ABOUT HUNGARY

Welcome to Hungary. The land of thermal baths and paprika and Tokaj wine. Whether you're a motorsport enthusiast, a history buff, a foodie, or simply looking for new adventures, Hungary is the perfect place to explore.

Entry into Hungary

Hungary is part of the Schengen Area, so travellers from most European countries do not need a visa to enter. If you are coming from a European country, you can enter with just your ID card or passport. Visitors from countries outside the EU, such as the UK, USA, Canada, and others, can stay in Hungary for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your stay. Border checks are usually quick, especially at airports.

Currency

In Hungary, you pay in forints (1,000 HUF = 2.7 €). Most merchants nowadays routinely accept all payment cards from the world's key card associations. However, if you plan to rent a car, for example, carry a credit card, not just a regular debit card. It may not be enough.

There is a very dense network of ATMs in all cities. However, we recommend that you only withdraw money from those operated by banks. If you come across ATMs operated by other operators, such as Euronet, you are likely to be charged a withdrawal fee, which can be up to €10, or 10 per cent of the transaction.

Health

If you are from the EU, make sure to bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you are from the UK, bring the new GHIC. These cards give you access to public healthcare during your stay. If you are visiting from outside the EU, make sure your travel insurance covers medical care, just in case. Pharmacies are common and easy to find in Hungary, and many are open late.

Safety

Hungary is a safe country for tourists. Budapest is very popular with visitors, and the Hungaroring is well organised during the F1 weekend. Security staff and police are present to help and keep things running smoothly. Most visits are trouble-free, but as with any busy place, it’s smart to keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowds or on public transport.

Electricity

In Hungary, 230 V AC with a frequency of 5 Hz is standard, as it is throughout continental Europe.

Mobile services

Hungary has good mobile phone coverage, especially in cities like Budapest and at major events like the Grand Prix. If you are from an EU country, you can use your mobile phone in Hungary just like at home, thanks to EU roaming rules, calls, texts, and data will cost the same as in your own country. If you are coming from outside the EU, like the UK or USA, using your phone can be expensive, so it’s better to buy a local SIM card or an international plan before you travel. One good option is Airalo, where you can buy data packs online and enjoy internet access without extra charges from your mobile operator.

Important telephone numbers

The Hungarian international dialling code is +36
Emergency line: 112
Police: 107
Ambulance: 104
Firefighters: 105

Interesting facts about Hungary

Few people can imagine Hungarian cuisine without paprika. They are used fresh but also dried or processed into various products. Paprika, a spice made from dried and ground peppers, is an essential ingredient of Hungarian cuisine and adds a distinctive flavour to many traditional dishes. During September, when the peppers are harvested, you can head to the Kaloc region to soak up the paprika atmosphere. There are festivals in the villages, and peppers are literally everywhere, hanging in barns and on houses.

Tokaj wine is a prized Hungarian treasure, renowned for its exceptional quality and distinctive sweet taste. This golden nectar is produced in the Tokaj wine region from carefully selected grapes affected by noble rot, resulting in a complex and succulent dessert wine that has been celebrated for centuries.

Hungary is famous for its thermal baths. There are more than 1,000 natural thermal springs in the country, and Budapest alone has more sources of thermal and medicinal water than any other capital city in the world.

Often called the "Hungarian Sea", Lake Balaton is the largest lake in Central Europe and a popular tourist destination. Its shores offer a range of activities, from swimming and sunbathing on sandy beaches to sailing and water sports for the more adventurous. Surrounded by cycle paths, villages, vineyards and thermal baths, the Balaton is a paradise for relaxing in nature.

The Hungarians are proud to have won gold medals at every Olympic Games they participate in. Given the size of their population, they are second only to Finland in the number of gold medals won. At the 2022 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Hungary won a total of 6 gold medals.

Hungarian water polo has a rich history, and the Hungarian national team is one of the most successful in the sport. Known for their dominance and prowess, they have won numerous Olympic gold medals and world championship titles, cementing their status as a water polo superpower. The sport is hugely popular in Hungary, with passionate fans filling stadiums and eagerly cheering on their beloved team, making water polo an integral part of the country's sporting culture.

The 1986 Hungarian Grand Prix made history as the first Formula One race held behind the Iron Curtain at the Hungaroring near Budapest. The race attracted enthusiastic spectators and featured iconic drivers of the era, leaving a lasting legacy of Hungary's standing in the world of motorsport.

Hungarian driver Ferenc Szisz won the first ever official Formula One World Championship race, held in 1906. He drove for the Renault team and triumphed in the French Grand Prix, which was considered the inaugural race of the championship. Szisz's victory marked a significant moment in the history of Hungarian motorsport.