Travel Guide to Hungary and Budapest
Hungary belongs to the Schengen Area and shares its visa rules with the rest of the bloc, with 30,000-euro medical insurance required for those who must apply for a visa, although the country keeps its own currency, the forint, having not adopted the euro.
Budapest is famous for its historic thermal baths, such as Széchenyi and Gellért, open year-round; the wet surfaces around the pools are a common cause of slips and falls among visitors.
A risk rarely mentioned in guidebooks is currency exchange: in very touristy areas of central Budapest, exchange bureaus operate with notably unfavorable rates or hidden fees, so it's worth comparing rates before exchanging cash or withdrawing from a recognized bank ATM.
Visa and health for travelers
Visa: Hungary is part of the Schengen Area: many nationalities need a Schengen visa for short stays of up to 90 days; check the exact requirement for your passport before traveling.
Health & travel insurance: Hungarian medical care is adequate and moderately priced compared to Western Europe, but an uninsured visitor pays directly for consultations and emergencies, including injuries at thermal baths.
Best time to travel
April to June and September to October offer mild weather ideal for exploring Budapest on foot. Summer (July-August) is hot but remains high season due to festivals, and the thermal baths operate year-round, even in winter.
Typical entry requirements
- Passport valid for at least three months after leaving the Schengen Area.
- Short-stay Schengen visa with 30,000-euro medical insurance for those who need one.
- Cash or card for minor expenses; the forint is the mandatory currency in most businesses.
Thermal baths and currency exchange
Wet floors around the thermal pools are a frequent cause of minor falls; wearing non-slip sandals helps reduce the risk. As for money, avoid exchange bureaus with eye-catching rate signs in tourist areas and prefer ATMs from recognized banks.
Why travel medical insurance matters here
An Assist-365 plan covers medical care for a fall at the thermal baths or any emergency during your trip, in addition to meeting the Schengen visa requirement. Get a quote with code MEDALLOADV2023 before your trip.
Travel checklist for Hungary
Quick list based on this guide's real data (not generic) before traveling to Hungary.
- Check the visa requirement for Hungary based on your passport: Hungary is part of the Schengen Area: many nationalities need a Schengen visa for short stays of up to 90 days; check the exact requirement for your passport before traveling.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date
- Travel medical insurance arranged, keeping this in mind: Hungarian medical care is adequate and moderately priced compared to Western Europe, but an uninsured visitor pays directly for consultations and emergencies, including injuries at thermal baths.
- Save Hungary's emergency number: 112, along with your insurer's contact
- Cash or a no-fee card in Forint (HUF)
- Physical and digital copies of passport, insurance and bookings
- Required or recommended vaccines up to date for the region
- eSIM or international data plan active on arrival
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Hungary quick facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Capital | Budapest |
| Currency | Forint (HUF), not euro |
| Language | Hungarian |
| Best time to visit | April-June and September-October |
| Emergency number | 112 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hungary use the euro?
No, the official currency is the Hungarian forint (HUF); it's recommended to exchange money at recognized banks or ATMs, not at exchange bureaus with eye-catching rates in tourist areas.
Are Budapest's thermal baths open all year?
Yes, baths like Széchenyi and Gellért operate in every season, including winter, when the steam over the hot water is part of the experience.
How can I avoid currency exchange scams in Budapest?
Compare the rate before exchanging, avoid exchange bureaus with very high rate signs near tourist areas, and prefer ATMs from recognized banks.
Does travel insurance cover a fall at a thermal bath?
Yes, medical care for accidents like falls is usually covered under travel assistance plans; confirm the exact details when you get a quote.
