What is the Currency in Budapest, Hungary?
Are you wondering “what is the currency in Budapest”?
You’ve come to the right place! I am originally from Budapest so if you are planning a trip to Budapest, here what you need to know about Hungary’s official currency.
If you want to know “what is the currency in Budapest”? The currency used in Budapest is the Hungarian Forint (HUF).
Hungary is part of the European Union but the Euro was never introduced in Hungary so the currency for payments remain the Hungarian Forint. You can easily exchange money at the Budapest Airport or in the city centre.
Most places also accept bank payments, so there no need to carry around large amounts of cash either. In addition, many restaurants, bars and taxis also accept main international currencies such as Euro, USD and GBP.
What is the Currency in Hungary?
The official currency used in Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (HUF). It might come as a surprise to many travellers, as Hungary is part of the European Union, however, the euro was never introduced to Hungary.
What is the Currency in Budapest?
The currency used in Budapest is the Hungarian Forint (HUF), which is the official currency in Hungary.
Hungary is part of the European Union but the euro was never introduced to Hungary, so for now the official currency remains the Hungarian Forint.
Are Euros Accepted in Budapest?
For cash payments in Budapest, it is best if you have the local currency, the Hungarian Forint (HUF) with you. However, many restaurants, bars and taxis in the city centre also accept main international currencies, such as the Euro.
What is the Exchange Rate from Forint to Euro?
As of 2024, the exchange rate from Forint to Euro is 1 EURO = 400 HUF.
The Hungarian Forint is not that strong, so if you are travelling to Hungary from a country that uses EURO, GBP or USD, then you will find that Hungary is very affordable.
Are US Dollars Accepted in Budapest?
The main currency being used and accepted in Budapest is the Hungarian Forint, however, many restaurants, bars and taxis also accept other main international currencies such as the US Dollar.
What is the Exchange Rate from Forint to US Dollar?
As of 2024, the exchange rate from Forint to US Dollar is 1 USD = 360 HUF.
The Hungarian Forint is not that strong, so if you are travelling to Hungary from the USA, then you will find that Hungary is very affordable.
What is the Best Currency to Use in Budapest?
The best currency to use in Budapest is the Hungarian Forint (HUF), which is the official currency in Budapest.
It is best if you can get Hungarian Forint before arriving in Budapest, alternatively, you can exchange money at the Budapest Airport or in the city centre in Budapest.
Where to Exchange Money in Budapest?
The best place to exchange money is in the city centre of Budapest. There are many exchange shops in the city centre and the rates are also better than exchanging money at the Budapest Airport.
If you really need some Hungarian currency, you can exchange just a small amount of money at the Budapest Airport that will be enough for a day and then exchange more money once you get to the city centre. The reason is that the exchange rate at the Budapest Airport is not so good, so you will end up losing money if you exchange all your money there.
Should I Use Cash or Card in Budapest?
You can use both cash and cards in Budapest. Bank payments are widely accepted all over Budapest and it is only the small shops or street vendors that do not accept card payments.
If you travelling to Budapest, the best thing to do is to pay partially by card and partially by cash. You will probably be able to pay by card everywhere but it is good if you also have some cash in Hungarian Forint.
Best Travel Cards for Budapest
There are two travel cards (Wise and Revolut) that are great for international card payments. You have to register and order a bank card (which may take 5-7 days to arrive so plan it ahead of travel). Once you have the account, you can use their apps to top up your account with various currencies.
Wise and Revolut both have some of the best exchange rates, so if you top up your card with Hungarian Forint, you will get the best rates. Plus, as card payments are widely accepted in Budapest, you will easily get by paying for things using Wise or Revolut.
ATMs in Budapest
There are many ATMs in Budapest, especially in the city centre so withdrawing Hungarian Forint from ATMs is also an option.
ATMs might not have the best exchange rate, plus in addition they also charge a withdrawal fee if you use an international bank card. Nevertheless, if you are in Budapest and cannot locate a money exchange shop nearby, withdrawing from an ATM for quick cash is also an option.
