Travel Information Hungary
Hungary is a very beautiful country with a pleasant climate and incredibly diverse nature. There is a lot to see and some activities that will turn your stay into an adventure. But of course, you can also relax. You can stroll through various cities, walk in the national park or go hiking, visit a cave, watch animals or bathe in steaming thermal baths. This article is about information you need for your trip to Hungary, but also about recommendations and tips.
The most important facts at a glance
You need a vignette.
The blood alcohol limit for driving is 0.0.
In Hungary, you are not allowed to drink alcohol everywhere in public.
Smoking is prohibited in restaurants, cafés and bars.
The consumption, trade and possession of drugs (even small amounts) is punished with significantly higher penalties in Hungary.
The currency in Hungary is the forint.
Border controls are not uncommon, valid identification documents are mandatory.
A pet passport is also required for certain animals (dogs, cats, ferrets). Among other things, to prove that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies.
Hungary is generally considered safe for tourists.
Entry requirements
To enter Hungary, German nationals only need an ID card valid for at least 6 more months or passport. Children need a child passport.
Language
The official language in Hungary is Hungarian. Hungarians themselves call their language "Magyar". About 10 million Hungarians speak Hungarian.
Although the German language has left some traces in Hungarian, the two languages differ greatly from each other. Hungarian is considered one of the most difficult languages to learn. The language constructs are said to make the language so difficult, for example through 40 cases as opposed to the 4 cases in German. Nevertheless, the language is built up in a very logical and harmonious way.
Driving in Hungary
Traffic rules
Even though many traffic rules match the German traffic rules, there are some important differences. You should pay attention to these in order to ensure your safety and avoid fines. In this section, we list the most important differences for you.
The blood alcohol limit is 0.0.
Although there is no winter tyre requirement, its use can be mandated with appropriate signage.
If your vehicle already has damage upon entering Romania, you must be sure to declare this at the border crossing and have it documented. Vehicles that have visible damage after the trip are often only allowed to leave with a police damage confirmation.
The German driving licence is sufficient
In addition to your driving licence, you must carry the vehicle registration document part I. We also recommend bringing the IVK (International Insurance Card).
Carrying a high-visibility vest is mandatory.
If you would like to learn more about the traffic rules and driving behaviour, or would like to read a detailed article on individual topics relating to traffic rules, feel free to take a look at the traffic rules here.
Toll and vignette
Whether you need a digital vignette in Hungary depends on which roads you use during your trip. On Hungarian motorways and on expressways marked "M", electronic vignettes are required for all motor vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, which are automatically checked via the license plate.
Motor vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight are subject to the distance-based toll (HU-GO system) and cannot use a vignette.
The corresponding fees depend on the respective vehicle class your vehicle falls into. The following classes apply:
D1M: Motorcycles (weekly and monthly vignette)
D1: Motorcycles (annual vignette) / Cars and motorhomes of vehicle class M1 up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight and up to 7 seats (including with trailer)
D2: Commercial vehicles (vehicle class N1) as well as all motor vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight that do not fit into any other category.
U: Trailers up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight of vehicles in class D2
To cover the costs of maintaining the motorways and expressways in Hungary, a vignette requirement applies. The vignette is only available digitally in Hungary; there are no sticker vignettes to attach to the windscreen.
With us, you have the option of conveniently purchasing a vignette for Hungary. Here you will find more information and explanations about the toll and vignette requirement in Hungary.
Charging and refuelling
Hungary has a well-developed network of petrol stations. It covers both urban and rural areas. The largest petrol station chains include OMV, Aral, BP, Shell and MOL. These providers are present nationwide and offer all common fuels.
There are now also over 2000 charging stations for EV charging in Hungary. Large cities such as Budapest, Győr and Debrecen are particularly well supplied. There are also many charging stations along the M1, M3 and M7 motorways. In rural areas, the network still has room for improvement.
In remote regions such as the Balaton Uplands or the Puszta, the number of petrol stations and charging stations is significantly lower. So plan your refuelling and charging breaks in advance. This will help you avoid unnecessary detours and frustration.
The terms for fuel in Hungary are as follows:
Super: Szuper Benzin
Super Plus: Szuper Plus / 98 Octane
Diesel: Dizel / Diesel
At most petrol stations in Hungary, you can pay both in cash and by credit card. However, please note that the forint (HUF) is the official currency of Hungary. Payment in euros is therefore only accepted at a few petrol stations. Mobile payment methods such as Apple Pay or Google Wallet are now also widespread, especially in larger cities.
