Attractions, Safety Tips

First of all we would like to emphasize that Budapest is a very safe city, there should be no safety concerns, but as in every big towns, precautious-ness can prevent any unpleasant situation. Since we have been working in the tourism industry we've heard of some incidences in the past that some tourist encountered. We think if we share this information with you, the possibility of bad experiences can be minimised, and you will leave Budapest only with good memories.

1. Your car / Parking
When parking in the street please make sure that you don't leave any valuables or bag at a visible place of the interior of the car, and remove the cover of your car CD player or radio if possible. There are many 24hrs guarded parking facilities (Parking Houses) which are recommended to use in case of travelling by a higher category car.

2. Walking around at night.
It's absolutely OK. The only area to avoid is some part of the 8th district (east from Grand Boulevard), which is inhabited by minorities and new immigrants. The only thing to look after is: try not to draw attention to your camera or valet. Robbing in the street is unlikely.

3. Using the public transport
Budapest has an extremely good and frequent public transport system. Ticket types: one way ticket (orange) is valid for a single journey, when you change lines or get off and taking a new vehicle please remember to validate a new ticket
One day card is valid for all means of public transport and can be used for one calendar day, while a 3-Day Card can be used for 3 calendar days and the price is more convenient. You can buy tickets at: newspaper stands, tobacco shops, metro stations, slot machines.
Ticket validation: On buses, trams you have to have a pre-purchased ticket, which has to be punched (validated) on the bus/tram. (Drivers very rarely sell tickets.)
There are three metro lines in Budapest which meet at -Deák Ferenc tér- station. There is a common problem that tourist usually encounter: when using a single ticket and changing the metro lines it's important to validate a new ticket, otherwise controllers are eagerly searching for uncarefull foreigners to fine.
Using the public transport is very safe even in the night. The only thing one should pay more attention is travelling by tram because pickpockets are acting more frequently than elsewhere.

4. Changing money
You can change money at banks (Open. Mon-Fr 8:30-16:00), Exchange Offices. In Hungary due to the valid lows commission cannot be charged that should be included by the daily exchange rate. Some exchange bureaus apply more rates based on the amount you want to change, so please make sure that you accepted the relevant rate because after completing the transaction there is no refund. (Some offices e.g.: INTERCHANGE give an extremely bad rate for smaller amounts than 1000 EUR / 1200 USD which is shown in the first column on the exchange rate board with small characters.)
Changing money on the street/squares from individuals (business men) can not only cause you some financial losses, but also illegal.

5. Bars, Night Clubs
Some years ago it occurred that at night clubs, and bars some foreigners have been overcharged (with a zero for example). These notorious places have been already closed but to avoid such an incident elsewhere, please always check the menu before ordering, and before paying insist to get a printed receipt. Apart from this issue, nightlife is very safe, enjoyable and recommendable in Budapest !

6. Taxis
Always prefer those taxis that belong to an official taxi company! These cars can be recognised by the trade mark on the door. Private taxis without trade mark are not only extremely expensive, but often cheat. When boarding into a taxi make sure, that the taximeter has been started! Before sitting in a cab, ask the driver how much the fare will be approximately. Taxi tariffs in case of phone order are the cheapest. Please find some reliable taxi companies and their numbers at the "Useful phone numbers" section.

We would like to remind you again that Budapest is one of the safest capitals in Europe!