Money, prices & costs
Hungary's official currency is the Hungarian Forint (HUF). There are a number of places which accept Euros too, but the exchange rate merchants tend to use is significantly lower than what one can get at a normal exchange office ora bank. The HUF coins' denominations are 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100, while the banknotes are HUF 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000 and 20000.
Coins:
Banknotes:
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |
ATMs and credit and debit cards
In Hungary you will find a dense network of ATMs (cash machines) which will accept all major credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Plus, Maestro, Cirrus and others). The majority of shops and restaurants also accept cards.
Tips for visitors:
Cards which a shop or restaurant accepts are usually displayed in the window of the premises. If you don't see your card name there, ask before purchasing anything whether your card will be accepted.
Travellers‘ cheques
Only a few banks accepts travellers' cheques in Hungary and it good to make inquiries about the details of cashing travellers' cheques in banks in advance.
Exchange rates
Detailed exchange rates between the forint and major international currencies and an exchange rate calculator can be found here.
Costs:
1 kilo loaf of bread: 200-300 Ft / 0,8-1,2 EUR
1 liter milk: 190-240 Ft / 0,7-1 EUR
1 bottle of beer: 200 Ft / 0,8 EUR
1 bottle of table wine: 500-3000 Ft / 2-12 EUR
Eating in restaurant: 700-1000 Ft / 2.8 -4 EUR
Eating in fast food restaurant : 3500-5000 Ft / 14-20 EUR
1 litre of petrol / gasoline (octane 95): 290 Ft
High-speed internet per month: 6-12,000 Ft / 24 - 28 EUR per month
Taxi: 250-300 Ft /km / 1-1,2 EUR
Cinema ticket: 1,200 Ft / 5 EUR
Museum entry fee: 500-1,200 Ft / 2-5 EUR
Pool entry fee: 1,200 - 3,000 Ft / 5 - 12 EUR
Tipping:
Tips aren't usually left by guests on the table. Should you wish to tip staff, add around 10% onto the bill or round it up. It's up to you what sum you tell the waiter you wish to pay when he brings the bill. If you say nothing, you will receive the exact change. If you say „Thank you" when the waiter is giving you the change, he will understand that the remainder has been left as a tip.
