Hungarian currency guide: Everything visitors and expats need to know about money in Hungary

Anyone travelling to Hungary quickly notices one thing: prices are not listed in euros. While the country is part of the European Union, it still uses its own national currency.

Understanding the Hungarian currency before you arrive can save time, money and unnecessary confusion, whether you are visiting Budapest for a weekend or moving to Hungary long term. Here is a practical guide to paying, exchanging money and managing everyday costs.

What is the Hungarian currency?

Hungary’s official currency is the Hungarian forint, abbreviated as HUF and commonly called the forint.

Although Hungary joined the EU in 2004, it has not adopted the euro. All shops, restaurants, public transport and services price goods in forints.

You may occasionally see euros accepted in tourist areas, but exchange rates are usually poor. Paying in the local currency is almost always cheaper. (1 euro currently costs 377 forints, but always make sure to check the exchange rates.)

Banknotes and coins explained

The forint comes in both notes and coins.

Banknotes

Banknotes include:

• 500 HUF
• 1,000 HUF
• 2,000 HUF
• 5,000 HUF
• 10,000 HUF
• 20,000 HUF

The 10,000 and 20,000 notes are used most frequently for everyday purchases.

Coins

Coins range from 5 to 200 forints (5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200). Hungary no longer uses 1 or 2 forint coins, and

prices are rounded to the nearest 5 forints when paying with cash.

Can you pay by card in Hungary?

Yes, card payments are widely accepted across Hungary, especially in Budapest.

Most places accept:

• Visa
• Mastercard
• Contactless payments
• Mobile wallets such as Apple Pay or Google Pay

Even small cafés, bakeries and taxis often take cards. In many cases, you may not need cash at all. However, it is still useful to carry some forints for:

• Local markets
• Smaller towns or villages
• Public toilets
• Street food stalls
• Tips or small purchases

Where should you exchange money?

Avoid exchanging large sums at airport kiosks, as rates tend to be less favourable. Better options include:

• ATMs (usually the best rate)
• Banks
• Official exchange offices in the city centre
• Neobanks or digital-first companies (e.g. Revolut, Wise)

Withdrawing cash directly from an ATM using your bank card is often the simplest and cheapest method. Be sure to decline “dynamic currency conversion” if offered, and choose to be charged in forints for a better exchange rate.

How expensive is Hungary compared to other countries?

Hungary is generally cheaper than many Western European destinations.

Typical prices in Budapest:

• Coffee: HUF 700–1,200
• Public transport ticket: around HUF 500–600
• Casual restaurant meal: HUF 3,000–6,000
• Taxi ride across the city: HUF 4,000–8,000

For visitors from the UK or Western Europe, everyday expenses often feel affordable, although prices in central Budapest are higher than elsewhere in the country.

Tipping etiquette

Tipping is customary in Hungary. In restaurants, a 10–15% service charge may already be included. If not, leaving around 10% is standard practice. Taxi drivers, hairdressers and other service providers also appreciate small tips, usually rounded up in cash. If paying by card, check whether you can add a tip digitally or leave cash instead.

Practical tips for handling Hungarian currency

• Always pay in forints rather than euros
• Use ATMs for better exchange rates
• Carry small notes and coins
• Check whether service charges are included before tipping
• Inform your bank before travelling to avoid card issues

The bottom line

Using the Hungarian currency is straightforward once you understand the basics. With widespread card acceptance and easy access to ATMs, managing money in Hungary is rarely complicated.

Keeping a small amount of cash while relying mainly on card payments offers the best balance of convenience and value, helping you enjoy your trip or stay without worrying about exchange rates or hidden costs.

Hungarian currency: Frequently asked questions