Tag Archive for: currency

Visiting Budapest Now: What Changed After the Election?

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Budapest After the Election: What Changes for Tourists?

 

On the night of April 12, 2026, something happened in Budapest that many Hungarians thought they might never see. After 16 years in power, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán conceded defeat in a landslide parliamentary election. Péter Magyar’s centre-right Tisza party won 138 of 199 parliamentary seats — a two-thirds supermajority — on a record voter turnout of nearly 78 percent. Tens of thousands of people celebrated along the banks of the Danube. The city felt different overnight.

If you have a trip to Budapest planned — or you’re thinking about visiting — you probably have one simple question: what does this mean for me as a tourist?
If you are visiting Budapest now, this is exactly the kind of moment that shapes the experience of the city in a unique way.

We’ve been walking the streets of this city with visitors since 2007. Here’s our honest take:

Budapest travel March April - visiting budapest now

Visiting Budapest now is definitely safe. The city is open and in good spirits!

Budapest is calm. The election result was decisive, the transition of power is expected to be orderly, and there are no travel warnings or disruptions to daily life.
For travelers visiting Budapest now, the situation on the ground feels stable and welcoming.

If anything, the atmosphere right now is something special. Locals are energised, hopeful, and talkative — and if you join one of our free walking tours in the coming days, you will hear about it firsthand from your guide. Budapest’s story is always best told on foot, and right now there is a new chapter being written in real time.

EU relations are expected to improve

One of the most significant shifts under the new government is Hungary’s expected return to closer cooperation with the European Union. Under Orbán, Hungary was frequently at odds with Brussels, which created complications for businesses and institutions across the country.

New PM Péter Magyar has pledged to bring Hungary back into the EU mainstream. For those visiting Budapest now, this suggests a more stable and predictable environment in the near future.
Better for tourism, better for the city, better for everyone walking its streets.

visiting budapest now forint

The forint is at its strongest in years — great news for your wallet

One thing worth knowing before you arrive: the Hungarian forint is currently at its strongest in years — around 367 HUF/EUR and 314 HUF/USD. This means your euros or dollars will buy fewer forints than they would have a year or two ago, so Budapest is slightly less of a bargain than it was recently for incoming visitors.

If you are visiting Budapest now, it’s worth adjusting expectations slightly when it comes to prices.

That said, the city remains very good value compared to most Western European capitals. Thermal baths, accommodation, and a glass of wine at a ruin bar are still remarkably affordable. One honest note though: eating out can feel pricier than expected. Hungary has one of the highest VAT rates in the EU at 27%, which is reflected in restaurant bills. It is not Paris expensive — but it is worth budgeting a little more for food than Budapest’s affordable reputation might suggest.

Practical tips for visitors who are visiting Budapest now

A few practical tips from us:

  • Withdraw Forints from ATMs using your home bank card for the best rate
  • Avoid exchange booths at the airport, train stations, and busy tourist areas — rates there can be terrible
  • Always pay in forints, not your home currency, when a card machine asks — this is called dynamic currency conversion, and it will cost you

These small details make a big difference when visiting Budapest now, especially during a period of economic adjustment.

Oh, and one more thing — our free walking tours are still free. Well, tip-based. You pay what you feel the tour was worth at the end, and not a forint before. That has never changed.

december in budapest - is Budapest safe to visit - visiting budapest now

What is not changing

Almost everything that makes Budapest extraordinary has nothing to do with politics, and it is not going anywhere.

The Buda Castle District, the Jewish Quarter, the Great Market Hall, Fisherman’s Bastion, the thermal baths, the ruin bars, the Danube at golden hour — all of it is exactly as beautiful as it has always been. A change of government does not touch any of that.

Visas, public transport, opening hours, and day-to-day life for visitors will continue as normal throughout the transition. This is important to understand if you are visiting Budapest now — the core travel experience remains unchanged.

One more thing: this is a fascinating moment to visit!

We have been guiding curious travellers around Budapest since 2007 — through history, through complicated times, through all seasons. One thing we know for certain: Budapest has always rewarded people who pay attention.

