Airport

The Budapest International Airport (Ferihegy Airport) is located ca. 25 km from Budapest. The flights of the regular airlines leave from Terminal 2. Some low-cost airlines depart from Terminal 1 (the old terminal). Low-cost airlines flying to Budapest: Wizzair, Airberlin, Easyjet, Germanwings, Sky Europe, Norwegian and Snowflake.

After arriving to Budapest make sure that you change as much money that will be sufficient for the first two or three days. The exchange rate is approximately the same, as in the city.

Use the airport Minibus to your hotel or to any railway station. It is much cheaper than the taxis at the airport.

Electricity

Hungary's electricity network operates at 220 Volts. Plugs are the regulation Continental type. Appliances from the US will require both a plug adapter and a voltage adapter. Many students opt to buy items like hairdryers and irons in Hungary, since they are relatively inexpensive.

Money, Banks, Currency Exchange

The Hungarian currency is called the forint (written as Ft or HUF) and its exchange rate in relation to the US dollar and the Euro is posted daily at banks. (Approximate values: EUR 1 = HUF 250, USD 1 = HUF 200). You can use your home country's bankcard at ATM machines that will give forints at that day's current exchange rate. ATM machines are available at all banks, on major streets, and in shopping malls, however, you can only withdraw money on an existing checking account, so money for use in Hungary should be deposited in a home country checking (not savings!) account. Some students prefer to use traveler's checks throughout their stay in Hungary, but the convenience of ATM machines is hard to match.

Credit Cards

The most commonly used credit cards (VISA, Cirrus, Euro/Mastercard, Diners Club, AMEX) can be used to obtain money from ATM machines and to pay bills in hotels, shops and restaurants. The type of cards accepted are displayed on the door of the establishment.

Phone Calls

Public payphones are operated with both coins and debit phone cards. Cards are available at most newsstands, post offices, and hotels. Mobile (cellular) phones are quite popular and can be purchased with a debit card system installed. Mobile phones can be purchased in phone stores on major shopping streets and in shopping malls. Many students consider a mobile phone a good investment since it gives them convenience and a degree of personal safety. For long distance calls, there is a newer type of debit calling card that can be purchased at larger newsstands and can be used from any phone (including mobile) and for all (in-country and international) long distance calls. The savings are substantial compared to the rates of the Hungarian national phone company, and even of some international carriers. The country code for Hungary is (36), area code for Budapest is (1), for Szeged is (62), for Pécs is (72). For international calls dial (00) before the country code. For long-distance calls within the country and for calling mobile phones dial (06) prefix before the area code.

Public Transportation

Budapest has an amazingly simple and very efficient public transportation system of buses, trams, trolleybuses, and three metro (subway) lines. For example, by metro you can get from one side of the city to the other in about 20 minutes. Public transportation runs from 4:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. daily. After that there are night bus services on the most used lines all around the city. A student monthly transportation pass is the easiest and least expensive way to move around the city. Passes (which can be used on all forms of transportation) can be purchased for about USD 6 a month at metro stations and require a photo and student ID.

Taxicabs

There are numerous taxicab companies that operate throughout the city and most have English-speaking drivers. Another advantage of having a mobile phone is to call a taxi, since a taxi ordered by phone is cheaper than stopping one on the street!

Trains

There are three major train stations in Budapest from where trains travel to all parts of Hungary and throughout Europe. Trains to Pécs depart from the Déli pályaudvar (Southern Railway Station) and to Szeged from Nyugati pályaudvar (Western Railway Station). Budapest has direct rail links to 25 capitals, and there are more than 50 international connections to other parts of Europe each day. Eurail Passes can be activated at any station, and all tickets must be bought before boarding the train. The Intercity and Euro City trains are the most convenient and provide assigned seats but cost a little more (you have to buy an IC or EC supplement). The timetable for Hungarian trains can be found at http://www.elvira.hu

Shopping

Both supermarkets and small neighborhood convenience stores abound in the major cities of Hungary and students come to rely on both. Food stores open early and the larger supermarkets stay open into the evening, those at malls usually until 9:00 p.m. There are also small food stores which are open 24 hours a day.
The idea of the "drug store" which sells everything from shampoo to dog food is relatively new to Hungary but there are a few large chains that have locations throughout the country. These stores stock many international brand items for personal care, but they do not sell medicines. All medicine - including non-prescription types - must be bought at a pharmacy. You do not have to bring too many items with you, because virtually all major international brands of clothing and household products are available in Hungary.