Citizens of the U.S, Canada and Australia do not need a visa to enter Hungary. All travelers must have passports valid at least 90 days after their intended departure from Hungary. EU visitors have no restrictions on the length of their stay.

Visitors from other countries require visa, which can be obtained from any Hungarian embassy. All visitors should check requirements particular to their country prior to traveling. For visa requirements, please go to the website of the Consulate General of the Republic of Hungary:

For more information on entering and leaving Hungary please visit our Plan your trip section.

2. What airlines fly to Hungary?

Delta Airlines www.delta.com offers non-stop service from New York to Budapest. Once in Budapest, the city has excellent and affordable public transportation.

3. Where can I exchange money and what is the rate of exchange?

The unit of currency is called the Forint (HUF). Exchange offices located at the airport, near most of the major attractions, banks, the reception desks of certain hotels and exchange machines are all there to serve you. Occasionally, swindlers appear in the crowd or close to railway station, offering better exchange rates than those of the official establishments. Their activities are not only illegal, but also inflict a loss on you.

Check out www.xe.com for current rate information.

4. How can I get to the City Center from the airport?

Budapest's Ferihegy Airport has a direct rail link to and from the Western Railway Station in Budapest. The trains depart from the airport's Terminal 1 seven days a week and make a trip into the city in fewer than 30 minutes. Tickets cost about $ 2 and can be purchased in the airport or from conductors on the trains.

Zóna Taxi offers transfer services from Budapest Ferihegy Airport on a zone-based fare to the city. +36-1-365-5555 www.zonataxi.eu

5. When is the best time to go?

Hungary has a temperate climate variable by seasons, but generally very pleasant. The best time to visit is spring and fall, although there is plenty to see and to do during the rest of the year.

6. Will I have trouble with a language?

English is widely spoken in Budapest but not in the countryside.

7. Does Budapest have a subway?

Yes, it is called the Metro. There are 3 lines; one of them is one of the oldest in Europe. You can expect fast, reliable service. Download public transportation network map >>>

8. Are the stores open on weekends?

On Saturdays stores are open until 6.00 pm and some on Sundays for a half-day. Shopping centers are open daily.

9. I'm a vegetarian will I have a problem with the food?

There are excellent vegetarian restaurants in Budapest but you should not limit yourself to these as most restaurants will accommodate food preferences.

10. Is Hungary accessible for disabled visitors?

Hungary is becoming more accessible for disabled visitors, although it is best to call ahead to the sights or obtain information prior to your visit. Many busses are now equipped for boarding and some metro stations have special lifts. Many museums present difficulties for the disabled, although increasingly they are being renovated to be wheelchair-accessible.

11. Do I need to leave a tip and how much after paying in the restaurant?

Generally speaking, it is customary to leave a tip of between 10 and 15 per cent, but there really is no hard and fast rule, most people simply round up to a convenient figure. When paying with a larger denomination of cash, it is customary to tell the waiter how much you are paying and then to receive change from that amount. If your Hungarian skills are not up to it, simply leave the tip on the table.

12. How do I make a phone call to or within Hungary?

Country code: +36

Budapest area code: 1

International calls: 00 + country code + local number +

Domestic long distance calls: 06 + area code + local number

13. What is the best way to get to Vienna or Prague?

Vienna is 3 hours and Prague is 9 hours by train. The quickest way to Prague is definitely by air.