Hungary Travel Safety

Precautions

Safeguard personal belongings, including passports and other travel documents, on overnight trains and lock your compartment door from the inside. Car thefts and highway robberies also occur. Drivers should be cautious when stopping at gas stations and highway parking areas, especially after dark. Be particularly wary of individuals experiencing roadside emergencies (for example, a smoking engine or flat tire) as this is a tactic used by thieves to persuade drivers to pull over and then steal items from the distracted driver's car.

Road safety

Traffic congestion and finding adequate parking in large cities can be a problem. Highways are generally in good condition. Rural roads may be narrow, badly lit and poorly maintained.

Identification

You must carry adequate identification, such as your passport, at all times. Photocopies are not accepted. Keep a photocopy of your passport in case it is lost or seized.

Public transportation

The bus, tram and metro are a reliable means of transportation.

Taxis

Only use officially marked taxis. Whenever possible, call a taxi through a dispatcher rather than hailing one on the street. Ensure that the meter is on and charging the appropriate rate, which should be displayed in the taxi. If you think you have been wrongly charged, take note of the taxi information, ask for a receipt and contact the taxi company to report the incident.

Women's safety

Hungary is generally safe, women travelling alone should maintain personal security awareness. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Women, particularly foreigners may be subject to unwanted male attention and catcalls in certain places. Be vigilant if approached by strangers seeking assistance and exercise common precautions throughout your travel.

Scams

Do not ask taxi drivers to recommend bars or clubs, as they are sometimes accomplices in these scams. Male travellers have been approached by young women in public areas with invitations to socialize. Some have fallen victim to criminal activity and been presented with very large bills for drinks and entertainment. Some restaurants and clubs do not list prices, particularly in the business district of central Pest. Ask to see a menu with prices clearly listed. Avoid discussions regarding overcharging, as they could lead to violence. Some scams involve surcharges on final bills for drinks or meals. Travellers unable to pay the bill have been accompanied by the establishment's security guard to a cash machine and forced to withdraw funds while being threatened.

Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs, particularly at markets, on public transport and in railway stations, shopping centres and tourist areas.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorist attacks have occurred in a number of European cities and there is a potential for other violent incidents, which could target areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Continue to exercise normal security precautions.

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave your food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Avoid accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as the items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

LGBT

Same-sex relationships and civil partnerships are legal in Hungary but same-sex marriages aren't recognised in Hungarian law. Budapest is generally tolerant and open. The city hosts the largest Pride Festival in Central Europe with an annual turnout of over 10,000 people. Recent Pride events have passed without incident, but historically there have been counter-events which have led to confrontation. You should be aware that outside of Budapest public displays of affection may be frowned upon or attract unwanted attention.

Illegal drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences or heavy fines. Hungarian laws on the possession and use of drugs are strict.

Driving

An International Driving Permit is recommended. Traffic regulations are strictly enforced. Penalties for drinking and driving are severe. Police often conduct routine road checks in which breathalyser tests are administered. Breathalyser tests are systematically administered following an accident. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines and jail sentences. A motorway vignette (permit) is required when travelling on highways. You may purchase these electronic vignettes at a gas station. You must keep receipts for one year if the gas station does not issue stickers as proof of payment. Police do not collect fines on the spot for traffic violations, but they do issue a ticket indicating the amount of the fine, which can be paid at any post office. Police may retain the driver's licence of a traveller who disputes a fine or offence. They will then issue a receipt and letter requesting that the traveller report to a police station. The driver's licence is returned once the dispute is settled. Seat belt use for the driver and all passengers in the car and the use of car seats for infants are mandatory. Children shorter than 150 cm are not allowed to sit in the front passenger seat. Turning right on a red light is prohibited. Headlights must be on at all times outside of inhabited areas. The use of cellular telephones while driving is prohibited, unless they are fitted with a hands-free device. Radar-detection systems are also prohibited. A reflective vest, a first-aid kit and a warning triangle are mandatory in all vehicles. Snow tires are mandatory in the winter. There is zero tolerance for drinking and driving.