Staying Safe in Hungary
Local Laws
When visiting Hungary, it's essential to have your valid identification, like your passport, with you at all times. Just a heads-up, copies of your ID won't be accepted.
Hungary takes a very firm stance against driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and the consequences for this are quite serious. You'll also find that smoking is prohibited in all indoor public areas, at bus and train stops, and within about 16 feet of the entrances to educational buildings. Please be aware that drug use is illegal and comes with significant penalties.
If you plan on using public transportation, make sure you buy and validate your ticket before you begin your trip to steer clear of any fines. It's also a good idea to be mindful of and respect the local customs and social norms.
You might encounter political demonstrations, particularly in Budapest. While these are often peaceful, it's wise to be aware that they can sometimes become disruptive. It's recommended to stay away from large gatherings and keep an eye on local news for any updates regarding demonstrations.
LGBTQ+ Travellers
Hungary presents a complex environment for LGBTQ+ travelers. While same-sex sexual activity is legal, recent government legislation has significantly restricted LGBTQ+ rights, including bans on same-sex adoption, legal gender recognition, and the prohibition of promoting LGBTQ+ content to minors.
In urban centers like Budapest, one might experience a more tolerant atmosphere; however, outside the capital and in public spaces generally, discretion regarding public displays of affection is advisable due to prevailing conservative social attitudes and new laws that may impact public gatherings. Therefore, remaining informed about the local climate and exercising caution are key for a comfortable visit.
Scams
When visiting Hungary, it's good to be aware of a few common tricks tourists sometimes run into. You might find that some bars, clubs, and restaurants charge a lot more than expected for food and drinks. In some cases, you might even feel pressured to get cash from an ATM to cover these inflated bills.
Overpriced taxi rides are also quite common. Some drivers might avoid using the meter, use meters that have been messed with, or take a longer way to your destination. It's also not unusual for taxi drivers to have arrangements with certain bars or clubs, recommending them to passengers, often for a kickback. So, it's wise to be cautious if a stranger invites you to a bar or club.
Be careful with currency exchange too. You might come across booths offering poor exchange rates or hidden charges, especially in places like airports or busy tourist spots.
ATM scams are also a concern, particularly with Euronet ATMs, which can offer bad exchange rates and push you to accept their conversion.
You might also encounter people pretending to be public transport ticket inspectors, demanding immediate cash payments for made-up fines.
Another scam involves people approaching drivers on the highway, claiming there's an issue with their car to get them to stop, and then robbing them.
Crime
Unfortunately, petty theft is a common issue in Hungary, and visitors can sometimes find themselves targeted. You'll often hear about bag-snatching and pickpocketing, particularly in bustling places like Budapest and other major cities. These kinds of incidents tend to happen more often when you're on crowded public transport, in train stations, at markets, or in any area where lots of tourists gather.
It's also worth noting that theft from cars parked on the street can be an issue, and there have been instances of highway robberies. To help keep yourself safe, it's a good idea to stay aware of what's going on around you, keep your belongings secure and out of view, and try not to draw attention by flashing expensive items.
When you're traveling by train, it's really important to keep a close eye on your luggage, especially as you get closer to a station. If you're taking an overnight train, you might want to consider locking your compartment from the inside.
While thankfully rare, there have been some isolated incidents of muggings and crimes motivated by race. You should also be aware that drink spiking can occur in popular nightclubs and at festivals. Overall, though, violent crime is not a widespread problem in Hungary.
