Currency in Budapest

Hungary and Budapest’s official currency is the Hungarian Forint (Ft, HUF). Although the country has wanted to replace the Forint with the euro since 2003, it still doesn’t have a target date to adopt the euro.

Banknotes and Coins

The Forint is made up of the following banknotes: 500 Ft, 1,000 Ft, 2,000 Ft, 5,000 Ft, 10,000 Ft, and 20,000 Ft. It also includes the following coins: 5 Ft, 10 Ft, 20 Ft, 50 Ft, and 100 Ft.

Banks and ATMs

There are numerous banks and ATMs in the city center, but the further away you are from the shopping areas, the more difficult it is to find a cash machine.

How to Pay?

The easiest way to save on commissions is to pay with your credit or debit card. The exchange rate is current when you pay with a card and the maximum fee, depending on the issuer of the card, is usually 1%.

Money Exchange in Budapest

The best exchange rates are normally found in the exchange houses in the city center. The average rates in banks, airports, and hotels are usually higher.

Before your holidays, we suggest you ask your bank what commissions they apply for withdrawing Forints. This way, you’ll be able to see what the best option is for you. In our case, we prefer to take money out of the cash points instead of exchanging money.  

Exchange Money Before Traveling

If you don't want any hassle on your trip, it's best to exchange your money before leaving your country. There are two options to do this: you can exchange money in the bank, although the commissions are quite high in general, or exchange money with a company that specializes in money exchange.

Exchange Rate

The exchange rate is 400 Ft (US$ 1).