The national currency in Hungary is the Hungarian Forint. One Euro equals about 330 HUF.
The Forint is expected to decrease further in value, continuing the downward trend in recent years.
The average exchange office charges a fixed and a variable fee. Only the variable fee (which is included in the exchange rate) is visible upfront!
If you can wait, then it's best to exchange money in the city center, ideally in non-frequented or less touristic places.
Every exchange office has to pay tax (0.3%), which means they will include this in the exchange rate. When they advertise "No commissions", then they will mostly charge a higher fixed fee.
The best is: Gold Change (Address: Budapest, Erzsébet krt. 8, 1073)
Another good place: Correct Change (Address: Budapest, Erzsébet körút 41, 1073)
"Exclusive Change" is a company that has many branches across the city.
Top choice
Best tips & tricks
Count the money you receive from the exchange office. Sometimes they make "mistakes" or exchange incorrectly.
Ask upfront if there is a fixed fee and if so how much. These fees are not advertised upfront can vary significantly.
Exchanging money in shopping centers is on average more expensive than in a separate exchange offices.
Always ask and keep your receipt in case you encounter problems later on.
If possible, do NOT exchange money in the airport. They are expensive and have unfavorable exchange fees.
Never buy money from someone on the streets. This is illegal and mostly involves fake money.
Be wary of exchange offices that advertise exchange rates at market price. Mostly they have high fixed fees.
Do not exchnage coins. Most exchange offices exchange coins at a more expensive rate than bank notes.
The cheap option is the bus (100E Airport Bus). The comfortable choice is taxi (Főtaxi or Bolt).
One bus ticket is 950 HUF (+/- 3EUR). A taxi to the city center is +/- 7000 HUF (21 EUR).
The bus leaves every 15 minutes and takes you 30 - 40 min. to get to the city center.
Főtaxi is the official taxi partner at the airport. Bolt or City Taxi are good options as well.
Licensed taxi fares in Budapest: base fare is 700 HUF + distance- based fare is 300 HUF /km.
On average, it's quicker to get to the city center by bus than by taxi. And it's cheaper as well!
There are 3 stops in the city center: Kálvin tér– Astoria – Deák Ferenc tér.
If you prefer taxis, then definitely BOLT. You can download their app in the app store. The prices are the same with Főtaxi, but overall a better experience (easy & quick) and you will be able to track the fee easily while you are tracking your journey live. You can pay by cash or card!
Top choice (bus)
Best tips & tricks
If you call a taxi, then be sure to specify the exact drop-off or pick-up point at the airport (Terminal 2A or 2B).
Make sure the driver starts the taximeter! (licensed taxis are required to do so by law, but double check to be sure!)
If you request a taxi via an app, then remember the car’s number plate to find your driver easily.
If you choose 100E Airport bus, be sure you have Forints with you (900 HUF/ ticket). You can buy a ticket at the info desk in the airport from the bus driver. You can also buy a ticket from the ticket terminal outside (near the bus). Euros are not accepted!
Do NOT get into a taxi which does not have the yellow color. They are not licensed!
Do NOT take the 200E bus. This won't take you to the city center.
Do NOT exchange money to pay for your taxi or bus (the exchange rate is not good at the airport). It's best to pay buy by card in the taxi or at the ticket terminal.
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