General Facts
CUSTOMS REGULATION
Travelers from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Middle Eastern countries should be aware of Hungary’s customs regulations to ensure a smooth entry. Hungary, as a member of the European Union (EU), adheres to EU-wide customs policies. Here’s a summary tailored for travelers from these regions:
1. Duty-Free Allowances
Tobacco Products
Air Travelers
- 200 cigarettes
- 100 cigarillos
- 50 cigars
- 250 grams of smoking tobacco
Travelers by Other Means:
- 40 cigarettes or
- 20 cigarillos or
- 10 cigars or
- 50 grams of smoking tobacco.
Alcoholic Beverages
- 1 liter of spirits over 22% alcohol by volume or
- 2 liters of alcoholic beverages less than 22% alcohol by volume.
- Additionally, 4 liters of wine and 16 liters of beer.
Other Goods:
- Up to a total value of €430 for air travelers.
- Up to €300 for other travelers.
- For travelers under 15 years of age, the limit is €150.
2. Currency Regulations
Amounts exceeding €10,000 (or equivalent in other currencies) must be declared upon
entry or exit.
3. Restricted and Prohibited Items
- Food Products: Importing meat, milk, and dairy products from outside the EU is generally prohibited to prevent the spread of diseases.
- Weapons and Ammunition: Requires prior authorization.
- Cultural Goods: Exporting cultural goods may require a permit from Hungarian authorities.
- Pets: Traveling with pets necessitates compliance with EU regulations, including microchipping, vaccinations, and appropriate documentation.
4. Tax-Free Shopping:
- Non-EU residents may be eligible for VAT refunds on purchases made in Hungary.
- Goods must be taken out of the EU within 90 days of purchase.
- Minimum purchase amount and other conditions apply.
5. Additional Considerations:
- Personal Medications: Travelers should carry a prescription or doctor's note for medications and ensure they are legal in Hungary.
- Customs Declarations: Travelers should be prepared to declare items that exceed duty-free allowances or fall under restricted categories.
- Compliance: Non-compliance with customs regulations can result in fines or confiscation of goods.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s recommended to consult the Hungarian National Tax and Customs Administration or the Hungarian embassy or consulate in your country before traveling.
Electricity
Plug Types: Type C & Type F (two round prongs, used across Europe).
Voltage & Frequency: 230V, 50Hz (check device compatibility).
Adapter Needed?
- Yes, if coming from the US, UK, or other regions with different plug types.
- No adapter needed for most European travelers.
- Compliance: Non-compliance with customs regulations can result in fines or confiscation of goods.
Voltage Converter Needed?
- Yes, if your device only supports 110V (e.g., some US appliances).
- No, if your charger or device supports 100-240V (most laptops & phone chargers).
Smoking Policy
Where Smoking is Banned:
- Indoors: Restaurants, bars, cafes, public transport, hospitals, schools.
- Outdoors: Public transport stops, playgrounds, school entrances (within 5m radius).
Penalties:
- Fines apply for smoking in restricted areas.
Where to Buy Tobacco:
- Only sold at "Nemzeti Dohánybolt" (National Tobacco Shops).
Traveler Tips:
- Look for designated smoking areas before lighting up.
- Follow no-smoking signs to avoid fines.
Currency, Payments, and Tipping Currency
Hungarian Forint (HUF) - Banknotes: 500 to 20,000 HUF, Coins: 5 to 200 HUF.
Cash vs. Card:
- Cash is useful for small purchases & rural areas.
- Credit/Debit cards (Visa/Mastercard) widely accepted in cities.
- Apple Pay & Google Pay growing in popularity.
ATMs & Currency Exchange:
- ATMs are common; check for fees.
- Exchange at banks & official exchange offices
Avoid:
- Traveler's checks (rarely accepted).
- Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) - Always choose to pay in HUF to avoid extra fees.
Business Hours BUSINESS
Offices & Banks:
Hours
- Offices: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Mon-Fri)
Shops & Malls:
- Regular stores: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Mon-Fri), shorter hours on Sat, closed Sun
Shopping centers: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Mon-Sat), some open on Sun
Grocery Stores & Convenience Shops:
- Groceries: 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Mon-Sat), some closed Sun • 24/7 stores: Available in major cities
Restaurants & Museums:
- Many museums closed on Mondays
Public Holidays:
- Most businesses closed on national holidays
Workweek:
- Standard: Monday-Friday, 40 hours/week
Taxes
VAT Refund (For Non-EU Residents):
- Get up to 27% VAT refund on eligible purchases.
- Minimum purchase required – request a VAT refund form from the retailer.
- Get customs stamp before leaving the EU & claim your refund at refund offices or via mail.
Tourist Tax in Budapest:
- 4% tax on hotel stays (may not be included in room price).
- Check with your hotel if the tax is included in your booking
Duty-Free Shopping (For Non-EU Residents)
- Available if you leave the EU within 90 days after purchase.
- Present goods at customs for verification before departure.
Always check VAT refund rules before shopping & verify taxes with your hotel !
Emergency Numbers
Main Emergency Number:
- 112 (Covers Police, Ambulance, Fire Brigade) – Operators speak multiple languages.
Specific Emergency Services:
- 104 – Ambulance & Medical Emergencies
- 105 – Fire & Rescue Service
- 107 – Police
Additional Info:
- SMS & 112-SOS app available for individuals with disabilities.
- Use 112 for fastest assistance, but direct numbers (104, 105, 107) also work.
