Money and duty free for Hungary

Currency and Money

Currency information

Hungarian Forint (HUF; symbol Ft). Notes are in denominations of Ft20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, and 500. Coins are in denominations of Ft200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. A large number of commemorative coins in circulation are legal tender.

Credit cards

It is possible to withdraw cash by credit card at many post offices. American Express, Cirrus, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted. Credit and debit cards can be used to withdraw money from ATMs, which are found throughout the country.

ATM

Credit and debit cards can be used to withdraw money from ATMs, which are reliable and widely available throughout the country.

Travellers cheques

Accepted in most post offices and banks. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in Euros or US Dollars.

Banking hours

Mon-Thurs 0800-1700, Fri 0800-1600.

Currency restrictions

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding €10,000 or equivalent must be declared if travelling from or to a country outside the European Union.

Currency exchange

Currency can be exchanged at hotels, banks, post offices, bureaux de change, airports, railway stations, travel agencies and some restaurants throughout the country. Automatic exchange machines are available in Budapest and other main tourist centres.

Hungary duty free

Overview

Hungary is within the European Union. If you are travelling from outside of the EU, you are entitled to buy fragrance, skincare, cosmetics, Champagne, wine, selected spirits, fashion accessories, gifts and souvenirs - all at tax-free equivalent prices.

Hungary's duty-free allowance for travellers from EU countries:

If you are over 17 years old, you are free to buy and take goods with you when travelling between EU countries, provided that you have paid tax on these goods and they are for your own use (not for sale). However, if you bring in more than the following, customs officials are likely to question you:
• 800 cigarettes
• 400 cigarillos
• 200 cigars
• 1KG of tobacco
• Max 300ml of filling liquid
• 90L of still wine (out of which a maximum 60L may be sparkling wine)
• 20L of intermediate alcoholic products
• 110L of beer

Beware that each EU country has different rules for travellers under 17 years old. Please check before you travel.

Hungary's duty-free allowance for travellers from non-EU countries:

If you are arriving from a non-EU country, the following goods may be imported into Hungary by travellers over 17 years of age without incurring customs duty:
• 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos (maximum 3g each) or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco (applicable to air passengers only)
• 40 cigarettes or 20 cigarillos (maximum 3g each) or 10 cigars or 50g of tobacco (applicable to land and sea travellers)
• 4L of wine
• 16L of beer
• 1L of spirits over 22% volume or 2L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volume
• Other goods up to the value of €430 for air passengers and €300 for travellers other than air passengers
• Maximum €150 for children up to 15 years old, irrespective of the means of transport

Banned Imports

Meat, fish or dairy products and potted or rooted plants from outside the EU. Pornography, drugs and unlicensed weapons.

Banned Exports

Raw meat or milk products, potted or rooted plants. You can must obtain a licence to export cultural goods which are more than 50 years old or have a commercial value of more than 50,000HUF.