Right now, the city is living through a genuinely historic moment. The conversations on our tours will be richer for it. The locals you meet in a café or on a tram will have something real to say. The streets have a different energy.

Visiting Budapest now is not just about sightseeing — it’s about experiencing a city in the middle of real change.

If you were already planning to visit, you picked a remarkable time. If you were thinking about it, let this be your sign.

Come walk with us. The city is waiting.

Hungarian Money Guide – How to pay in Budapest?

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Before visiting Hungary, it’s helpful to know a little about our currency, and how it works, that is why we made this Hungarian money guide for you, so you can find every useful information about paying in Budapest. Most importantly we have our own currency:

The official currency of Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (HUF). Take a look at this guide to the Hungarian Forint from using cash machines to cash payment.

Banknotes come in denominations of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000 and 20,000. All of them are watermarked, contain an embedded vertical security strip of thin metal, and are designed to be suitable for visually impaired individuals. Six different coins are in use: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 forint coins.

Currency Exchange for Travelers in Budapest

You can exchange your currency in Budapest at banks, currency exchange offices, and some hotels. We recommend changing up to 20€ at the airport upon arrival, as the exchange rate is far from being the best there. Additionally, we advise avoiding Orange ‘InterChange’ currency exchange businesses located everywhere in Budapest, as they offer the worst rates compared to other establishments. Our recommended exchange office chain is the Correct Change, they have plenty of offices in the city center and surprisingly they are really correct!

Navigating Cash and Card Payments in Hungary

In the vibrant streets of Budapest, managing your finances efficiently is crucial for a seamless travel experience. While Hungary is increasingly card-friendly, having a mix of cash and card can be a savvy choice. Here’s a breakdown to help you strike the right balance:

The Card Advantage

Hungary, especially Budapest, has embraced card payments, with the majority of establishments accepting cards, even in smaller shops and bars. Using your card for most transactions is convenient and widely accepted. However, it’s essential to be mindful of potential fees from your bank. Some banks charge fees for international card usage, so it’s advisable to check with your bank and weigh the costs. Using your card also ensures a favorable exchange rate compared to withdrawing cash. 

Cash Reserves for Added Convenience

While card usage covers the majority of your expenses, having a small cash reserve (about 1/3 of your total budget) is recommended. This can be particularly handy for tipping our Free Budapest Tour guides, market hall purchases, public toilets, or in the rare instance where card payments might not be accepted Locals often emphasize paying in Hungarian Forints (HUF) rather than Euros, as the latter may incur less favorable exchange rates. Keeping around 20,000 HUF (approximately 50 Euros) in cash can provide a safety net for those few instances where cards may not suffice.

 

ATMs: Choose Wisely

When withdrawing cash, opt for ATMs located inside or next to bank branches, avoiding those branded as ‘Euronet.’ This precaution ensures a more secure transaction and minimizes the risk of unfavorable exchange rates.

Always choose to withdraw Forints from established banks like Raiffeisenbank, K&H, ERSTE or OTP for better rates. Keep in mind that using ATMs, while convenient, might incur fees depending on your bank back home.

 

Paying in Hungarian money (HUF) Matters:

Whether it’s for dinner, a glass of champagne at the State Opera House or a local market find, paying in Hungarian Forints is advised. It not only aligns with the local preference but also safeguards you from potential rip-offs associated with using foreign currencies.

 

Fun facts about Hungarian money: 

Why is Hungarian money called Forint?

The name forint finds its origin in the city of Florence, where gold coins minted since 1252 were called fiorino d’oro.In Hungary, the gold-based currency Florentinus was used from 1325 under the reign of Charles Robert; after that, several other countries followed this example.

 

Why Hungary Does Not Have the Euro as a Currency?

While Hungary is a member of the European Union (EU), it has not adopted the euro as its official currency. The country has its own central bank, the Hungarian National Bank (Magyar Nemzeti Bank), which maintains control over its monetary policy, including issuing the Hungarian Forint. The decision to join the Eurozone involves various economic and political considerations and much more. To delve into the details, join our daily FREE BUDAPEST TOURS and FREE COMMUNISM TOURS and learn about the current political situation from your local tour guides.”