Hungary Travel Insurance Plan

In this article:

• Hungary Travel Insurance Plan
• Hungary Travel Tips and Safety Information
• Other Hungary FAQs

A travel insurance plan is not required for entry to Hungary unless you’re traveling on a Schengen Visa. Either way a travel insurance plan may be beneficial for your trip to Hungary. Your U.S. healthcare plan may not provide coverage internationally, so having a travel insurance plan with medical expense coverage may be important.

Hungary is typically an affordable destination, making our Preferred Plan a great option for your trip. Our Preferred Plan offers travelers a comprehensive travel insurance plan with optional add-on coverages to customize your protection. While public transportation options are abundant in Budapest, if you’re hoping to get outside the city, you might want a rental car to explore at your own pace. Travel Guard’s Rental Vehicle Damage Coverage is available as an optional add-on to provide certain coverage you may need on your trip. Whichever plan you choose, all of Travel Guard’s plans offer 24/7 emergency travel assistance so you can travel knowing you’ll have support if the unexpected happens.

On average, a travel insurance plan costs between 5-7% of the total cost of your trip. There are several factors that come into play when pricing your plan, which may include the product you select and the number of travelers in your party. For more details on pricing, check out our article on how much a travel insurance plan costs.

To help ensure visitors to Hungary are as safe and informed as possible, Travel Guard compiled some popular questions asked by tourists traveling the country.

Hungary is generally a safe country for travelers, with a low crime rate compared to other European destinations. Petty crime is an issue in major cities, and incidents may include pickpocketing, bag snatching, theft of unattended items and vehicle break-ins. Petty thieves frequently operate on public transportation, at transportation hubs and in crowded markets and tourist areas. Travelers should keep personal belongings secure and refrain from carrying more cash than is needed for the day. Violent crime risks are generally low, though incidents of drink spiking resulting in assault and robbery have occurred in nightlife venues. Visitors should not accept food or drinks from strangers and should not leave beverages unattended.

Travelers should be aware of tourist scams in Hungary. These can include overcharging in restaurants and bars, unofficial taxi services and currency exchanges with unfavorable rates. When dining out, be wary of restaurants and clubs that don't list prices. Visitors should also be cautious if overly friendly strangers approach to ask for help or to offer assistance. This is especially true when withdrawing cash at ATMs, as criminals have been known to take victims’ cash after withdrawal. Using ATMs in secure locations such as inside banks will help mitigate the risk. Travelers should also avoid Euronet ATMs, which have very poor exchange rates.

Demonstrations can happen periodically and may turn violent, causing disruptions to traffic and public transport. Avoid areas with large gatherings and follow local authorities' instructions.

Public transportation in Hungary is generally safe and reliable. However, be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded buses, trams and metro services. Avoid using the overhead storage on trains for important documents or expensive items, and lock doors on overnight trains. Validate tickets and ensure you purchase the correct type of ticket for your journey to avoid fines, as ticket inspections are frequent. Road conditions are generally good, but drivers may be aggressive.

Use licensed taxis or rideshare services booked through an app or hotel concierge and avoid hailing taxis on the street. When traveling by taxi, negotiate the fare in advance or ensure the driver is running the meter; report any overcharging incidents. If driving, understand all local driving laws, including the requirement for a toll sticker (vignette) on the country’s highways. Outside of highways, road conditions in rural areas may be in disrepair. Flooding in the spring may impact travel, and visitors should monitor local weather reports during their trip.

Finally, individuals are required to carry identification at all times. Authorities may not accept photocopies, so it is important to carry an original passport and ensure it is kept in a secure location.

The official currency in Hungary is the Hungarian Forint. Travelers can exchange currency before their departure at most U.S. banks or at currency kiosks in the airport. After your arrival in Hungary, you can exchange currency in major cities like Budapest at currency exchange centers, ATMs or local banks. While debit and credit cards are widely accepted, be sure to inform your bank of your travels to avoid interruption. We recommend carrying a small amount of cash in case you visit a small or local market where cards may not be accepted.

The official language of Hungary is Hungarian, though some citizens speak German and English as well. While English is widely spoken in the capital city of Budapest, it may not be easily found in other areas of the country. For this reason, we recommend learning common phrases and sayings in Hungarian as well as downloading a translation app that works offline.

U.S. citizens will need a valid passport to enter Hungary, but visas are not required for travelers visiting less than 90 days. It is recommended that your passport be valid for six months, and you’ll need at least one blank page for your entry stamp.

For the latest information regarding visas and passports for the Hungary travel, please visit the State Department’s Hungary country information page.

The U.S. Embassy in Hungary is in Budapest. Visit the official U.S. Embassy government website for a list of up-to-date phone numbers and addresses.

Hungary sees minimal rainfall throughout the year and has cold, windy winters with temperatures averaging around 30° F. Luckily Hungary has warm and pleasant summers with temperatures averaging around 70° F.

Hungary is a beautiful place to visit no matter what time of year you decide to go, but the shoulder seasons of spring and fall tend to have the best combination of enjoyable weather and fewer crowds. That said, if you’re planning to visit the famous thermal baths of Hungary, the stark contrast of cold winter weather and warm thermal water makes winter travel just as alluring.

The dial code for Hungary is +36, which is used to call landlines and mobile phones in the country. Remember to use the exit code of +11 when placing international calls from the U.S. and include the area code of the city or town you’re calling. Remember when calling internationally, landlines are typically more affordable than connecting to a cell phone so be sure to contact your phone provider for cost estimates and to let them know of your travel plans to best avoid unwanted interruption during your trip. 

Hungary uses both a different voltage and outlet type from the U.S., so travelers will need a voltage transformer and outlet adapter to use and charge their electronics as normal. We recommend a universal adapter that can be used on other trips in the future.

While there are many places in Hungary for travelers to enjoy, Budapest is one of the most popular cities to sightsee. Visitors can bathe in thermal springs, enjoy a variety of art galleries and museums and eat a traditional Hungarian meal like goulash all within the country’s capital. For a destination outside of Budapest, consider visiting Lake Balaton where visitors can enjoy the volcanic hill views on lakeside beaches or get a taste of local Hungarian wine from vineyards in the area.

Hungary is considered an affordable destination compared to other European countries. When planning your itinerary, be sure to consider the costs of popular activities, like visiting the Hungarian Parliament Building, as those can add up fast. In cities like Budapest traveling by bus or tram is a great way to save money and experience Hungary like a local.

If you’re in Budapest and planning to explore the city, a Budapest TravelCard is a great option. You can use the TravelCard on all trams and metros within city limits an unlimited number of times while the card is valid. 

Travel Guard offers comprehensive and customizable travel insurance plans for travelers visiting Hungary. With excellent coverage and specialized emergency travel assistance representatives ready to help you at any time, Travel Guard is there for you. Compare our popular plans and find the best one for you!

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