Skip to content
Common in Hungary

Scam in HungaryCards and ATMs

High ATM fees and poor conversion rates in Hungary

Euronet ATMs in Budapest and EuroNet ATMs at Debrecen Airport.

How it works

A withdrawal can carry a large operator fee on top of your own bank's charges. The Debrecen Airport machines are also described as offering a poor exchange rate. These are costly transactions rather than a described theft method.

Warning signs

  • The screen shows a large withdrawal or exchange fee.
  • The offered conversion rate is poor.

How to avoid it

  1. Read all charges before confirming.
  2. Compare with a bank-operated ATM.
  3. Cancel if the total cost is unclear or too high.

If it happens to you

Keep the receipt and check your bank statement. Contact your card issuer if the amount differs from what you accepted.

  1. Move to a safe public place. If you are threatened or in immediate danger, call 112.
  2. Freeze missing cards through your bank's app or contact your card issuer. Check for unauthorised payments.
  3. Save receipts, booking records, screenshots and the time and location. Record vehicle or business details if safe.
  4. Report theft, threats or fraud to police. Ask for a report reference or a copy for your insurer.
  5. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen. Tell your travel insurer about any covered loss.
  6. For disputed bills or fares, contact the business or taxi company. Ask your card issuer about a payment dispute if relevant.
What it can costBudapest Euronet fees are described as typically HUF 2,000–2,500, plus your bank's charges. A July 2018 Debrecen Airport listing gives a Ft920 fee and a rate about 10% worse than a regular bank rate.
Where it happensEuronet ATMs in Budapest and EuroNet ATMs at Debrecen Airport.Budapest, Debrecen

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in HungaryTaxi meter manipulation: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the high ATM fees and poor conversion rates scam in Hungary?

A withdrawal can carry a large operator fee on top of your own bank's charges. The Debrecen Airport machines are also described as offering a poor exchange rate. These are costly transactions rather than a described theft method.

How can I spot it early?

The screen shows a large withdrawal or exchange fee. The offered conversion rate is poor.

How do I avoid high ATM fees and poor conversion rates in Hungary?

Read all charges before confirming. Compare with a bank-operated ATM. Cancel if the total cost is unclear or too high.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Keep the receipt and check your bank statement. Contact your card issuer if the amount differs from what you accepted.

Where in Hungary does this happen?

Euronet ATMs in Budapest and EuroNet ATMs at Debrecen Airport. It has been reported in Budapest, Debrecen.

How much can it cost me?

Budapest Euronet fees are described as typically HUF 2,000–2,500, plus your bank's charges. A July 2018 Debrecen Airport listing gives a Ft920 fee and a rate about 10% worse than a regular bank rate.

How common is this scam in Hungary?

Common. Hungary is generally very safe, but tourists can face pickpocketing, taxi tricks and inflated bills. The main warnings concern Budapest, especially Váci utca, transport hubs and taxis used around nightclubs.

Who can I report it to?

Emergency services: call 112 if you are in immediate danger or need urgent help. Police: report theft, fraud or threats to police. The police number is 107. Bring any receipts, booking details and a list of missing items. Budapest TourInform complaint and assistance office: visit Sütő Street 2, District V. The office is described as open 24/7 and able to receive complaints and help in English and German. Card issuer or bank: use your bank's app or its official contact number to freeze stolen cards, report unauthorised payments or ask about a payment dispute. Taxi company or business: use the contact details in your booking or on your receipt. Provide the journey or purchase details and explain the disputed amount. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details if your passport is lost or stolen. Travel insurer: contact your insurer through its claims service. Keep police reports, receipts and evidence of the loss.

What number do I call in an emergency in Hungary?

General emergency: 112, Police: 107, Ambulance: 104, Fire: 105.

Reviewed by