Money & costs
Costs
Tipping
The way you tip in restaurants here is unusual. You never leave the money on the table - this is considered both stupid and rude - but tell the waiter how much you're paying in total. If the bill is, say, 2700Ft, you're paying with a 5000Ft note and you think the waiter deserves a gratuity of around 10%, first ask if service is included (some restaurants add it to the bill automatically, which makes tipping unnecessary). If it isn't, say you're paying 3000Ft or that you want 2000Ft back.
It is not unknown for waiters to try to rip you off once they see you are a foreigner. They may try to bring you an unordered dish or make a 'mistake' when tallying the bill. If you think there's a discrepancy, ask for the menu and check the bill carefully. If you've been taken for more than 15% or 20% of the bill, call for the manager. Otherwise just don't leave a tip.
Tipping
Hungary is a very tip-conscious society and nearly everyone in Budapest will routinely tip waiters, hairdressers and taxi drivers. Doctors and dentists accept 'gratitude money', and even petrol-station and thermal-spa attendants expect something. If you aren't impressed with the service at a restaurant, the joyride in a taxi or the way someone cut your hair, leave little or nothing at all. He or she will get the message loud and clear.
Money
Hungary's currency is the forint (Ft). There are coins of 1Ft, 2Ft, 5Ft, 10Ft, 20Ft, 50Ft and 100Ft. Notes come in seven denominations: 200Ft, 500Ft, 1000Ft, 2000Ft, 5000Ft, 10, 000Ft and 20, 000Ft.
There are automated teller machines (ATMs) everywhere in Budapest, including in the train and bus stations, and quite a few foreign-currency exchange machines. If you need to change cash or travellers cheques, avoid moneychangers (especially those on V Váci utca) in favour of the banks. Among those offering the best rates and service are OTP(National Savings Bank; V Deák Ferenc utca 7-9; 7.45am-6pm Mon, 7.45am-5pm Tue-Fri; M1/2/3 Deák Ferenc tér) and K&H(V Váci utca 40; 8am-5pm Mon, 8am-4pm Tue-Thu, 8am-3pm Fri; M3 Ferenciek tere). Be sure to arrive about an hour before closing to ensure the bureau de change counter is still open, though.
Credit cards, especially Visa, MasterCard and American Express, are widely accepted here and you'll be able to use them at many restaurants, shops, hotels, car-rental firms, travel agencies and petrol stations. They are not usually accepted at museums, supermarkets or train and bus stations.
Taxes & refunds
ÁFA, a value-added tax of between 5% and 20% (down from 25% in January 2006), covers the purchase of all new goods in Hungary. It's usually included in the quoted price but not always, so it pays to check. Visitors are not exempt, but non-EU residents can claim refunds for total purchases of at least 50, 000Ft on one receipt as long as they take the goods out of the country (and the EU) within 90 days. The ÁFA receipts (available from the shops where you make the purchases) should be stamped by customs at the border, and the claim has to be made within 183 days of exporting the goods. You can then collect your refund - minus commission - from the Global Refund (www.globalrefund.com) desk in the departures halls of Terminal 2A and 2B at Ferihegy airport in Budapest or at branches of the Ibusz chain of travel agencies at some 16 border crossings. You can also have it sent by bank cheque or deposited into your credit-card account.
Like municipalities throughout the land, Budapest levies a tourist tax on most forms of accommodation.
Taxes & refunds
If you're not a resident of the EU, you can get a ÁFA (VAT or sales tax) refund, provided you have spent more than 50, 000Ft in any one shop and take the goods out of the country (and the EU) within 90 days.
Budapest
Things to do
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