Where to Stay in Budapest
Looking for a place to stay in Budapest? Check out my top recommendations for every budget:
📍 Budget Hostel: Maverick City Lodge
📍 Mid-Range Hotel: D50 Hotel
📍 High-End Hotel: Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Best Things to Do in Budapest
Budapest is such a great city and there are so many things to do. The main reasons to visit Budapest is to see the architecture, relax in the thermal baths, try Hungarian food and go on a river cruise on the Danube.
Some of the best things to do in Budapest are:
- Visit the Hungarian Parliament, Fisherman’s Bastion, Heroes’ Square, Buda Castle and Citadella
- Chill in the thermal baths
- Try Hungarian cuisine
- Go on a river cruise on the Danube
Best Ways to Get Around Budapest
The public transport in Budapest is well-connected and is an affordable way to get around the city. The main modes of transport in Budapest are the buses, metro and trams and it is easy to figure out the transport system even if you are just visiting for a few days.
If you like to explore places on foot, I have good news, Budapest is a walkable city! Budapest is not so big and many of the tourist attractions can also be explored on foot in the city centre.
In case you get tired or just want a bit of comfort, hailing or booking a taxi through Uber or Bolt in Budapest is also an option.
FAQs: What is the Currency in Budapest, Hungary?
What is the best currency to take to Budapest?
The best currency to take to Budapest is the Hungarian Forint (HUF), which is the official currency in Budapest.
It is best if you can get Hungarian Forint before arriving in Budapest, alternatively, you can exchange money at the Budapest Airport or in the city centre in Budapest.
How much is $1 worth in Budapest?
As of 2024, the exchange rate from US Dollar to Hungarian Forint (HUF) is 1 USD = 360 HUF.
The Hungarian Forint is not that strong, so if you are travelling to Hungary from the USA, then you will find that Hungary is very affordable.
Can you use euro in Budapest?
Euro is not the official currency in Budapest, however, many restaurants, bars and taxis in the city centre also accept Euros.
For cash payments in Budapest, it is best if you have the local currency, the Hungarian Forint (HUF) with you.
How much is $100 in Budapest?
As of 2024, $100 is around HUF 36,000.
Should I carry cash in Budapest?
Yes, you should carry cash in Budapest. Most places accept card payments and it is only small shops where you can only pay by cash.
If you travelling to Budapest, the best thing to do is to plan to pay partially by card and partially by cash. You will probably be able to pay by card everywhere but it is good if you also have some cash in Hungarian Forint.
Will Hungary accept US Dollars?
The official currency in Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (HUF), however, many restaurants, bars and taxis in the city centre of Budapest also accept US Dollars as payments.
It is best if you exchange some money into the Hungarian Forint, however, places in touristy areas will also accept US Dollars.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the currency used in Budapest is the Hungarian Forint (HUF).
Hungary is part of the European Union but the Euro was never introduced in Hungary so the currency for payments remain the Hungarian Forint. You can easily exchange money at the Budapest Airport or in the city centre.
Most places also accept bank payments, so there no need to carry around large amounts of cash either. In addition, many restaurants, bars and taxis also accept main international currencies such as Euro, USD and GBP.
Hungary Trip Planning
Book your flight to Hungary: Check out Skyscanner or Kiwi.com to find the best flights deals!
Book Your Accommodation for Hungary: Are you looking for accommodation? Booking.com has everything from budget to luxury accommodation. For the cheapest places, check out Hostelworld.com.
Book Tours and Activities for Hungary: GetYourGuide and Viator have a vast number of tours and day trip activities all around the world. Check out their website and book your activity!
Get Travel Insurance for Hungary: It is always good to be on the safe side when travelling. SafetyWing is one of the most affordable international travel insurance and you can book it even after you have already started your trip.
Get Your Travel Cards: Whenever I am abroad, I always use travel cards Wise and Revolut. They have multiple currencies available, you can use it in shops and restaurants. The great thing is that they have the best exchange rates!
Looking for other tips to make travel easier? Check out my complete list of travel resources that have been my go-to companies when abroad or planning a trip.
