Hungary (Central Europe)

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Population: 9,584,627 (January 2024 estimate)
Currency: Forint
Geographic: 47 N, 20 E

Useful information and history:

Hungary is a landlocked country located in Central Europe, bordered by Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia. The country is known for its rich cultural heritage, classical music, historical significance, and diverse landscapes like Lake Balaton: the largest lake in Central Europe. Budapest is its capital. One of Europe’s most beautiful capitals, Budapest is split by the Danube River into two historic parts: Buda (hilly and historic) and Pest (flat and bustling), and it is known vibrant nightlife, pubs built into abandoned buildings, being a hub for innovation and the arts in Central Europe, thermal baths like Széchenyi and Gellért, and landmarks like Buda Castle and the Chain Bridge.

Time difference:

UTC+1 daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October.

Natural Hazards:

Floods, droughts, and wind erosion are the most prominent, but soil erosion, landslides, and earthquakes can happen.

Fines:

From September 1st, 2023, speeding fines in Hungary have increased by 30% - now ranging from Ft39,000 to Ft390,000 (~£84 to £843) depending on how far over the limit you are. Even exceeding by just 1 km/h can lead to being punished. If you are driving on tolled roads, you need to purchase the required e-vignette, or be fine around Ft20,000 to Ft80,000 (~£44 - £175). Users of third-party debt collection services may face additional legal costs, which the total can reach Ft120,000 to Ft200,000 (~£263 - £438). E-vignettes can be purchased at petrol stations, post offices or on official sites like nemzetiutdij.hu. Prices can range from Ft6,400 (£14) for 10 days, Ft10,360 (~£23) for 1 month, and to Ft57,260 (~£125) for 1 year.

Travelling on public transport without a valid ticket or failure to validate your ticket can incur fines often around Ft12,500 (~£27). Some travellers report being fined Ft12,000 (~£26) for carrying drinks on metros/trams despite minor infractions. In addition; smoking in indoor public spaces or outside designated zones can lead to local fines worth thousands, Trespassing, unauthorized bathing and public indecency (e.g., skinny dipping), can result in fines from Ft5,000 to Ft150,000 (~£11 - £328), and attending banned public events can carry fines up to Ft200,000 (~£438).

On-the-spot fines are delivered by police for traffic violations and minor offences. More complex cases follow administrative procedures, giving you the right to contest, and fines over ~Ft28,000 (~£61) may be pursued across EU borders; unpaid fines can be escalated via legal assistance with your home country. Payment is proceed via official police portal, bank transfer, or in person. However, beware of private collectors as they can try to make you fees far greater than official authorities, and if a police officer asks for cash on the spot, as it could be a scam.

Additional Information:

The official language of Hungary is Hungarian (Magyar). It is known for being unrelated to most European languages.

Motor information to keep in mind:

Cars drives on the right in Hungary, along with overtaking on the left, and yielding to the right at intersections unless signs tell otherwise. The minimum driving age is 17, but the minimum age to rent a car is 21 plus holding a license for at least one year. Some car rental companies may have higher age requirements or apply a young driver surcharge for those under 25.

Snow chains and winter tires are recommended in snowy regions (December - February), in cities like Budapest, paid zones are common with rates range from Ft200 to Ft600 (~£0.44 - £1.31) an hour (violations may result in fines or wheel clamps), and rural roads may be unlit or lack any signage, so drive cautiously.

Fuel:

Some users report higher prices or restrictions; petrol stations away from borders tend to be easier and less problematic.

Speed Limits:
  • In towns: 50 km/h (~31 mph)
  • Outside urban areas: 90 km/h (~56 mph)
  • Expressways: 110 km/h (~68 mph)
  • Motorways: 130 km/h (~81 mph)

Lower limits (20 – 30 km/h, roughly equal to 12 - 19 mph) may apply in school or pedestrian-heavy zones. Always watch for signs.

Drinking & Driving:

Hungary enforces a strict zero‑tolerance policy; no alcohol whatsoever when driving.

Seat Belts:

Seat belts are mandatory for all, front and rear.

Passengers/Children:

Children under 1.5 m must use appropriate restraints (typically in the rear seat); under-3s must use a child seat.

Items/Documents Required when Driving:
  • Valid driver's licence
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) if required
  • Car registration or rental agreement
  • Insurance papers
  • ID/Passport
  • UK sticker (not GB)
  • First-aid kit
  • High‑visibility vest
  • Warning triangle
  • Headlamp converters if required
  • Snow chains and winter tyres for December - February