Money in Hungary: Forint, Budapest Payments, Tips and VAT Refunds

Hungary uses the forint. Bank cards are convenient across much of Budapest, but a euro quote or a local QR code is not automatically the best payment option for visitors. Public transport also distinguishes between single-ride tickets, timed tickets and airport fares.

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Get comfortable with forint amounts

HUF and Ft both indicate Hungarian forint. Coins are 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200; banknotes are 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000 and 20,000. The converter helps put larger-looking figures into perspective.

Hungary does not use the euro as its currency. A business accepting euros may apply an unfavourable rate and return change in forint. Establish the local-currency price before agreeing to pay otherwise.

Cards and a small cash reserve

Many hotels, shops and restaurants accept credit or debit cards, often including phone-wallet payments. Carry some smaller-denomination cash for markets, minor purchases and travel beyond the city.

Choose an HUF charge if you do not want the terminal’s proposed home-currency conversion. Check bank exchange charges separately from ATM fees. Keep a backup bank card elsewhere so a lost wallet does not remove every payment method.

What is qvik?

qvik enables instant payments through supported Hungarian banking apps and suitable forint accounts, using features such as QR codes and payment requests. It is not a universal interface for every foreign credit card.

Without a supported account, select ordinary bank-card payment or cash. There is no need to install an unfamiliar payment app for a single meal. Always check the recipient and amount before authorising a transfer.

BKK transport and the BudapestGO app

BKK organises Budapest public transport. The BudapestGO app plans journeys and sells tickets for city buses, trams and metro services. A standard single ticket costs HUF 500; timed 30- and 90-minute tickets cost HUF 600 and 850.

A single ticket is not an unlimited-transfer ticket, apart from the permitted metro interchange arrangement. For a tram-to-bus journey, consider a timed ticket or a 24-hour travelcard instead of assuming transfers are included.

Activate the right ticket correctly

For mobile timed tickets in the BudapestGO app, scan the QR code or use the marked NFC point before boarding; at the metro, do so before entering the paid area. Repeat required validation when transferring, except between metro lines internally.

Mobile-ticket use requires internet access. Ordinary paper tickets also need validation, not just possession. The 100E airport express bus requires a dedicated HUF 2,500 ticket; an ordinary city ticket alone does not cover it.

Taxi apps still book licensed taxis

Services including the Bolt and Uber apps book licensed Budapest taxis under regulated tariffs, rather than necessarily offering a cheaper private-car model. Check the plate and chosen payment method before boarding.

Főtaxi operates from designated airport counters. Licensed taxis accept cash and bank-card payments. Airport departures can use a different tariff from ordinary city trips; request an estimate rather than relying on an old fare quoted elsewhere.

Tips and restaurant service charges

Around 10% is customary for good service, but check for an existing service charge first. It may appear as service charge or szervizdíj. Do not automatically add another percentage when service is already included.

Ask to add a card-paid tip before the transaction is closed. Taxi rounding or an extra amount for special assistance is optional. When paying cash, make clear how much change you expect before leaving your chosen tip.

VAT and accommodation extras

Hungary’s standard VAT rate is 27%, with reduced 18% and 5% rates for relevant categories. Consumer retail prices generally include VAT, so do not add another 27% to a shelf price.

Local accommodation taxes can be separate and depend on the municipality and property arrangement. Compare your complete booking total, including local tax, breakfast and parking. The VAT component of a tax-inclusive price is not 27% of that entire total.

Tax-free shopping eligibility

Residents outside the EU may qualify for refunds on eligible exported goods. In 2026 the relevant Hungarian purchase threshold is above HUF 68,000. Confirm eligibility before paying and request the invoice and refund form with your passport details.

Goods must leave the EU within 90 days under the applicable conditions and remain unused before export. Meals, accommodation and admission tickets are not eligible shopping exports. Refund processing charges reduce the amount received.

Before checking your baggage

Keep goods and paperwork available for inspection. If travelling onward within the EU, establish where final export validation occurs for your baggage route. A photograph may not substitute for presenting the actual purchase.

After customs validation, finish the retailer or refund operator’s procedure and keep copies. For everyday budgeting, separate prepaid bookings from meals, journeys and optional extras so the larger forint figures do not obscure your total spending.