Country information
General
Time
Hungary uses Central European Time (CET) which is one hour ahead of BST (and 2 hours ahead of GMT). Set your watches and clocks one hour ahead. This applies to both summer and winter months as the clocks change on the same dates throughout Europe.
Language
Hungarian, but many Hungarians also speak English or German.
Border formalities
Travel documents
Hungary is a member of the European Union. UK citizens (including children under 16) and citizens from other EU countries need only a valid passport. Holders of non-EU passports should check with the appropriate consulate to see if a visa is required.
Car papers
- valid UK (or other EU) driving licence (not a provisional licence)
- car registration document (‘log book’)
- international green card - extra motor insurance is not compulsory but is advisable
- GB sticker on the back of the car (or integral in the registration plate)
Caravans
There are no special customs regulations for caravans.
Pets
Under reciprocal regulations some pets may be taken into Hungary if accompanied by a passport, chip and the relevant vaccination. The regulations cover proof of vaccination, breeds and health certificates etc. You are strongly advised to check with your vet for the most recent information and restrictions. Take care to request information in plenty of time. Some vaccinations need to be administered a considerable time in advance. You will need to inform the ferry or tunnel operator when booking. Depending on the route your pet may need to stay in the car or in special cages which can usually be rented on the ferry. Bringing pets back into the UK is strictly controlled with severe penalties for infringement. More information is available on http://europa.eu/abc/travel/pets/index_en.htm
Currency
The currency in Hungary is the forint (HUF), which is divided into 100 filler. The forint is not officially quoted on currency exchanges, but the approximate rate (September 2007) was: £1 = ±367 HUF. Most debit and credit cards issued in the UK can be used in cash machines and to pay for goods and services in Hungary. Cards with the Cirrus logo can be used to obtain cash and cards with the Maestro logo can be used at some outlets as Chip&Pin cards. Credit cards are accepted in many places though not as widely as in the UK. Make certain you know your PIN code before you leave as signatures are not always accepted. UK bank cheques (except travellers cheques) and Eurocheques are no longer accepted. Import is unrestricted, however amounts greater than 1,000,000 HUF must be declared at the border. Foreign currency import is unrestricted. Take care with some cash machines, especially in outlying areas; they may have been tampered with. Banks are open on weekdays from 08:00 to 16:00 and some are open on Saturdays.
Customs regulations
For travel between EU countries you are permitted to take as much luggage ‘as you would reasonably need for personal use’. You may be required to prove that your possessions are personal and not for commercial use. Please note that passports are still checked at the borders. Borders between EU and non-EU countries are more strictly controlled. There are restrictions on the amount of tax-free goods you may import from non-EU countries. More information from HM Revenue & Customs on http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/
Medical cover
UK and Irish citizens should apply for the free EHIC (European Health Insurance Card which has replaced the old E111 form). Each member of your group will need a separate EHIC Card. It covers the cost of basic emergency expenses in Hungary (and all other countries in this guide except Andorra, Croatia and Turkey). It can be ordered online, by phone or by post. More information on http://www.dh.gov.uk/ or http://www.oasis.gov.ie/
Opening times and Public holidays
Post
Genereis open on weekdays from 08:00 to 18:00.
Shops
In Budapest and the larger towns some shops are open all day. Food shops are genereis open from 07:00 to 19:00, on Saturdays from 09:00 to 14:00, other shops from 10:00 to 18:00. Late night shopping in larger towns is on Thursdays, some shops stay open till 20:00. Some shops are also open on Sundays from 07:00 to 13:00.
Public holidays
- New Year’s Day
- 15 March (Commemoration of the 1848 Revolution)
- Easter Monday
- 1 May (Labour Day)
- Whit Monday
- 20 August (Constitution Day)
- 23 October (Republic Day)
- 1 November (All Saints’ Day)
- Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Roads and traffic
Traffic regulations
Remember, all traffic in Hungary drives on the right and overtakes on the left! Headlight deflectors are advisable to prevent annoying oncoming drivers. Hungary uses the metric system, so distances are measured in kilometres (km), speeds in kilometres per hour (km/h) and fuel is sold in litres (l). Speed limits where not otherwise indicated:
- roads in built-up areas 50 km/h (± 30 mph)
- main roads outside built-up areas 90 km/h (± 56 mph)
- trunk roads 110 km/h (± 68 mph)
- motorways 130 km/h (± 81mph).
Car-caravan combinations may drive 50 km/h (± 30 mph) in built-up areas, 70 km/h (± 43 mph) outside built-up areas, and 80 km/h (± 50 mph) on trunk roads and motorways. Unlike many European countries most intersections have signs which show who has priority; as in the UK; the ‘priority from the right’ rule hardly ever applies here. Official speed limits are shown on signs at border crossings. Dipped headlights are mandatory outside built-up areas. There is a total ban on driving with any alcohol in the blood (0%); if the slightest amount of alcohol can be detected you risk a heavy fine and having your licence confiscated. Only handsfree use of telephones is permitted. On level crossings you must drive at walking pace. Take note: the centre of Budapest is only accessible to commercial vehicles.
Toll vignet
A toll vignet (sticker) is compulsory on certain main roads around Budapest. Vignets ( for 4 or 10 days, one month or one year) can be purchased on the border in the IBUSZ offices, at service stations displaying the sign ‘‘matricagvinette’ and at the slip road to the main roads. A magnetic card accompanies the vignet. The car registration number is shown on both. You will be required to show your magnetic card at the control points. The checking of vignets is strict and the fines for not having one are high.
Fuel
Petrol and diesel are freely available Lead free petrol is shown as ‘Bleifrei’ or ‘Ólommentes’. LPG is available at certain addresses; information from the MAK (Magyar Autó Klub) or your own motoring organisation.
In the event of breakdown
For urgent assistance call the MAK (Magyar Autó Klub) centre, tel. 188 (24 hours a day, anywhere in Hungary). Or call 06-1-345-1755 (English and German spoken). The emergency number for police is 107, for fire 105 and for ambulance 104. General emergency number is 112.
Camping
Bear in mind that the sanitary facilities in Hungary are reasonable but that the quality may be less than you are used to at home. Gas is available but you should make sure you have the right connectors. Electrical sockets are the same as in most European countries.
Useful addresses
Hungarian Embassy
35 Eaton Place
London SW1X 8BY
Tel: 020-72355218
Fax: 020-78231348
e-mail: hunpress@huemblon.org.uk
Hungarian National Tourist Office
46 Eaton Place
London SW1X 8AL
Tel: 020-78231032
