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Some scams

Central Europe

Tourist scams in Hungary

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.
  1. 1 TheftCommonPickpocketing on public transport and in crowdsThieves take wallets, passports, cash and cards from pockets or bags. Closed purses and backpacks can still be vulnerable. Pickpocketing is the most common crime against tourists in Budapest.Public transport and crowded places. 1Read
  2. 2 TaxisCommonWorthless taxi changeA driver gives you obsolete Romanian banknotes as change. They look similar to Hungarian money but are worthless and cannot be exchanged.Taxi journeys. 1Read
  3. 3 TaxisCommonInflated taxi fares and driver toutsDrivers approach arriving travellers or wait in busy central areas, then charge much more than expected. Travellers may also face very high fares after dark. Booking your own taxi is usually cheaper than taking a waiting car or having a hotel book one.Budapest 3Read
  4. 4 Changing moneyCommonPoor rates when paying in eurosA business accepts euros but converts the price at a poor rate. Even well-known businesses may offer an unrealistic rate. Change is often returned in forint.Hotels, restaurants, bars, shops and other businesses accepting euros. 2Read
  5. 5 Food and drinkCommonExpensive food and inflated billsTourist-facing restaurants and bars charge very high prices, sometimes for mediocre food. Price and bill cheating is also a reported concern.Budapest 2Read
  6. 6 Changing moneyCommonPoor exchange-office rates at transport hubsExchange 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.Airports, large train stations, international bus stations and Castle Hill. 2Read
  7. 7 Cards and ATMsCommonHigh ATM fees and poor conversion ratesA 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.Budapest, Debrecen 3Read
  8. 8 TaxisOccasionalTaxi meter manipulationA driver can increase the fare by adding extra basic fees while driving, even if the displayed per-kilometre rate stays the same.Budapest 1Read
  9. 9 TaxisOccasionalNightclub taxi diversionA driver takes you to a different venue that pays them a commission. You may also be charged far more than the normal taxi fare.Budapest 2Read
  10. 10 Changing moneyOccasionalStreet money-changing fraudAn unofficial street exchanger offers a poor rate or gives you something other than Hungarian money. You may receive no money at all.Near official exchange booths and on Váci utca. 2Read
  11. 11 TheftOccasionalBaggage theft while sleeping on trainsThieves take passengers' bags while they are asleep.Trains. 2Read
  12. 12 NightlifeOccasionalExtreme bills at erotic and topless barsVisitors face extremely high bills and pressure to pay. Váci utca is specifically flagged as a place to avoid these venues.Budapest 2Read
  13. 13 ShoppingOccasionalInflated souvenir pricesTourists may pay much more for souvenirs in an expensive shopping area. In the Great Market Hall, prices for the same item can vary greatly between sellers. A high price alone does not mean fraud.Budapest 2Read

Where to stay alert

  • Váci utca, BudapestTourist traps include expensive restaurants, extreme bar bills, street money changers and high souvenir prices.
  • Váci utca between Vörösmarty tér and Elisabeth Bridge (Erzsébet híd), BudapestRestaurants and bars are specifically flagged for exorbitant prices.
  • Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport, also called FerihegyDrivers and touts approach arrivals. Airport exchange rates can also be poor.
  • Keleti Railway Station, BudapestExchange shops along the platforms offer different rates. Railway stations are also places to avoid unsolicited taxi offers.
  • Déli Railway Station, BudapestIt has an exchange booth, and large train stations are flagged for poorer exchange rates.
  • Nyugati Railway Station, BudapestIt has an exchange booth, and large train stations are flagged for poorer exchange rates.
  • Castle Hill, BudapestExchange rates at this tourist spot may be worse than those available near Deák Ferenc tér.
  • Great Market Hall (Nagy Vásárcsarnok), Fővám tér, BudapestPrices for the same goods vary greatly between sellers, so comparing prices matters.
  • Debrecen AirportEuroNet ATMs are flagged for poor exchange rates and an added exchange fee.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Book your own taxi through a major company's app or phone service.
  • At Budapest Airport, use the Főtaxi stand for a written quote, or order another company yourself.
  • Check the fare basis and your destination before departure.
  • Watch the meter and check your change before leaving.

Money

  • Pay in forint when possible.
  • Use official exchange offices and keep receipts.
  • Compare buy and sell rates before handing over cash.
  • Check menu prices, bills and change carefully.

Cards and ATMs

  • Prefer ATMs at banks or in shopping malls.
  • Read the fee and conversion screens before confirming.
  • Cancel a withdrawal if the cost is unclear.
  • Keep your card issuer's contact details somewhere separate from your card.

Your belongings

  • Keep bags in front of you on crowded public transport.
  • Keep your wallet in a front pocket.
  • Secure luggage before sleeping on a train.
  • Avoid displaying large amounts of cash or expensive jewellery.

Nights out

  • Choose your own venue and check prices before ordering.
  • Avoid erotic and topless bars on Váci utca.
  • Do not let a taxi driver redirect you to another nightclub.
  • Keep your taxi booking and payment details.

Police and officials

  • Keep identification available; police generally accept a colour passport copy.
  • Ask for language help when reporting a problem.
  • In Budapest, the TourInform office at Sütő Street 2 can receive complaints in English and German.

What travellers say about Hungary

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

Is Hungary safe for a first visit?

Hungary is generally very safe. The main tourist concerns are pickpocketing, taxi tricks and inflated prices or bills.

How do I avoid trouble with airport taxis?

Do not accept offers from drivers or touts around Arrivals. At Budapest Airport, use the Főtaxi stand and get a written quote, or order another taxi company yourself by phone or app.

What should I check when a taxi driver gives me change?

Check that the notes are Hungarian forint, or euros if agreed. Some drivers give obsolete Romanian notes that look similar but are worthless.

Should I pay in euros or forint?

Pay in forint when possible. Businesses accepting euros may use a poor conversion rate, and change is often returned in forint.

Where should I exchange cash?

Use an official exchange office and compare rates. Avoid street exchangers. At airports and large stations, change only what you need to reach the city centre.

Can ATM withdrawals be expensive?

Yes. Euronet machines are flagged for added fees, and the machines at Debrecen Airport are also flagged for poor conversion rates. Read the screen and compare with a bank-operated ATM before accepting.

What should I watch for on Váci utca?

Check restaurant prices and bills carefully. Avoid street money changers and erotic or topless bars. Compare souvenir prices before buying.

How do I protect my belongings on trains?

Keep valuables close and secure your luggage before sleeping. Bags have been stolen while passengers were asleep. On crowded transport, keep bags in front of you.

Can a taxi driver take me to a different nightclub?

There are reports of drivers taking passengers to venues that pay them commission and charging up to 10 times the normal fare. Give the exact address and refuse a change of destination.

Where can I get help in English after a scam?

In Budapest, the TourInform office at Sütő Street 2, District V, is described as providing complaint assistance in English and German around the clock. Call 112 for immediate danger or 107 for police.

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