How to enjoy an RV trip in Hungary – 7 Tips
Whether you’re a Brit driving your own RV or camper van to Hungary or an American who wants to rent an RV while traveling across Hungary, this country is an exception to many rules. Here are our top 7 tips for enjoying an RV trip in Hungary.
Tip 1: Understand the rules about money.
Major credit cards are going to be accepted by travel agencies, hotels, restaurants and car rental agencies. You can use your credit or debit card to withdraw cash at an ATM.
However, these generally only offer Hungarian forints. You can get cash at many post offices using a credit card or debit card. It can be challenging to cash a traveler’s check.
Avoid money changers, because they charge high rates and may pass you bank notes that are no longer valid.
Tip 2: Know the driving rules.
Like most of the European Union, Hungarian drivers drive on the right side of the road.
You can only pass on the left side. If you’re going to drive a rented car, you must have third party insurance.
You must provide proof of insurance, registration and emergency equipment to drive, including when you ask to rent a camper for an RV trip in Hungary.
Foreigners can drive with a valid driver’s license from their home country, but you can’t drive unless you’re at least 18.
You are not allowed to drive while using a cell phone, but a hands-free unit is allowed.
Tip 3: Get your papers in order.
A passport is required to visit Hungary, and you will typically need a visa.
Most visitors don’t require additional paperwork. However, you may have to have a passport and vaccination records for your pets.
A European Health Insurance Card isn’t a full substitute for travel health insurance but is useful if you’re a European. Save a note somewhere with contact information in case you get hurt.
At least you don’t have to worry about vaccinations or travel medicine to see this central European country.
If you’re a citizen of an EU member state, there are no restrictions on what you can buy and take home. If you’re coming from a non-EU country, there will be limits on goods you can bring into the country without paying a customs duty.
Tip 4: Plan the timing of your trip.
Give yourself one day per town if you’re seeing specific sites or immersing yourself in local culture. Give yourself at least three days to explore Budapest.
We’d recommend visiting Hungary itself in the summer or fall.
This time of year features the most festivals and greatest number of amenities for travelers.
In the fall, you can enjoy the warm weather but face fewer crowds. If you only want to enjoy the sights and the local culture, then you could also visit during the spring. If you don’t mind the crowds, the busiest tourist season runs from June through August.
On the other hand, this is when it is easiest to book tours, though flights in and out are more expensive.
In online, have many people who’re doing great blogging to focus on camping and Rving. You may check them to get updates of right timing.
Tip 5: See more than Budapest.
There is more to the UK than London, and there is more to Hungary than Budapest. For example, you’ll find larger and more energetic Christmas markets in the villages around Budapest than in Budapest itself.
You should see other cities like Pécs, Debrecen or Szeged. Visit Lake Balaton, a landlocked lake that features amazing beaches. This is the largest lake in Central Europe.
The country also has thousands of natural springs; the largest thermal lake in the world is in Hévíz near Lake Balaton. Visit Sopron, a medieval town that retains its historic walls.
Tip 6: Pick up some of the language.
Hungarian is one of the most challenging European languages to learn.
It is an unusual isolated language, too, sharing almost no words with any other language.
We’d suggest learning a few key phrases in addition to carrying a phrase book and/or translation app on your phone. Note that English speaking emergency service is available when you dial 112.
However, it can be challenging to find locals who speak English. Don’t forget to learn how to read traffic signs.
Tip 7: Know a lot of the local customs.
Bargaining is not common in Hungary. You can try to negotiate a discount in the market, but it is generally considered rude. Tipping is common but not mandatory.
You should give the tip to the server instead of leaving the money on the table.
Summary
Hungary is a popular destination for backpackers. It is also wide open for RVers and other travelers. It is a great place to visit either alone or with your family.
