Hungary's location in the centre of Europe along with its hospitable attitude makes it one of the best places from which to embark on an Eastern European journey. It is both European and distinctly Hungarian, incorporating a mixture of history and the present-day. The country proudly upholds its Magyar traditions, culture and arts, but is attentive to what is new and fashionable in the outside world.

A small landlocked country sharing its borders with seven neighbouring countries, Hungary was originally inhabited by the Magyars, an equestrian nomadic tribe. They were eventually converted to Christianity and in the year 1000 their Prince Stephen was crowned the nation's first ruler. Since then Hungary has seen numerous dynastic changes, from Turkish occupation to the era of Communism, and today quaint little towns, cities and ruins in the countryside bear the marks of this turbulent history with a rich mosaic of architectural styles and fortified hilltop castles. The Hungarian people, neither Slavic nor Germanic, are formal, reserved and intensely proud of their ancient nation and its cosmopolitan capital, Budapest.

Most visitors arrive in Budapest, situated on a lovely stretch of the Danube, the river that invokes feelings of romantic enchantment and musical memories. It is a city of culture and of astounding beauty and grace, and visitors are drawn to its enchanting magnetism. Outside of the capital the plains, rolling hills and rivers, lakes and vineyards hold much to offer the visitor. The Baroque town and fine wines of Eger, historical riverside villages along the Danube Bend, commanding fortresses, castles and palaces, the resort-lined Lake Balaton and the thermal spas and volcanically heated lake at Hévíz are just some of the country's many highlights awaiting discovery

BUDAPEST:
Budapest, known as the 'Queen of the Danube', is a magnificent city exuding a cultural sophistication that entices and enchants. Gracing both sides of the legendary river with grand historic buildings, regal bridges and graceful tree-lined boulevards, it is the city's elegant beauty and romantic atmosphere that has given Budapest Parisian status among the Eastern European countries.

Budapest offers the visitor the familiarity of European culture with a distinct Hungarian flavour. It is evident in the neo-Gothic Parliament buildings, sidewalk cafes and Magyar cuisine; classical concerts and Hungarian folk music; the cobbled streets of medieval neighbourhoods and shady parks, and everywhere the sounds of an unfamiliar language. Highlights for visitors include a river cruise on the Danube and a thermal bath in one of the Turkish-era bathhouses.

EGER:
Eger is a colourful town known not only for its history, mellow charm and vineyards, but also for its thermal baths. Visitors looking for a bit of time-out can unwind in the peaceful Archbishop's Garden, a leafy park enclosing swimming pools and hot thermal baths.

LAKE BALATON:

Lake Balaton, is the largest freshwater lake in Europe and the premier vacation region in Hungary. Lining both shores of its 48-mile (77km) stretch are many towns and resorts, and the north and south shores are distinctly different in character offering something for everyone.
The south shore is thronged by a string of characterless resorts and high-rise buildings where crowds of young people congregate for a hedonistic holiday of sun and fun. Besides pretty beaches and good swimming, there are numerous land and water based activities, and at night the discos pulsate until the early hours. Siófok is the largest and busiest resort that dominates the southern shore during the summer months, but is completely dead in winter.

DANUBE BEND:

The Danube is the second longest river in Europe after the Volga, flowing for 1,771 miles (2,857km) through nine different countries. Before reaching Budapest it is forced through a narrow twisting valley in the pretty Carpathian Basin, known as the Danube Bend. The cluster of towns on the bend offers an amazing collection of history, culture and architecture, particularly the small towns of Szentendre, Visegrád and Esztergom.

It is an extremely scenic area with green valleys and hills rising up from the river, picturesque little towns with market squares and commanding fortresses with sweeping views. Many visitors choose to do a boat cruise on the Danube from Budapest stopping at the little towns along the way. Combined with good facilities and easy accessibility it is one of the more popular destinations in Hungary

Top of Page

Time:
Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October).


Electricity:
Electrical current is 230 volts, 50 Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are standard.

Language:
Hungarian (Magyar) is the official language, but German is widely spoken. English is spoken in tourist areas and most hotels.


Health:
No vaccinations are required and standards of public health are good. Tap water is safe to drink and food poisoning is not considered a high risk. A reciprocal health agreement with countries of the EU provides nationals with free emergency health care on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). All towns have pharmacies, but anyone requiring specific medication should bring a supply with them as most medicines are of Eastern European origin. Health insurance is recommended.


Tipping:
Taxi drivers and waiters expect a tip of 10 to 15%. Waiters should be handed the cash, rather than have it left on the table. Most people in the service industry expect to be tipped about 10-15%.

Safety:
Most visits to Hungary are trouble-free, but normal precautions against petty crime should be taken. Pickpocketing and bag snatching are common in Budapest, especially on crowded public transport and other places frequented by tourists.

Communications:
The international access code for Hungary is +36. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). There are often high surcharges on calls made from hotels; it is cheaper to use public telephone boxes or calling cards. Local directory assistance is available by dialling 198, and international directory assistance is 199; callers may have to hold for a few moments, but English-speaking operators are available. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international operators. Internet cafes are available in the main towns.

Airports: Ferihegy Budapest International Airport (BUD)
Location: The airport is located 10 miles (16km) south east of Budapest. Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October). Contacts: Tel: +36 1 296 7000 or 296 9696 Transfer between terminals: The terminals are close enough together to be accessible by foot. Transfer to the city: An airport bus leaves for the city centre every 30 minutes, and there is an airport minibus service that takes passengers to any destination in the city as soon as the bus is full. Tickets can be purchased in the Arrival Hall at the Airport Minibus counter. Express bus 93 runs to the nearest metro station, or taxis are available from the taxi stand.

Facilities include ATMs, bureaux de change, left luggage, first aid, duty-free shops, child care, post office, chapel, restaurants, tourist information and hotel reservations. There are facilities for disabled passengers and wheelchairs are available from the airport help desks; travellers with special needs are advised to contact their airline or travel agent in advance. A short walk from Terminal 2 there is an open air aircraft museum. Parking: Short and long term parking lots are situated close to the terminal buildings. Website: www.bud-airport.hu

Currency:
Money: The official currency is the Hungarian Forint (Ft), divided into 100 fillér. Travellers cheques are not widely favoured. Credit cards most accepted in the country are AMEX, Diners Club, EnRoute, Euro/Mastercard, JCB and Visa, and these can be used to withdraw cash from banks and ATMs and to pay bills in hotels, restaurants and most shops. Banks usually open between 8am and 4pm on weekdays and some are open on Saturdays. ATMs and currency exchange machines are available in towns and cities throughout the country.

Visa & Passport Requirements:
Entry requirements for Americans: United States citizens must hold a passport valid for at least the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for UK nationals: British citizens must have a passport. Travellers holding a passport endorsed: "Holder has the right of abode in the U.K."; or Holder is entitled to re-admission to the U.K. or British Citizen, do not require a visa for stays of up to 180 days. All other British passport holders require a visa and passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the expiry date of the required visa.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadian nationals must hold a passport valid for at least the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for Australians: Australian nationals do not need a visa to visit Hungary for a period of up to 90 days. Passports must be valid for at least the period of intended stay.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South African nationals need a visa and must hold a passport valid for at least six months after the expiry date of the visa.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealanders do not require a visa for a stay in Hungary of up to 90 days. A passport, valid for the intended period of stay, is required.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a passport valid for at least the period of intended stay. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days.
Passport/Visa Note: All visitors must have the equivalent in hard currency of Ft1,000 per day or a major credit card, as well as return or onward tickets and all documents required for next destination.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

Top of Page