Scam in HungaryChanging money
Street money-changing fraud in Hungary
How it works
An unofficial street exchanger offers a poor rate or gives you something other than Hungarian money. You may receive no money at all.
Warning signs
- Someone offers to exchange cash outside an official office.
- A person approaches you near an exchange booth.
How to avoid it
- Exchange money only at official offices.
- Do not hand cash to street exchangers.
- Check the money and receipt before leaving the counter.
If it happens to you
Do not hand over any more money. Move somewhere safe and report the incident to police.
- 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.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/budapest2025I got scammed near the Central Market Hall. Watch out.Travellers describe street exchangers substituting foreign banknotes for Hungarian forints, including Venezuelan bolivars presented during a cash exchange.Read on Reddit
- WebStaying street-wiseThe visitor guide warns that illegal moneychangers near streets and railway stations may replace promised currency with newspaper or worthless paper.Read on Web
Questions
What is the street money-changing fraud scam in Hungary?
An unofficial street exchanger offers a poor rate or gives you something other than Hungarian money. You may receive no money at all.
How can I spot it early?
Someone offers to exchange cash outside an official office. A person approaches you near an exchange booth.
How do I avoid street money-changing fraud in Hungary?
Exchange money only at official offices. Do not hand cash to street exchangers. Check the money and receipt before leaving the counter.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Do not hand over any more money. Move somewhere safe and report the incident to police.
Where in Hungary does this happen?
Near official exchange booths and on Váci utca.
How common is this scam in Hungary?
Occasional. 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, poor exchange-office rates at transport hubs.
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