Poor exchange-office rates at transport hubs in Hungary

Airports, large train stations, international bus stations and Castle Hill.

How it works

Exchange counters in convenient tourist locations may offer much worse rates than offices in the city centre. Rates can also differ between counters at the same station.

Warning signs

There is a large gap between the buy and sell rates.
The amount offered is much lower than at another counter.

How to avoid it

At an airport or station, change only what you need to reach the city centre.
Compare the buy and sell rates.
At Keleti station, compare all three exchange shops along the platforms.
Use an official office and keep the receipt.

If it happens to you

Check your receipt and cash before leaving. Raise any difference from the displayed or agreed rate immediately.

Move to a safe public place. If you are threatened or in immediate danger, call 112.
Freeze missing cards through your bank's app or contact your card issuer. Check for unauthorised payments.
Save receipts, booking records, screenshots and the time and location. Record vehicle or business details if safe.
Report theft, threats or fraud to police. Ask for a report reference or a copy for your insurer.
Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen. Tell your travel insurer about any covered loss.
For disputed bills or fares, contact the business or taxi company. Ask your card issuer about a payment dispute if relevant.

Where it happensAirports, large train stations, international bus stations and Castle Hill.

What travellers report

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

More scams in HungaryHigh ATM fees and poor conversion rates: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the poor exchange-office rates at transport hubs scam in Hungary?

Exchange counters in convenient tourist locations may offer much worse rates than offices in the city centre. Rates can also differ between counters at the same station.

How can I spot it early?

There is a large gap between the buy and sell rates. The amount offered is much lower than at another counter.

How do I avoid poor exchange-office rates at transport hubs in Hungary?

At an airport or station, change only what you need to reach the city centre. Compare the buy and sell rates. At Keleti station, compare all three exchange shops along the platforms. Use an official office and keep the receipt.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Check your receipt and cash before leaving. Raise any difference from the displayed or agreed rate immediately.

Where in Hungary does this happen?

Airports, large train stations, international bus stations and Castle Hill.

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.

Are there similar scams in Hungary?

Yes: poor rates when paying in euros, street money-changing fraud.

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 @snuck