Cash in Austria & Hungary needed?

Any reason to get some Hungarian currency beforehand while I’m in my home country of the USA?

I would say no. I think the guide will point out convenient ATMs when you arrive in Budapest. This past summer we needed minimal cash in those cities, but we liked to have the equivalent of $50-75 available just in case. It came in handy for pay toilets and very small purchases.

No is the simple answer.

Enjoy the tour!

I found it useful to have some cash in Hungary on my two visits (2015 and 2022) to pay for meals and things. I ran into a few merchants who accepted cash only in Eger and Pecs, which are relatively small towns in Hungary, but there weren't many. In Budapest, you should have no problem.

As for getting cash in advance, it depends on preference. I like to get USD $100 or so before I leave for any country, but some people prefer to rely on ATM/charge cards only.

As I mentioned, I was reading forum posts the other day that in Hallstadt almost every restaurant was cash only. Which seems odd but is good to know.

I always find in interesting that people say you don't need cash. We go to Europe at least twice a year and there is ALWAYS a cafe, small local restaurant, small vendor carts that ONLY take cash.

I was in Budapest in April. I got cash when I landed at the airport. I hardly used any.