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Hungary Hungary Currency Guide

The currency of Hungary and how to prepare for payments — all on one page.

Currency

Hungarian Forint

HUF

Checking rates

Check with your bank app or card issuer before you go

The rate and fees you actually pay differ by bank and card issuer.

Payment Tips to Remember

Always pay in the local currency

If a terminal asks whether to charge in your home currency, always choose the local currency. Choosing your home currency triggers DCC (dynamic currency conversion), which adds a hidden markup.

Set up a travel card before you fly

Prepaid multi-currency travel cards let you convert money in the app beforehand and pay like a debit card locally. Fees are usually lower than cash exchange counters, and you can freeze the card instantly from the app if lost.

Airport exchange counters: last resort

Airport counters are convenient but tend to offer some of the worst rates. If you need cash, exchange via your bank's app before departure or consider withdrawing from a local ATM.

Check ATM fees on screen

Local ATMs may add their own operator fee. Check the fee shown on the confirmation screen before proceeding. If the ATM offers conversion to your home currency (DCC), choosing the local currency is usually better.

Keep some small cash

Every country has places that don't take cards — markets, tips, small transport. Carrying a small amount of cash in separate places keeps you covered.

Cards for Abroad

Explore the Wise multi-currency card

One account holding 40+ currencies, converting and paying at mid-market based rates. Handy for multi-country trips — no need to exchange for each currency separately.

Learn more

Local data

Get an eSIM for Hungary before you go

Activate mobile data with a QR code instead of swapping SIM cards. Buy it before departure and switch it on the moment you land.

Airalo Airalo Yesim Yesim Saily Saily Drimsim Drimsim

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

City Guides in Hungary

Szeged

Szeged sits on the Tisza River in southeastern Hungary, bordering Romania and Serbia. Strolling along the riverbank is a great way to soak up the exotic atmosphere of this border region.

Pécs

Pécs, in southern Hungary, is the leading city of Baranya County. A trip southwest of Budapest, it's a great place to experience the charm of a quiet provincial town.

Miskolc

Miskolc lies at the foot of the Bükk Mountains in northern Hungary, along the Sajó River. Found northeast of Budapest, it offers a relaxed atmosphere in harmony with nature.

Székesfehérvár

Székesfehérvár is the central city of the Transdanubia region in central Hungary. Its name means "city with a white castle," making it a pleasant place to wander while imagining its old-world charm.

Kecskemét

Kecskemét, the county seat of Bács-Kiskun in central Hungary, is the country's eighth-largest city. Beautiful cathedrals and theater buildings cluster together, making it enjoyable to explore on foot.