Hi Everyone,
Do you happen to know whether credit cards are accepted at most places or whether the local currency is the more widely accepted form of payment? If it's cash, where is it best to exchange dollars? I also have a debit card with Charles Schwab and have used that to withdraw money in the local currency from ATMs.
Trying to plan ahead for our upcoming trip.
Thank you
We returned from six nights Budapest a few weeks ago and used credit cards exclusively. I’m sure there are some places that don’t accept credit cards but we didn’t come across them.
Some local currency from ATMs that are everywhere and credit cards work well. We tend to use cash a bit more than others but you could get by nearly 100% on a credit card.
Thanks so much for letting me know. Very helpful!
It is becoming very difficult to find a place that does not accept a credit card; but on very rare ocassion I still run into them.
Tipping is one time when it isnt terribly uncommon to be told you can not put it on your card (mabye 10 to 15% of the time) and that has to do with how the accounting system works there and the VAT tax - tips are not taxable income but if it goes on a card stopping the VAT process is extra work).
Sometimes credit card networks or the shop wireless goes down. I run into that about once a month.
I try and carry 10.000 forints in my wallet. As much of it in 1.000 forint notes as possible.
There are ATM machines all over town. Try and stick to a bank ATM for fewer fees, but in a bind it really doesnt matter much. Most bank ATMs are in dedicated building vestibules. Its not as common as it once was but thee are still those that require you swipe a credit card to open the door. Any credit card and I suspect any card with a magnetic strip on it will work. Then PUSH the door to go in.
Very helpful! Thank you again
There is a MKB bank on the street to the left of the entrace to the Basilica and there is a K&H in the opposite direction on the way to Deak Ferenc ter. At Keleti, I think there is only a EuroNet ATM. They will charge you an additional $3 to $5 to use it.
Make sure that one of your credit cards, preferably VISA, is set up on Apple Pay or Google Pay. Many times you will not have to retrieve your card from your wallet for various purchases.
I had lunch with a friend today in a very nice Asian restaurant. The bill was 13.820 ft. I was give the opportunity to pay in Euro (cash) if I wanted. The receipt said 47.50 Euro. We'll, at the current rate that would be 19.000 ft. I really don't blame them. The Euros are a hassle to deal with and tge rate bounces up and down a lot.
Always pay in forints, if by card or in cash. Right now the rate has gone from a low of about 345 to the dollar this year to the current 386. And i bet it gets to 395 before it gors back down. Great time to visit.
Very helpful additional information. Thanks so much everyone!
Always pay in forints, if by card or in cash. Right now the rate has
gone from a low of about 345 to the dollar this year to the current
386. And i bet it gets to 395 before it gors back down. Great time to visit.
Better time to visit. The dollar is now 391 ft.