Here you can find out more about refuelling and charging in Hungary.
Safety and health
Crime
Petty crime such as pickpocketing occurs particularly at markets, train stations, on public transport, in shopping centres and in touristy overcrowded places.
Especially around Lake Balaton, break-ins and thefts in holiday flats are not uncommon, sometimes even while residents are present.
Keep a close eye on your valuables and pay with as little cash as possible. In large crowds, you should be especially careful with your belongings. Do not leave any valuables or papers in the holiday flat if you are out for a longer period of time. You should only park your vehicle in guarded car parks and be cautious of strange emails, phone calls, alleged prize notifications and chance acquaintances who offer you invitations (for example, to a club - you may then face high bills if you don't ask about the price beforehand).
Border controls
You should expect border controls. Especially when entering Austria, Slovakia and Slovenia. You should check the validity of your travel documents before your trip (at least 6 months of validity is still mandatory) and of course carry them with you. If you fail to fulfil these obligations, you may face fines and further penalties. A pet passport is also required for certain animals (dogs, cats, ferrets). Among other things, to prove that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies.
Vaccination protection
There are no mandatory vaccinations for entry into Hungary. Nevertheless, some vaccinations are recommended. Find out about the current status and current requirements before your trip.
Medical care
Despite well to very well trained doctors, the standards of medical care may differ from Western European standards. Medical care is not always available at the highest level, and language and communication can also be an issue. However, in the major cities there are private facilities with good treatment. Bring your health insurance card with you and take out travel health and repatriation insurance for the duration of your stay. Nevertheless, Hungary is considered safe.
Legal particularities
The consumption, trade and possession of drugs (even small amounts) is punished with significantly higher penalties in Hungary.
Climate and best time to travel
Hungary has a transitional climate between the continental climate in the east, the maritime climate in the west and the Mediterranean climate in the south. The generally temperate continental climate ensures hot summers and cold winters.
The temperatures are very similar to those in Germany. The coldest month is January with an average of -4°C. From October onwards, the days become noticeably shorter and it gets colder. Between June and August it is warmest, with summer temperatures of around 25 to 27°C, and it rains most in June.
The best time to travel is from May to September.
Geographic location
Hungary is located in the middle of Europe and borders several countries. Hungary borders Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia.
Hungary is a landlocked country, which means the country has no connection to the open sea.
In the west, the foothills of the Alps shape Hungary's landscape, while the north is characterised by the Mátra Mountains. The Kékes (1014 m) is the country's highest mountain.
There is no time difference between Hungary and Germany, as both countries are in the same time zone.
Currency
The currency in Hungary is the forint (HUF). In addition to cash (forint), credit cards and some bank cards are usually accepted as means of payment.
Sights
Hungary has a number of sights to offer. Here we list five of the most popular sights for inspiration.
Lake Balaton: The largest inland lake in Europe. Along its 179 km long shore lie picturesque beaches, hotels, clubs, various shops and restaurants. Several festivals also take place there in the summer.
Budapest: The capital of Hungary. Whether you want to stroll along the banks of the Danube or try the culinary specialities of Hungary. There is something for everyone in the diverse capital. Beautiful photo opportunities and numerous activities make it almost impossible not to like this city.
Baradla: Stalactite cave in Aggtelek National Park (in the northeast of Hungary). The world's tallest stalagmite is currently located in this already very impressive cave system. There are 200 stalactite caves in total in the system.
Sódomb (Salt Hill): Pools with steaming thermal water. The most famous thermal bath in the region impresses with its steaming thermal water pools and delights visitors with various spas set in nature.
Bükk National Park: A gigantic forest area. The Bükk National Park is ideal for getting to know Hungary's nature. You can explore the national park by bike or on one of the numerous hiking trails and get to know Hungary's flora and fauna up close.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant trip!
Hungary is a wonderful country with diverse nature, dreamlike landscapes, worthwhile cities and great activities. A visit is definitely worthwhile! Be sure to remember a vignette to save yourself the stress and avoid fines. You can find more information on the toll in Hungary in our guide. Feel free to also use our route planner to plan your trip optimally and see suitable toll products displayed. If you have any questions, we are always available by email.
If you are interested in more exciting topics about Hungary, feel free to check out our guide and discover interesting articles such as culinary specialities in Hungary, the most popular cities in Hungary or scenic places in nature.
