Forint from Airport ATM

I had no problem. If I remember correctly, the one I used was just as I exited customs.

ATM locations. I promise, you will pass one or two on your way out.

https://www.bud.hu/en/passengers/shopping_and_passenger_experience/at_the_airport/terminal_services/atm.html

I live in Budapest and I still live off my US bank ATM and Credit Card. It's no trouble at all.

98% of the places you go will açept cards. Most of my cash goes for tipping .... YES, they tip here.

Never hurts to have 10,000 in your pocket in small bills. So take out "other amount" of 9.000 or 14.000 or you will end up with a single 10.000 bill and have to buy a kürtőskalács to break the large bill.

You asked specifically whether there are bank ATMs at the Budapest airport. The only certain answer that I can give you is that many of the ATMs at the airport are not specifically bank ATMs, but rather ATMs owned by this company, which provides currency exchange services:

https://interchangefx.com/our-services/

So not a bank, but rather they make their money off the currency exchange rates.

You can check their self-claimed "competitive" exchange rates to decide if you like them:

https://interchangefx.com/order-currency-online/

Affirmatively, you'll find bank ATMs (OTP Bank is one example) in the city, which may have more competitive rates.

CWsocial is correct (as always) but If you are comfortable with a few dollars in your pocket and that comfort costs you $3 against a $6000 total trip cost .... go for it.

In the city you can find ATMs with Google Maps. As mentioned OTP is the best deal and they are all over town. ERSTE Bank is probably the worst deal.

Many Bank ATMs are in small lobbies or vestibules. Often you have to swipe a card to unlock the door. Any card will work. THEN, remember, odds are the door opens in. I watch people yanking on the doors before walking away.

Also, keep in mind that you won't need cash to get to your accommodations.

But stiĺ, maybe you are like me and want to get as much out of the way as possible before starting the new location. If that's the case, then in addition to the cash, get your TravelCard for public transportation at the BKK window on your left in the arrivals hall. If the remodeling is still going on, follow the signage painted on the wall.

Oh and I'd so much rather have the comfort of a bank ATM at the airport. Is it the principle of the thing or is it a remnant of my days of needing to travel as inexpensively as possible. Probably both.

I should say that I still have most of the foreign currency I got from the airport ATM because credit card are accepted everywhere.

CWsocial, its all good. Different strokes......
I showed up in Bosnia with no cash and had no choice as the taxi didnt take cards. A lot didnt take cards. So I paid 3 euro for 50 euro (in BM) in the airport ATM.

Thanks for the various thoughts. We certainly plan to use credit cards for everything possible but I do like to have a few small bills in my pocket just in case. The suggestion above to purchase a transit card at the airport (with credit card) makes waiting until we’re settled a bit to seek out an ATM viable.

When you get to your accommodation, first google OTP ATM and see if one is near you. They are a good deal. I use the ATM at a K&H Bank without charges, so that’s another you can use.

You have probably figured this out, but the TravelCard flavors are:

• 24-hour Budapest-travelcard 2 500 Ft
• 72-hour Budapest-travelcard 5 500 Ft

Then there is the well hidden Budapest-Pass, which is the same as a travel card except in name and duration.

• 15-day Budapest-pass 5 950 FT

And remember that old farts ride for free (65 and over)

TexasTravelMom may chime in and tell you not to worry, you can use the App and buy your pass whenever you want. Personally I think the digital pass is more trouble than its worth, but I am also a tech idiot. TTM is very young and hip.

I probably could have waited to find an ATM in the city, but I'm not going to worry about a few bucks.

My hotel had arranged for free transport from the airport to the hotel but I wanted to be able to tip the driver.

A little cash on arrival is nice, but not essential. You can also get it from your bank in the states before you leave.

One note based on something that happened today. There are businesses that will take euros and dollars at less than terrific exchange rates. But they will generally only take perfect bills. Not even the tiniest tear along the edge, not wrinkled, not marked ... perfect. Because that is the standard of the exchange houses.

Personally I did like having my pass on the Budapest Go app. But I like even more being over 65 and not needing a pass!

We are coming to Budapest in October for the first time and are over 65. When we get on the metro what do we show to prove we’re over 65, our passport every time?

Passport or drivers license. If you get asked. I am only 66, I don't think I look a day over 60, and still, I have been asked for my ticket twice so far this year. Both times, I pull my wallet half out of my pocket, and the inspector says thank you and moves on to the next person.

There is also at least one regular old fashioned exchange booth where you can change cash. That’s what I did arriving in Budapest last year, and the same with my left over forints when departing.

And there is nothing wrong with that. Even the dreaded Euro ATMs are fine. I can afford the convenience fees at the EURO ATMs cause I fly Economy.

I was in Poland recently and exchanged USD100 for 391 PL at a Kantor [currency exchange desk] in Warsaw - it was a quite reasonable xrate. Are there kantors/exchange desks in Budapest, and are they a viable alternative to ATMs?