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Great HUF exchange rate Hungary currency information
| Currency Name: | Hungarian Forint |
| Currency Code: | HUF |
| Currency Symbol: | Ft |
| Banknotes: | 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000 Ft |
| Coins: | 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Ft |
The Forint (abbreviated as Ft and also known as HUF – Hungarian Forint) is the currency used in Budapest and the rest of Hungary. Although Hungary joined the European Union in 2004, it has not yet adopted the euro as its currency and the forint remains the official currency of Hungary.
Should I Exchange Pounds to Forints Now?
To get the best exchange rate for Hungarian forint, it is a good idea to monitor the GBP to HUF exchange rate before your trip. By buying your travel money in advance, you’ll lock in the exact rate you receive, which may be better than using ATMs or exchanging currency in Budapest.
Is Budapest Expensive?
No, Budapest is significantly less expensive compared to the UK, especially London.
Once you’ve booked your travel and accommodation in Budapest it’s time to start thinking about your holiday budget. Remember to factor in the average costs of meals, drinks, entrance fees to attractions, transportation and a bit extra for tipping and small purchases.
Typical prices in Budapest
| 3 course meal for two (mid-range restaurant) | 20,000.00 Ft |
| Pint of domestic beer | 1,000.00 Ft |
| McDonalds combo meal | 3,000.00 Ft |
| Cappuccino | 834.79 Ft |
Don’t forget to tip in Budapest while it’s not mandatory. It is nice to show your appreciation with a 10 to 15% if the service charge is not included in the bill.
Cost of Attractions in Budapest
When visiting Budapest, here are some typical costs for popular attractions:
| Szechenyi Thermal Baths daily tickets from | 10,500 Ft |
| 1 hour River Cruises on Danube can range from | 4,725 Ft to 11,250 Ft |
| Big Bus Budapest Hop-On Hop-Off Tour price starts from | 12,500 Ft. |
Please note that these prices are approximate guidelines and may be subject to change. It’s recommended to check the official websites or providers for the most up-to-date pricing information before your visit to Budapest.
Cost of transportation in Budapest
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 450 Ft |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 9,500 Ft |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 1,100 Ft |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | 440 Ft |
Cost of Airport Transfer
From the airport, you can take a taxi or buses into Budapest city.
| Airport Transfer | Typical Cost | Duration |
| Taxi | 9800 Ft | 35 minutes |
| Direct Bus (100E) | 1500 Ft | 45 minutes |
| Bus 200E | 700 Ft | 55 minutes |
The Budapest Travel Card
It can be a convenient and cost-effective option for unlimited public transportation access during your stay in the city covering city’s buses, trams, and metro lines.
| 24 hour Budapest Travel Card | 5,000 Ft |
| 72 hour Budapest Travel Card | 5,500 Ft |
Payment Methods used in Budapest?
While cash remains a popular choice, a combination of cash and cards is recommended for your trip to Budapest.
- Cash remains widely used, particularly for in-store purchases, tipping, and purchases at markets
- Debit and credit cards are extensively accepted, even in smaller establishments and bars.
- Contactless payments via Google Pay or Apple Pay are commonly used.
Using your bank card in Budapest
Be mindful of potential additional fees such as:
- Foreign transaction fee: Typically around 2.95% to 3% of the transaction amount for currency conversion.
- Cash advance fee: Usually about 2.5% to 3% of the withdrawal amount, with a minimum fee of £3.
- ATM operator fee: Additional charges may apply by the ATM provider, often displayed before the transaction is completed.
To avoid these fees, buy your Hungarian forints in advance.