Hungary

Hungary is a constitutional state with a market economy. Budapest is a popular tourist destination with good facilities. Tourist facilities outside Budapest are widely available but may not be as developed as those found in Western Europe. Hungarian is the official language; English is not widely spoken outside Budapest. Read the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Hungary for additional information on U.S.- Hungary relations.

Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in Hungary, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. Roadside assistance, including medical and other services, is generally available. English is usually spoken at the emergency numbers listed below. If you call and the operator does not speak English, dial 112.

Ambulance: 104
Police: 107
Fire: 105
24-hour English language emergency assistance: 112

Hungarian highways are generally in good condition. Urban road maintenance is also good, although areas under construction are not always adequately marked or blockaded. In Budapest, many roads are often under construction. Outside the city, roads are often narrow, poorly lit, and can be in a poor state of repair in some areas. Train crossings are not always well-signed. Pedestrians, tractors, and farm animals often use these small rural roads, so stay alert. Additional information on road conditions is available from “Útinform” at (36)(1)336-2400.

Hungary has zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol. Police often conducts routine roadside checks and administers breath-analysis tests. If you are caught driving after drinking, you will face jail and fines. Penalties for a car accident involving injury or death are one to five years in prison. Police stops vehicles regularly to check documents. It is against the law to use a hand-held cell phone while driving anywhere in Hungary.

You can drive in Hungary with a valid U.S. driver’s license for one year as long as you have a certified Hungarian translation of the license attached to it. Hungary also recognizes international driver’s permits (IDP) issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance, when used along with a valid state driver’s license. If you have an IDP, you do not need to have the license translated, but must carry the IDP and state driver’s license together. After one year in Hungary, U.S. citizens must obtain a Hungarian driver’s license. For further information on this procedure visit the U.S. Embassy’s website.

The speed limit for cars and motorcycles on the freeways is 130 km/h; on rural expressways it is 110 km /h; and in towns and villages it is 50 km/h. Many drivers do not observe the speed limits, and you should be extra careful on two-way roads with aggressive local drivers and less space for passing. Car seats are required for infants. Children under age 12 may not sit in the front seat. Seat belts are mandatory for everyone in the car. You may not turn right on a red light. The police issues tickets for traffic violations and charges fines on the spot. The police will issue you a postal check (money order) that reflects the amount of the fine. You may pay the fine at any Hungarian post office. When dispute about fines or offence is involved the police will confiscate your passport and issue “invitation letter” to appear at the police station the next day or day after to resolve the dispute. Your passport is returned after resolution and/or the payment of the fine.

As in most European countries, you must pay to use Hungary’s highways. Payments must be made either at a gas station or online.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of the country’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Hungary’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Hungary’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Safety and Security

Although Hungary is generally a safe place to visit, you should use caution and stay alert. Be especially careful in train stations, crowded tourist areas, crowded buses, trams, and metros. In addition, you should avoid demonstrations and political rallies. In a few instances where demonstrations have turned violent, authorities have used riot police and water cannons to control crowds.

In recent years, extreme ethnic nationalist groups have gained popularity in Hungary advocating intolerance towards Jews, Roma, and homosexuals. Although these groups are not explicitly anti-U.S., you should avoid public demonstrations and confrontations with their members. Be alert and aware of your surroundings, and pay attention to what the local news media have to say. Many demonstrations and large gatherings are announced on the Demonstration Notices page on the U.S. Embassy Budapest website.

 To stay connected:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Follow the U.S. Embassy in Hungary on Twitter and visit the Embassy’s website.
• In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and check for useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Crime in Budapest is a concern. Be careful during your visit and exercise the same caution you would in any big city. Do not walk alone at night. Keep your belongings secure at all times. Passports, cash, and credit cards are favorite targets of thieves. Keep items in a safe place and be aware that pockets, purses, and backpacks are especially vulnerable, even if they close with a zipper. We recommend you use a travel money belt that keeps your cash and passport under your outer clothing and well out of view. Be sure to secure these items when you get back to your hotel or residence.

There has been increasing reports of pick-pocketing on the trains that run between Budapest and Vienna, as well as at the Vienna train station. Please be especially mindful of your belongings when traveling this route.

There also have been reports of both foreign males and females possibly being drugged for either robbery or sexual assault. Visit only reputable establishments and do not accept food or drink from anyone but a server. Be sure to watch anything you consume and do not allow anyone to put anything into your food or drink after you are served.

The U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section has a special web page with further details on common scams and crimes in Hungary.

Scams targeting motorists occur. Motorists are advised to be careful when stopped at gas stations and rest areas, or while fixing flat tires or other mechanical problems, especially at night. One scam involved an individual who attracts your attention by claiming there is something wrong with your car to get you to pull over and then robs you. Do not leave your luggage and valuables unattended inside any vehicle for any length of time, even to load or unload items or to check in to a hotel.

Another common scam involves young women asking foreign men to buy them drinks. When the bill arrives the drinks cost hundreds of dollars each. You should avoid bars and restaurants suggested by cab drivers or people on the street. Every bar and restaurant should provide a menu with prices on it. Look at the prices before you order anything, including drinks. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid the following places as they are known to engage in scams.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can:

• Replace a stolen passport.
• Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, contact family members or friends.
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Hungary is 112. Operators can speak English.

Please see our information for victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.