Currency
The official currency of Hungary is Forint (code HUF; symbol Ft).
Available notes come in denominations of 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, and 500 forint. Coins in circulation are in denominations of 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 forint.
On many occasions, particularly at hotels, some restaurants and shops in tourist areas, it is possible to pay in euros. The exchange rates used in such places are likely to be very unfavorable for travelers so the advice is to exchange money first and settle all transactions in forints.
Foreign Currency Exchange
Foreign currency can be exchanged at hotels, banks, post offices, travel agencies, some restaurants as well as money exchange bureaus. Exchanging money is also possible by using automated exchange machines, available in Budapest and some other main tourist places.
Exchange rates can vary significantly (possibly the worst ones offered at the airport), so it pays off to look around and compare. Recommended foreign currencies to bring to Hungary are US dollars and euros.
ATMs
Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are available throughout the country, even in small towns. The ATMs in Hungary accept most international credit and debit cards for cash advances or cash withdrawals.
Credit Cards
Major credit cards, especially Visa, MasterCard and American Express, are accepted
at many restaurants, shops, hotels, travel agencies, car-rental offices and gas stations.
Payments for museums, train or bus tickets or at supermarkets will have to be made in cash.
Many banks and post offices in Hungary will give cash advance on foreign credit cards.
Traveler's Checks
Traveler's checks can be exchanged for cash at banks and post offices. The best exchange rates are offered for checks in euros and US dollars. Some exchange bureaus and travel agencies will also accept traveler's checks, but stores typically don't accept them.
The most commonly accepted brands are American Express, Visa, MasterCard and Thomas Cook.
Banking Hours
Typically banks are open from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Thursday, and 8:00am to 4:00pm on Fridays.
Taxes
A value-added tax at a rate between 5 and 20 percent is usually included in the price. Visitors from outside European Union can claim tax refunds if they purchase goods for minimum Ft 50,000 (on one receipt) and the goods are being exported from the EU. Visitors should have appropriate tax receipts from the store and can claim the refund (minus commission) at the airport or at some road border crossings when they leave Hungary.
Current Hungarian Forint Rates
For other currencies or conversion amounts go to Currency Converter
