5+1 interesting and practical facts about Hungary you need to know

Hungarian customs and traditions are probably googled a lot. In this article, we will give you something more useful. These facts are both interesting and practical. Some of them can even save you from trouble.

1. The language

Many people find Hungarian to be a beautiful language that cannot be compared to any other. The vocabulary is very rich, and many words have multiple meanings. But foreigners need not worry. THIS video contains enough information for them to get by using basic Hungarian for their travels. Of course, there are more videos, but this one is more than enough.

2. Last name comes first

In Hungary, the surname comes first, followed by the first name, then the middle name. So, for example, Ed Sheeran’s name in Hungarian would be Sheeran Edward Christopher, instead of Edward Christopher Sheeran. I hope my explanation is relatively easy to understand.

3. Taxi

In Budapest especially, foreigners must be careful with freelance taxi drivers. Almost all of them scam tourists by taking them on the longest routes or asking for more money than what the actual ride would normally cost. It is very much advised to call companies for a taxi. Another thing to know is that taxis can be ordered for a person specifically, and before taking your seat in the car, drivers will ask your name to make sure you called the taxi. So, in some cases, taxis are not operating on a first-come, first-served basis. Do not be furious if someone “takes your taxi” right in front of you. However, you can ask the driver if they are free. Another great thing is that taxi companies send you a text message with the car’s information. If you are super cautious, you can screenshot the message and send it to a friend or family member.

Read alsoWhy is it so hard to find a taxi in Budapest these days?

4. Bus (fines for students)

This paragraph might save foreign students from trouble. If you do not have your student ID with you or you lost it, then the card has to be presented at the transport company’s office within 2 weeks. In this case, you have to pay 2,000 forints as an administration fee. Some vicious controllers might tell you to pay 8,000 at the scene or you will have to pay 16,000 later. This is a trap and is completely against the rules. If anyone fines you for 8,000 at the scene, call the transport company’s office. They will ask you to present your student ID and give you the 6,000 forints back. They will make you sign a document stating that you got your 6,000 forints back, and then none of the parties has any further demands.

5. Hungarian spoken abroad

After World War I, Hungary lost land to its neighbouring countries. Some countries got smaller parts of the Hungarian land, while others got large chunks of it. So, do not be surprised if someone comes from outside of Hungary and identifies as Hungarian and speaks Hungarian as their first language. Their ancestors were not emigrants from Hungary. They simply became a minority group in a land that had its borders changed.  

+1 Naming a child

By Hungarian law, a name has to be on the list of qualified names suitable for registration. If not, there are some loopholes. If a child has foreign ancestors, for example, and it can be proven that the name is suitable for registration in the respective foreign country, then the parents need to get a document to name their child that.

Read alsoRestaurants to check out in Budapest if you love international food – PHOTOS

Source: DNH