Settling Down in Hungary

Table of Contents

Finding a House in Budapest

Public Transportation

Wi-Fi and Sim Card

Bank Account and Credit Cards

Survival Skills You’ll Need

Finding a House in Budapest

What to know?

To rent a house in Hungary, you will typically need the following:

Proof of identity: Passport / National ID card.
Proof of income: You may require to provide pay slips/ bank statements
Deposit: Usually, 2-month deposit and 1-month rental fee will be requested
A common cost of around 50 EUR per month: for general maintenance and utilities deposit e.g., bin collection, cleansing, and gardening the common area

Remark: The requirements may vary depending on the landlordand your renting property

Types of Apartments and Price Ranges

Studio Apartment: Start from 160+ HUF per monthOne-Bedroom Apartment: Start from 200+ HUF per monthTwo-Bedroom Apartment: Start from 250+ HUF per monthThree-Bedroom Apartment: Start from 280+ HUF per month

Note: It’s advisable to conduct further research to get up-to-date and accurate information on the prices

Our recommendations

Visit the accommodation of your interest at different hours of the day (morning, noon, & at night) to observe the surrounding environment in the area.

Check the apartment for defects, such as scratches, broken equipment, faulty electricity sockets, running taps, draining/flushing systems, etc. Note them down with the landlord to avoid paying for them later- don't forget to take photos for future reference!

Finalize the rental amount in writing and ensure that it is reflected in the rental agreement before making your deposit.

Read through your rental agreement carefully to ensure that you are aware of the terms and negotiate with the landlord if anything seems unreasonable. Always take a photo of items before moving them, and clarify how the deposit is going to be returned in case something unwanted happens out of your control (i.e., flooding, earthquakes, or water leakages).

Check with the landlord on the diplomatic clauses in the event that you need to break the lease. The property agents take their fees from the landlord, so make sure you are not paying anything extra to them!

Public Transportation

Budapest has one of the best public transportation in the world, it is inexpensive, easy to use, punctual, and fast. An extensive public transportation network includes buses, trams, trolleybuses, and metro lines.

BKK (Budapesti Közlekedési Központ) offers various passes and tickets, including daily, weekly, and monthly passes, which allow unlimited travel within the city limits, or you may purchase a Single ticket for a single ride. The recommended ticket options:

Single ticket: Priced at 350 HUF for a single ride and transfers between different modes of transport.

Monthly Budapest-Pass: Priced at 9500 HUF for unlimited travel for a calendar month and must be used with a valid ID.

Where to purchase it?

Tickets can be purchased at Ticket Vending Machines, Ticket Offices, BKK Customer Service Centers, or via Mobile App. For more information on ticket types and prices please refer to this link.Use the BKK-BUDAPESTGO-app to purchase the pass or ticket and plan your routes like a local. For more information about the BUDAPESTGO App visit.
Use the BKK-BUDAPESTGO-app to purchase the pass or ticket and plan your routes like a local.More information on BKK website click: Budapesti Közlekedési Központ

Note: You must validate your ticket at trams, buses or at metro station entrances before boarding public transportation in Budapest. Fail to validate your ticket may result in a fine if caught by ticket inspectors.

Wi-Fi and Sim Card

Sim Card

Getting a sim card in Hungary takes about 30 minutes due to paperwork. You can buy one from various places like mobile shops, supermarkets, newsagents, and convenience stores. Purchase options include visiting retail stores or using online platforms.

📝 Document needed:

Identification Document
Proof of residence: A Hungarian address card (might require by some operators)

Good to know: All Hungary prepaid sim cards offer free EU roaming for data, voice, and text usage.

Internet (Wi-Fi)

In terms of internet and Wi-Fi, Hungary offers a range of plans and packages for home internet, ensuring high-speed connectivity for residents and businesses.

📝 Document needed:

Identification Document
Proof of residence
Residence Permit (Non-Hungarian residents)
Bank Account Details: for payment purposes

Major operators for Sim Card and Wi-Fi :

Bank Account and Credit Cards

Hungarian banks operate from 8 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday, and are closed on weekends. Basic banking services in Hungary often incur fees, including account maintenance fees of 200 to 600 HUF per month, and charges for bank transfers, direct debits, cash withdrawals, and international transactions. Expand below to see recommended banks list

Common types of bank accounts

Current Account (Folyószámla): for day-to-day transactions
Savings Account (Megtakarítási számla): for earning interest
Foreign Currency Account (Deviza számla): for international transactions

Required documents to open a bank account

Proof of identification/A passport
Proof of residence: Hungarian address card/Residence permit
Proof of Employment: Work Permit and letter of employment (required by some banks)

Note: According to Hungarian law, the first two withdrawals of up to HUF 150,000 each month are free of charge.

Survival Skills You’ll Need

Supermarket Chains

Love to cook by yourself? When arriving to new country, it is better to explore new and cool things in the supermarket. Like other country in Europe, you will find it easy to see both local and international supermarket chains in every corner of Budapest. Check out several supermarket brands and general tips below for your first-time grocery shopping plan in the country!

Local Markets

Small local shops are all around the corner in Budapest, check out some recommended lists below for your next-time quick shopping. Or just stroll around

Central Market Hall

Lehel Market

Rákóczi Square Market

Esceri Flea Market

Gouba Gozsdu Bazaar

Fény Street Market

Local Recommended Tourist Destinations

We’ll introduce you to some of the top tourist attractions in Hungary, each with its own unique appeal and charm. So, pack your bags, get ready to explore, and discover all that this fascinating country has to offer.

Széchenyi Baths

The Largest spa and thermal bath complex in Europe

Hungarian Parliament

One of the largest parliament in the world (Neo-Gothic style)

Chain Bridge

Capital's first bridge and is now the oldest suspension bridge in Budapest opened in 1849

Buda Castle

Castle for the previous Hungarian kings but is now the hub of cultural and historical museums, part of the UNESCO World heritage

Traveling in Europe

Budapest's central location in Europe makes it an ideal starting point to explore the continent, with easy access to popular destinations like Vienna, Prague, Berlin, Rome, Paris, and more. Here are some common modes of transportation you can consider:

Buses

Provide flexibility in routes and stops, cost-effectiveness, and the opportunity to enjoy the view.

FlightsQuick and direct travel options with affordable airfares from low-cost airlines make European travel easier from Budapest.

TrainsBudapest's well-connected train network allows travelers to easily reach major European cities and enjoy scenic routes and landscapes.

Language Guide

So you’re now moving to Hungary? Awesome! Let’s learn some basic words/phrases to keep your brain sharp and make new friends once you set foot there. You might even end up falling in love with this fantastic language.

Websites you can explore more

Cultural Awareness

Now that you have familiarized yourself with the language, let’s talk about their culture.❌ Avoid political discussions- a super sensitive topic❌ Avoid disrespecting the monuments or memorials❌ Don’t wear shoes in other people’s house
✔️ Always pay attention to your belongings!✔️ Always check your bill before paying✔️ Always check the taximeter
And of course, enjoy their culture and seek for new experiences!

Local Emergency Numbers

Central Emergency Contact 112
Ambulance 104
First Med Centers 24-90-90
Fire department 105
Police 107
Emergency Road Service (car broke down) 345-17-67
Emergency electrical, heating, pipe break-down 06-30-2-314-035
Union Medical Center
- Appointment +36 1 510 0050
- 24/7 Medical counseling +36 1 510 0050