Getting Hungarian Forint for Your Trip to Hungary

Budapest is one of Europe's most beautiful and affordable capitals - stunning architecture, legendary thermal baths, and incredible ruin bars, all at prices that seem almost too good to be true for Western European visitors. The Hungarian Forint (HUF) can be confusing at first because of its low value, but don't worry - that 10,000 HUF meal is actually great value at around £22.

Hungary is an EU member but has no immediate plans to adopt the Euro. You'll need Forint for your trip, though cards are increasingly accepted in Budapest. Some tourist areas accept Euros, but the rates are terrible - always pay in Forint.

The best approach is to bring a fee-free debit card for most purchases and ATM withdrawals, with some cash for markets, thermal baths, and smaller establishments. Avoid the exchange bureaus near major tourist sites - like neighbouring Prague, they often have misleading rates.

Understanding the Hungarian Forint

The Forint can be confusing because of its large denominations:

Quick Reference

• £1 ≈ 450-470 HUF (varies with exchange rates)
• 1,000 HUF ≈ £2.20
• 10,000 HUF ≈ £22
• 20,000 HUF ≈ £44

Common Notes and Coins

• Notes: 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, 20000 HUF
• Coins: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 HUF
• The 1 and 2 Forint coins are no longer in circulation - prices are rounded

Best Ways to Get Hungarian Forint

1. Fee-Free Debit Cards (Recommended)

Cards like Wise and Revolut offer the real mid-market exchange rate with minimal fees. Use them for card payments in restaurants, hotels, and shops, plus ATM withdrawals when you need cash.

2. Bank ATMs

The safest way to get cash. Use ATMs from major Hungarian banks: OTP, K&H, Erste, or Raiffeisen. Always decline the currency conversion option and withdraw in HUF.

3. Card Payments

Accepted at most restaurants, hotels, larger shops, and many tourist attractions. Some smaller establishments, the Great Market Hall vendors, and thermal baths may require cash.

4. Avoid: Tourist Area Exchange Bureaus

Exchange offices near Váci Street, the Parliament, and other tourist spots often have poor rates. If you must use one, look for posted rates and calculate exactly what you'll receive before agreeing.

Using Cards in Hungary

Where Cards Work Well

• Restaurants and cafes in Budapest
• Hotels and hostels
• Supermarkets (Tesco, Spar, Lidl)
• Major attractions and museums
• Shopping malls and larger shops
• Most ruin bars

Where Cash is Often Needed

• Great Market Hall (Nagyvásárcsarnok) - many vendors cash only
• Some thermal baths for lockers/extras
• Street food vendors
• Smaller shops outside Budapest
• Tipping (often preferred in cash)
• Some rural areas

ATMs in Hungary

Best ATMs to Use

• OTP Bank: Hungary's largest bank, ATMs everywhere
• K&H Bank: Reliable with good coverage
• Erste Bank: Major Austrian bank in Hungary
• Raiffeisen: Good option in cities

ATMs to Avoid

• Euronet: High fees, poor rates, aggressive DCC
• ATMs in casinos or nightclubs
• Any ATM that strongly pushes currency conversion

Important: Decline Currency Conversion

Hungarian ATMs often aggressively offer to convert to your home currency (Dynamic Currency Conversion). Always press "No" or "HUF" or "Local Currency" - the ATM's conversion rate is typically 5-10% worse than your card provider's rate.

Costs in Hungary

Budapest offers incredible value compared to Western Europe:

Typical Costs (2026)

• Restaurant meal: 3,500-7,000 HUF (£8-15)
• Beer: 800-1,500 HUF (£2-3.50)
• Coffee: 600-1,000 HUF (£1.30-2.20)
• Thermal bath entry: 7,000-11,000 HUF (£15-25)
• Metro ticket: 450 HUF (£1)
• Hotel (mid-range): 18,000-35,000 HUF (£40-80)
• Langos (street food): 1,200-2,500 HUF (£2.70-5.50)