
Hungary is a popular destination for travelers, but if you're planning to visit, you might be wondering if you can use the euro for your trip.
You can't use the euro as a form of payment in Hungary, as the official currency is the Hungarian forint (HUF).
Many businesses in tourist areas accept euros, but it's still a good idea to have some local currency on hand, especially when traveling outside of major cities.
In fact, some merchants may even charge a higher price for euros than for forints, so it's best to be prepared with the local currency.
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Payment Methods in Hungary
In Hungary, you can pay with a variety of methods, including cash, card, and mobile payments.
Hungary is one of the few European countries where you can still pay with cash, and it's widely accepted in most shops and restaurants.
Contactless payments are also widely available, with many merchants accepting card payments with a tap of their contactless-enabled card or mobile device.
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Some popular mobile payment methods in Hungary include Széchenyi Card and Tarrakozás, which allow users to make payments with their mobile phones.
The Hungarian forint (HUF) is the official currency of Hungary, and it's the only currency that can be used to pay for goods and services.
Hungarians often use cash for small purchases, like buying a coffee or a snack, but cards are usually accepted for larger transactions.
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Currency Exchange in Budapest
You can use the Euro in Hungary, but it's not the only accepted currency. Most stores and restaurants accept Euro payments, but some may only take Euro bills, not coins.
If you're traveling from the US, you might be wondering where to buy Hungarian Forints (HUF). Unfortunately, you won't find them easily in the US, and it's best to exchange them in Budapest.
To exchange your money, you have several options in Budapest. You can find exchange offices at the airport, in railway stations, and in the city center. However, be aware that exchange offices at the airport tend to have high rates, so it's best to exchange a small amount for your transfer to the city center.
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EUR to HUF Exchange Rate
The EUR to HUF exchange rate is a crucial aspect of currency exchange in Budapest.
You can exchange euros for Hungarian forints at currency exchange offices in Budapest, such as the ones at Ferenc Liszt International Airport or in the city center.
The exchange rate can fluctuate, but as of 2022, the exchange rate is approximately 310-320 HUF per 1 EUR.
To get the best exchange rate, consider using a currency exchange office that doesn't charge commission fees.
The Hungarian National Bank is responsible for setting the official exchange rate, which is published daily on their website.
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Budapest Foreign Exchange Offices
You can find exchange offices in Budapest that provide a service with the currency of your home country, such as at the airport, railway stations, and in the city center.
Some exchange offices have high rates, so it's best to change a small amount if needed, or use an ATM for a more favorable exchange. Just be aware that exchange offices at the airport tend to have high rates.
There are also some hotels in Budapest that provide money exchange services, but most hotels have high exchange rates, so it's worth comparing rates and commissions before buying Hungarian currency.
To find a good exchange office, look for those located on major boulevards in the Pest city center, such as Teréz körút boulevard or Rákóczi út boulevard. You'll find exchange offices with good rates there.
Exchange offices located in touristic sites, like the 'Váci' pedestrian street, are not recommended, as they tend to have unfavorable rates.
Paying in Budapest
You can use Euro in many stores and restaurants in Budapest, but it's worth noting that the official currency is the Hungarian Forint. Many places will accept Euro bills, but not coins.
Some stores and restaurants may have a sign saying they only accept Euro bills, so it's a good idea to check before making a purchase. You can also use credit cards or ATMs to withdraw Hungarian Forints.
If you're looking for a place to exchange your currency, there are many exchange offices in Budapest. You can find them at the airport, in railway stations, and in the city center. Some popular exchange offices include Correct Change and Exclusive Change, which have multiple locations throughout the city.
Here's a list of some popular exchange offices in Budapest:
Avoid exchanging currency at the airport, as the rates are often not in your favor. It's also a good idea to compare rates and commissions before making a purchase, especially at hotels. Some hotels may charge high exchange rates, so it's worth shopping around.
Payment Currency in Budapest
In Budapest, most stores and restaurants accept payments by Euro, but be aware that some may only take Euro bills, not coins. You can easily find Euro-accepting stores and restaurants throughout the city.
Some places may not accept Euro at all, including market stalls, small grocery shops, and bakeries. These businesses might only accept Hungarian Forint or other currencies.
To avoid unfavorable conversion rates, it's best to use the local currency, Hungarian Forint, for transactions. You can exchange your Euro for Forint at an exchange office or withdraw Forint from an ATM.
Here are some places where you can exchange your Euro for Forint or withdraw local currency:
- Exchange offices
- ATMs
Remember to check the exchange rates before making a transaction to ensure you're getting a fair deal.
Sources
- https://www.hungarybudapestguide.com/euros-budapest/
- https://freetoursbyfoot.com/currency-in-budapest-hungary/
- https://travel.stackexchange.com/questions/49357/how-widely-accepted-are-euros-in-hungary-and-how-bad-is-the-exchange-rate-practi
- https://budapest-travel-tips.com/preparation-budapest/hungarian-currency-change-money/
- https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/
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