Currency

Hungary is less expensive than other European countries. Hungary is part of the EU, but it has its own currency the Forint. The Euro is also accepted and credit cards are accepted everywhere. Every time I’ve traveled, I’ve just had some extra Euros for tips and street vendors, so pick up some Euros from a bank or ATM in Hungary or get some local currency. A few suggestions, never use currency exchange shops at the airport or streets, you’ll lose about 10% or more doing that. Always use a bank ATM whenever possible. Its safest and gives you the most amount of money. I suggest getting out 100 Euro equivalent if you like to walk around and enjoy street food and the occasional off the beaten path cafe where credit cards may not be accepted.

When purchasing items by credit car, use the Forint, then the Euro and finally USD. Currency conversion is a wonderful way to make money for foreign banks. Always use the local currency where they won’t convert it to USD and make money off the conversion, let your US bank do the converting and you’ll get the best deal. I’ve saved 5 to 10 % by following this simple rule on the credit card machine when i’m buying clothes or souvenirs. Sometimes you have no option, but if you do chose the Forint or Euro.

Currency conversion is the last thing to think about. Although you can’t control how strong USD is to other currencies, in late 2022, the dollar was VERY strong so everything was a good deal in Budapest, actually a great deal. So shop away and enjoy it. If the dollar becomes weaker, then you’ll not getting as good of a deal.

Remember, have fun and enjoy travels be budget conscious but no one ever said i wish i spent less money traveling when they were in their golden years.