Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Hungary. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as the stay is less than 90 days.
US Embassy/Consulate
+(36) (1) 475-4444; US Embassy Budapest, Szabadság tér 12, H-1054 Budapest, Hungary; acs.budapest@state.gov; https://hu.usembassy.gov/
Telephone Code
36
Local Emergency Phone
112
Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Temperate; cold, cloudy, humid winters; warm summers
Currency (Code)
Forints (HUF)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F
Major Languages
Hungarian, English, German, Russian, Romanian, French
Major Religions
Roman Catholic 37.2%, Calvinist 11.6%, Lutheran 2.2%, Greek Catholic 1.8%
Time Difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
Potable Water
Yes, in the major cities
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Benedictine Abbey in Tihany; Caves of Lillafüred; Eger Castle; Visegrad Royal Palace; Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral, Pecs; Budapest (includes Parliament Building, Buda Castle District, Hungarian National Museum, Millennium Monument in Heroes Square); Soporon; Esztergom Basilica; Aggtelek National Park
Major Sports
Soccer, swimming, fencing, athletics (track and field)
Cultural Practices
Chocolates and flowers are common gifts when invited to a Hungarian household, while wine is less common.
Tipping Guidelines
For restaurants, it is customary to tip 10-15% of the total bill. Gas station and public washroom attendants expect a 100-200 forints tip. Tip taxi drivers 10% of the fare. Bellhops appreciate 500 forint to carry bags to your room.
Souvenirs
Paprika and other food items including salami and goose liver; wine and liqueurs; embroidery; pottery and porcelain and ceramic figurines; crystal; goose down items; natural herbal remedies; wooden sculptures
Traditional Cuisine
Goulash — a spicy tomato-and-paprika-based stew of beef, noodles, potatoes, and other vegetables
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Wednesday, November 09, 2022
