There are many ways to get Hungarian forints. But it is important, what is the price. Here are some examples and advice:
ATMs are easy to find both at the airport and in the city. The exchange rates used when withdrawing money are pretty good. However, you have to expect some fees, depending on your bank.
In recent years, it has not been possible to “blindly” withdraw money from the machines either. There are some ATM operators who charge rates that are not so cheap.
In general, if the machine offers you a fixed exchange rate so that you know how much the amount is in your currency as soon as you withdraw, you should reject this tempting-sounding offer. It is better to choose the amount in forints at the machine. The current daily exchange rate of the card companies is always cheaper.
You can easily exchange in bank branches. The exchange rate is slightly less favorable than in exchange offices, but you don’t have to be particularly careful here. However, the use of this option is somewhat limited due to the relatively short and unfavorable opening hours of the bank branches.
You get the best rate at small exchange offices. There are a lot of these offices in the city center. But using these exchange offices, some caution is required. There are some black sheep who calculate a very bad course. Before changing, ask or check carefully how much you get for one euro. The signs at the entrance can sometimes lead to misunderstandings. For example, compare the difference between buying and selling rates. If the difference in the case of EUR is more than about 10-15 forints, it is better to go to another exchange office. Since 2013, a transaction tax of 0.3% has been charged for every change, and this tax cannot usually be avoided at any of the exchange offices.
In any case, you should avoid the exchange offices of a large international chain. At the offices of the Interchange chain, the rates are around 20% lower than at the fair providers!
The exchange rates at the airport, train stations or at the hotel reception are in most cases significantly worse than in the city.
The rule described at the beginning also applies to the ATMs at the airport: do not accept the exchange rate offered, but choose the amount in forints. It is best to pay at the counter of the public transport company (or at the machine) with a debit or credit card. You can also pay for the Airport Shuttle Minibus or Fõtaxi with a card. At the unfavorable exchange office, you also have the opportunity to change only a very small amount, which is enough for the trip to the city center.
It’s a bit easier for you at the train stations. It is enough to leave the station building and you will definitely find better exchange offices in the immediate vicinity.
In contrast to the chain already mentioned, I recommend other chains to my guests, which have many exchange offices in the city center. All exchange offices of the chains Exclusive Change, Northline and Correct Change are very fair and reliable.
You can find the current exchange rate directly on the home page of the Hungarian National Bank.
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- Pickpockets and similar dangers
- EU citizens 65+ travel for free
- Driving your own car in Hungary
- Inside visit of the Parliament building
- Sightseeing boats on the river Danube
- Buying cigarettes and smoking
- Where and how much tip is usual?
- Private tour in Budapest. By car or on foot?
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