to do so could result in fines or confiscation of the car during your travels.  Make sure that you are familiar with the terms, restrictions and costs related to your car rental (see our article on Rental Car Costs). Many contracts prohibit drivers from taking rented vehicles into eastern European countries.

For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, see the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet home page at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1179.html .

For specific information about Hungarian driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road taxes and mandatory insurance, please contact the Hungarian National Tourist Organization Office in New York via the Internet at http://www.gotohungary.com.

Medical treatment available in Hungary is adequate at best, but hospital facilities and nursing support are not comparable to those in the United States.

Physicians are generally well trained, but there is a lack of adequate emergency services. A language barrier can exist as well, if one does not speak Hungarian. Your chances of finding a doctor are best in Budapest. Doctors and hospitals usually expect immediate cash payment for health services.

We strongly urge you to consult your medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, you should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing medical service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your departure, please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur.

Your existing medical insurance carrier may cover "customary and reasonable" medical care while you are abroad. Usually, if reimbursement is provided, it is paid at a reduced rate (due to the use of an "out of system" provider). Check with your insurance carrier before you depart to determine the type and amount of coverage that may be provided. If coverage is provided, be sure to ask how claims should be filed and ask them to send some claim forms, in case you require any medical treatment while on vacation.

Read our article on  travel insurance to learn the factors that you should consider before you purchase or decline to purchase a travel related insurance policy.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure                         “Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad,” available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page.  ThereArePlaces Information Guide on Health contains valuable health related advice for the traveler considering a trip abroad.