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Money & currency

Money in Hungary

Updated 2026-08-16

Money & Currency
Ft

Hungarian Forint (HUF)

Currency code: HUF

Practical Money Tips

Hungary uses the Forint, not the Euro

Despite being an EU member since 2004, Hungary has not adopted the Euro. The currency is the Hungarian Forint (HUF), issued in banknotes of 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, and 20,000 denominations and coins from 5 to 200 Ft. Some tourist-facing businesses in Budapest quote prices in Euros and accept Euro cash, but the exchange rate they apply is almost always unfavourable — you will get significantly more for your money by paying in Forints. ATMs, card terminals, and shops all operate in HUF. Always decline the “pay in your home currency” option (dynamic currency conversion) at card terminals and ATMs — it lets the merchant's bank set the rate, which is consistently worse than your own bank's.

ATMs are everywhere — but choose wisely

ATMs (bankjegy-automata or bankautomata in Hungarian) are plentiful in Budapest and available in every town of any size. Visa and Mastercard are universally accepted at ATMs. OTP Bank, K&H, Erste, Raiffeisen, CIB, and UniCredit are the major domestic networks and all dispense HUF to foreign cards. Avoid standalone ATMs in tourist hotspots (Váci utca, airport arrivals hall, major train stations) operated by independent companies like Euronet — they charge high fixed fees and push dynamic currency conversion. Instead, use ATMs attached to bank branches. Withdrawal limits typically range from 100,000 to 300,000 HUF per transaction.

Cards widely accepted in cities, cash for markets and rural areas

Contactless card payment (Visa, Mastercard, and increasingly Apple Pay and Google Pay) is standard across Budapest — restaurants, cafés, shops, hotels, public transport ticket machines, and even most taxis accept cards. Outside Budapest, card acceptance is good in Debrecen, Szeged, Pécs, Győr, and other larger cities but thins out in villages, at rural guesthouses, and at market stalls. The Great Market Hall in Budapest, Lake Balaton beach vendors, and highway toll booths all handle cards, but individual stallholders at farmers' markets and flea markets are cash-only. Carrying 10,000–20,000 HUF in small notes as a cash reserve is sensible even in Budapest.

Tipping is expected at 10% — and is usually cash

A 10% tip is customary at sit-down restaurants, and the standard method is to tell the waiter the total you want to pay when settling the bill (e.g., if the bill is 8,400 HUF, say “nine thousand” or “tízezer” for a round-up). Tips are not usually added to card payments — carry small Forint notes. Rounding up taxi fares by 10% is standard. Hotel porters and spa attendants appreciate 500–1,000 HUF. At thermal baths, locker attendants in some facilities expect a small tip. Bartenders at ruin bars do not expect tips but won't refuse them.

Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.

Common Money Questions

What is the currency of Hungary?

The Hungarian Forint (HUF), often written as Ft. Banknotes circulate in 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, and 20,000 denominations. Coins range from 5 Ft to 200 Ft. Hungary is an EU and Schengen member but has not adopted the Euro — the Forint is the only legal tender. No firm timeline for Euro adoption has been set.

Can I pay with Euros in Hungary?

Some hotels, restaurants, and shops in central Budapest accept Euro banknotes, but the exchange rate they apply is typically 5–15% worse than the interbank rate. You are always better off paying in Forints. At card terminals and ATMs, always choose to pay in HUF (decline dynamic currency conversion) to let your own bank handle the conversion at a better rate.

What is the best way to get Hungarian Forints?

Withdraw HUF from bank-branch ATMs (OTP, K&H, Erste, Raiffeisen, CIB) using your Visa or Mastercard debit card — this typically gives the best rate with the lowest fees. Avoid Euronet-branded ATMs and airport exchange counters. If you prefer to exchange cash, bring Euros or US Dollars and use reputable exchange offices in central Budapest (look for places displaying rates without commission and near Deák tér or Astoria). Avoid exchanging at hotels or the airport, where margins are widest.

Are credit and debit cards widely accepted?

Yes, in cities. Visa and Mastercard (including contactless) are accepted at the vast majority of restaurants, shops, hotels, petrol stations, and public transport kiosks in Budapest and other major Hungarian cities. American Express has limited acceptance. Cash is still needed at farmers' markets, some smaller rural guesthouses, and individual market stalls. Public transport single tickets can be bought by card at machines, but on-bus ticket purchases may be cash-only.

How much should I tip in Hungary?

At restaurants, 10% is the standard — tell the waiter the total you wish to pay rather than leaving money on the table. Service charges are occasionally included (look for “szervízdíj” on the bill); if so, additional tipping is not expected. Round up taxi fares to the nearest 500 or 1,000 HUF. Thermal bath locker attendants and hotel porters appreciate 500–1,000 HUF. At ruin bars and casual drink spots, tipping is not expected but always welcome.

Is Hungary expensive?

Hungary is one of the most affordable destinations in the EU. A full restaurant meal with wine in Budapest costs roughly a third to half of what the equivalent would cost in London, Paris, or Vienna. Public transport, museum admissions, thermal bath entry (typically 2,000–7,000 HUF), and accommodation are all well below Western European averages. Lake Balaton in high summer and central Budapest at peak tourist season are the priciest settings, but even these are moderate by Western standards.

Are there currency export limits?

EU rules apply: if you are entering or leaving the EU (which includes Hungary) carrying more than EUR 10,000 or the equivalent in any currency, you must declare it to customs. Within the EU and Schengen zone there are no routine border currency checks, but customs authorities may request a declaration for amounts over EUR 10,000 on intra-EU journeys if asked.

Entry rules, visa types and practical notes live on the Hungary overview.

This overview comes from Visaja's worldwide missions database (visaja.com), checked against official government sources; for binding answers, the mission itself always has the final word.