Alexander Meddings
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5(290)
22 Guests Max
3 hrs
Flexible TravelPlanning to visit Budapest but unsure about the currency? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Here is your Hungarian 101 Survival Guide for all things money-related matters.
Hungary’s official currency is called Forint (HUF). Its fascinating history dates back to the city of Florence, Italy, where gold coins, known as “fiorino d’oro’, were minted as early as 1252. Hungary later adopted the currency of “Florentinus” and began to be widely used under the reign of King Charles I in 1325.
Fast-forward to today, while Hungary has publicly expressed interest in switching to the Euro since 2003, the Forint remains the official currency.
The current exchange rate is 395 HUF = 1 USD, making Budapest one of the most affordable destinations for travellers exploring Europe.
The forint comes in the following banknotes: 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, and 20,000 Ft.
And coins: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 Ft.
Hungary's high-denomination currency comes in coins and notes.
As the ninth-largest city in the European Union, Budapest hosted over 5.3 million visitors in 2023, solidifying its place as a must-visit destination for travellers. With its status as a thriving metropolitan hub, the city offers modern and convenient payment options.
While you might choose to exchange some money before your visit, relying solely on cash isn’t necessary. Most stores, malls, supermarkets, restaurants, and other establishments widely accept credit cards and Apple Pay. Cash is primarily useful for small tips or specific situations, making your travels in Budapest hassle-free. It’s also good to know that most places in Hungary are mandated by law to accept electronic payment (card or instant transfer).
For a hassle-free experience, we recommend you stick to using:
If you have chosen to exchange money but didn’t do it before leaving your country, we highly recommend you NOT do it at airports or hotels.
The average rates are higher than normal, and you will lose a lot of money in the process. We also highly recommend you avoid Euronet, orange-coloured InterChange, or any other third-party ATMs in the city centre, as they offer the worst rates compared to any other establishments.
Instead, finding independent banks’ ATMs like OTP, Erste or UniCredit is an ideal option for you, as they will have lower transaction and exchange fees and are much more trustworthy and secure.
Looking to make the most out of your cash for an unforgettable experience in Budapest but haven’t planned your itinerary yet? We’ve got you covered with the Tipsy Tour in Budapest! Our carefully crafted and curated food and drink tours run every single day, offering the perfect way to end your travels here.
Hung(a)ry for adventure? Join us for a Budapest Food Tour and taste your way through District 7, discovering delicious street food, crispy lángos, and multiple tastings at four Hungarian eateries.
Tempted by our Budapest Tipsy Tour? Enjoy fast-track entry to 4 super cool bars, visit 2 ruins pubs, and enjoy a range of included long drinks and shots in fun international company.
Need more help preparing for your break in Budapest? Here are our top recommendations for things to do in Budapest. Check out the Best Bars in Budapest for a Boozy Night Out and Must-Visit Ruin Bars for more tips to enhance your experience and navigate your way through the city like a true local.
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Budapest? More like Foodapest Hungary’s capital is a haven of seductively succulent street food. But with so much choice, it can be hard to know where to start. On our Budapest Food Tour you’ll join a local guide and a group of fellow food-lovers to eat your way through the city and try authentic Hungarian street food and traditional dishes.
Since much of Hungarian cuisine is influenced by Jewish culture, we’ll meet at an old synagogue. Here you’ll learn a bit about the history of the food you’re going to try before heading into District 7, a former Jewish neighbourhood turned nightlife hub. Our route will show you two sides of Budapest: gritty and glamorous.
Eat like a local by sampling street food such as traditional soup and Lángos, a deep-fried flatbread. After soaking up the bohemian ambience we’ll get fancy at atmospheric eateries for a sit-down meal. Here you’ll try classics like nokedli dumplings and Flódni, a Jewish-Hungarian pastry.
Of course, food is always better when you’re a bit tipsy, so you’ll indulge in local drinks that have been perfectly paired with our dishes. Savour the fruity flavours of Pálinka and sweet wine from Tokaji, Hungary’s famed wine region.
Hung[a]ry for adventure? Our Budapest Food Tour has all of the necessary ingredients for a good time: food, culture, company, and a few drinks. What more could you ask for? Experience Budapest’s history and culture through its cuisine and make new friends along the way. Book now!
5(922)Ready to meet other travellers looking for a vibe? Our Budapest Tipsy Tour is the perfect way to meet like-minded travellers, sip tasty local drinks, and explore Budapest’s wild nightlife. Forget the bog-standard bar crawls in Budapest and live your best life on a drinking tour like no other.
We kick off with a tipsy toast of traditional fröccs before breaking the ice over Budapest’s most twisted but fascinating tales. Discover the scandalous lives of Hungary’s most famous names, and enjoy some naughty stories that you’ll never forget.
The adventure continues as we discover some of Budapest’s most vibrant bars and neighborhoods and try traditional shots including unicom, loved by Hungarians far and wide. Enjoy two long drinks (local Hungarian beer/fröccs) and four shots and discover the stories behind them and how they came to be. Throughout this Budapest Bar Crawl, your guide will show you the hidden gems of Budapest and reveal its secrets.
Your tour might be over, but the night is still young. Together we’ll laugh, drink and dance our way through the night at Budapest’s biggest hotspots.
Book your spot now on this unique Budapest Bar Crawl and ready your liver for your next adventure full of fun, memories, and new friends.
5(290)