Money & Payments

1. Card Payments

• Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere (even at public transport ticket machines and in taxis). Contactless payment (PayPass, Apple Pay, Google Pay) is the default. The acceptance of American Express (Amex) is more limited.
• Card payment is widely applicable, but due to the aforementioned DCC, the offered currency and exchange rate can be checked on the terminal display before making a decision.

2. Cash withdrawals (ATMs)

• There are two types of ATMs on the streets: official bank ATMs (e.g., OTP, Erste, K&H, Raiffeisen) and independent operators (e.g., Euronet) placed heavily in tourist zones.
• Independent ATMs are easily recognizable by their aggressive, oversized "HUF / EUR" and "CASH" stickers. They are often built into the sides of souvenir shops or bars. These machines apply high fixed transaction fees and push unfavorable DCC exchange rates. For cash withdrawals, always look for ATMs built directly into the walls of official bank branches, which feature subdued corporate branding, and always select the "Without Conversion" option.

3. Currency Exchange

• For exchanging cash (EUR, USD, GBP) into Forints, numerous official currency exchange offices operate in the city center.
• Exchange offices operating at the airport and major railway stations (Keleti, Nyugati) typically offer less favorable rates. Exchange offices in the city center (e.g., on Teréz körút or the Small Boulevard / Kiskörút) operate with a smaller margin. Exchanging money on the street with private individuals is illegal and carries a high risk of fraud.

4. Tipping

• The 10-15% service charge on the bill is a mandatory, taxable item that forms the venue's revenue, meaning it is not equal to a direct tip given to the server. Tipping (typically 10%) is part of the local hospitality culture and is worth considering if the guest was satisfied with the service.
• If tipping in cash, according to local practice, it is indicated upon payment by handing it directly to the waiter (e.g., by rounding up the final amount) rather than leaving it on the table.

5. Official Exchange Rate

Current official mid-market exchange rate: Can be checked on the website of the Hungarian National Bank (MNB). Source: mnb.hu/en/arfolyamok

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