Hungary

Flight.co.uk Overview

Flights to Hungary from London take just over two hours, and deposit passengers in the centre of Europe at the country's international airport in the capital, Budapest. Passengers on flights to Hungary are immediately struck by the enchantment of the architecturally beautiful city, bisected by the magnificent Danube River. Discount flights to Hungary not only bring visitors to the capital, but allow them to explore the plains, rolling hills, rivers and lakes beyond, from the Baroque town of Eger with its fine wines to the spas and resorts of Hévíz. The quest for many of those who book flights to Hungary is to soak up some of the fascinating Magyar culture, art and tradition, or enjoy one of the many cultural festivals which fill the calendar. The Magyars were an equestrian nomadic tribe who originally inhabited Hungary before it was occupied by the Turks and later became a Communist State. Free again, Hungary flights now land from all around the world, many package tour operators bringing in tourists to Budapest, Heviz Gyor and Debrecen, the main destination cities for flights to Hungary.

Overview

Hungary's location in the centre of Europe along with its hospitable attitude makes it one of the best places from which to embark on an Eastern European journey. It is both European and distinctly Hungarian, incorporating a mixture of history and the present-day. The country proudly upholds its Magyar traditions, culture and arts, but is attentive to what is new and fashionable in the outside world.

A small landlocked country sharing its borders with seven neighbouring countries, Hungary was originally inhabited by the Magyars, an equestrian nomadic tribe. They were eventually converted to Christianity and in the year 1000 their Prince Stephen was crowned the nation's first ruler. Since then Hungary has seen numerous dynastic changes, from Turkish occupation to the era of Communism, and today quaint little towns, cities and ruins in the countryside bear the marks of this turbulent history with a rich mosaic of architectural styles and fortified hilltop castles. The Hungarian people, neither Slavic nor Germanic, are formal, reserved and intensely proud of their ancient nation and its cosmopolitan capital, Budapest.

Most visitors arrive in Budapest, situated on a lovely stretch of the Danube, the river that invokes feelings of romantic enchantment and musical memories. It is a city of culture and of astounding beauty and grace, and visitors are drawn to its enchanting magnetism. Outside of the capital the plains, rolling hills and rivers, lakes and vineyards hold much to offer the visitor. The Baroque town and fine wines of Eger, historical riverside villages along the Danube Bend, commanding fortresses, castles and palaces, the resort-lined Lake Balaton and the thermal spas and volcanically heated lake at Hévíz are just some of the country's many highlights awaiting discovery.

Business

A handshake is the standard form of greeting in Hungary and in mixed company it is usually women who initiate. Suits and ties are standard and business people should be addressed by their title and surname. Business cards are often exchanged; Hungarians usually list their surnames first. It is useful to have a local representative when doing business in Hungary who can set up meetings and act as an interpreter. It is important to invest time on building relationships; socialising is a key element of this and face-to-face meetings are vital. Due to the communist legacy there is an aversion to risk and plenty of red tape and therefore negotiations can be slow-moving and patience is required. Although Hungary remains male-orientated, being female is not a disadvantage to doing business. Business hours are usually from 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday, though summer hours tend to be shorter.

Health

No vaccinations are required and standards of public health are good. Tap water is safe to drink and food poisoning is not considered a high risk. Bird flu was discovered in wild birds in March 2006, but no human infections have been reported. The risk to travellers is low, but as a precaution visitors should ensure that all poultry and egg dishes are well cooked, and contact with live birds is avoided. A reciprocal health agreement with countries of the EU provides nationals with free emergency health care on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). All towns have pharmacies, but anyone requiring specific medication should bring a supply with them as most medicines are of Eastern European origin. Health insurance is recommended.

Safety

Most visits to Hungary are trouble-free, but normal precautions against petty crime should be taken. Pickpocketing and bag snatching are common in Budapest, especially on crowded public transport and other places frequented by tourists. Some bars, clubs and restaurants in Budapest charge outrageous prices by means of scams that target foreigners in particular. Be cautious of invitations off the street to dine in certain establishments or of recommendations by taxi drivers who are often in on the scam. Political demonstrations against the government have been ongoing during September/October 2006, mainly in Budapest, some of which have become violent. All political demonstrations should be avoided.

Duty Free

Travellers to Hungary with goods purchased in the EU for personal use do not have to pay customs duty on 800 cigarettes, or 400 cigarillos, or 200 cigars, or 1kg smoking tobacco; 10 litres spirits with more than 22% and ethyl alcohol, or 20 litres of beverages less than 22% alcohol content, or 90 litres of wine or 60 litres of sparkling wine, or 110 litres of beer. Travellers arriving from non-EU countries do not have to pay customs duty on 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g of smoking tobacco, or a proportional mix of these. Alcohol allowances (for passengers over 17 years)include 1 litre of spirits and 2 litres of wine; perfume up to 50g and 250ml eau de toilette; and other goods for personal consumption to the value of EUR175 per adult or EUR90 for children under 15 years. Prohibited items include fresh meat and dairy products.

Tipping

Taxi drivers and waiters expect a tip of 10 to 15%. Waiters should be handed the cash, rather than have it left on the table. Most people in the service industry expect to be tipped about 10-15%.

Language

Hungarian (Magyar) is the official language, but German is widely spoken. English is spoken in tourist areas and most hotels.

Communications

The international access code for Hungary is +36. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)1 for Budapest. There are often high surcharges on calls made from hotels; it is cheaper to use public telephone boxes or calling cards. Local directory assistance is available by dialling 198, and international directory assistance is 199; callers may have to hold for a few moments, but English-speaking operators are available. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international operators. Internet cafes are available in the main towns.

Time Zone

Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October).

Electricity

Electrical current is 230 volts, 50 Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are standard.

Money

The official currency is the Hungarian Forint (HUF), divided into 100 fillér. Travellers cheques are not widely favoured. Credit cards most accepted in the country are AMEX, Diners Club, EnRoute, Euro/Mastercard, JCB and Visa, and these can be used to withdraw cash from banks and ATMs and to pay bills in hotels, restaurants and most shops. Banks usually open between 8am and 4pm on weekdays and some are open on Saturdays. ATMs and currency exchange machines are available in towns and cities throughout the country. It is advisable to retain exchange receipts for proof of legal currency exchange.