Expat Basics

Expat Essentials
So you’ve just moved to a new country and feel like an albeit, legal, alien. Well here is our ultimate expat guide, designed to help you find your feet.

Exchange
Hungarian savings banks and nearly 600 businesses are involved in currency exchange, and there is no mandatory minimum amount to exchange. All visitors are advised to exchange currency only at accredited places, as it is both illegal and risky to attempt to do so in the street. The majority of banks have 24-hour ATM’s, some of which can also exchange foreign currency. Individual banks and travel agencies are free to set their own rates (based on those advertised by the Hungarian National Bank) but they must be clearly displayed. It is advised to keep records of currency exchange transactions until leaving the country. Rates offered at bureaux de change in the city center and near the main railway stations are generally better than those available in banks, at the airport or in hotels.
 
Dangers and Annoyances
As in all large cities, it is important to be aware of oneself and one’s belongings. Budapest is generally a safe city, yet pick-pocketing and other common crimes can occur, particularly in crowded areas such as the metro and train stations. It is advisable to hold your bags when using public transportation and not to leave personal belongings out where they may invite thieves. Remain aware of your surroundings when out enjoying the nightlife and use a trusted taxi company rather than walking home alone.
 
Be aware that we have received occasional reports of discrimination at nightclub entrances and other establishments. Non-Caucasian travelers and others of alternative lifestyles should note that Hungary is still modernizing in this respect.
 
Banking
In Hungary banks are usually open between 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. on weekdays, although some close an hour earlier on Fridays. With the exception of some shopping mall bank branches, Hungarian banks are not open on Saturdays.
 
ATM machines and currency exchange machines are available throughout the country. However, beware of higher service charges for using ATMs that are not affiliated with your bank of origin. The credit cards used most often – Diners Club, Euro/Mastercard and VISA – can be used to withdraw cash from banks and ATM machines and to pay bills in hotels, restaurants and shops. Emblems at the entrance mark the shops where credit cards are accepted. Most banks have their own automated networks. You don’t have to worry about buying Hungarian Forint ahead of time and carrying cash on you, as ATM machines are widely available in major cities. You can also use your bank or credit card to get cash at post offices throughout Hungary. More than 3,200 post offices nationwide provide this service. Traveler’s checks may be cashed in banks, but are not accepted in shops. They may also be exchanged at some downtown booths.
 
Opening a bank account
Expatriates in Hungary tend to use the foreign-owned retail banks. Most banks provide e-banking today in Hungary. In a short time, about 30 minutes, you can open a Forint-based account or a USA dollar or Euro account according to your needs, and it is likely that a minimum deposit will be required. In order to obtain a bank card, you will be asked to make an up-front deposit of 50,000 HUF or € 200; amounts vary with banks and it can be or more. To open a bank account, you must present your passport and another identification document (such as driver’s license, tax card, etc.). There are several banks that offer banking services in English.
 
Recycling in Hungary
Recycling is very easy in Hungary; however, it is easier, and even more environmentally friendly to avoid the packaging in the first place. Everyone knows the reduce-reuse-recycle phrase and logo, but this is not an either-or option, it’s a prioritized list. Waste reduction/minimization is one of the most important easy things you can do for the planet. This means not just reducing the volume of waste you produce, but also the toxicity of the components in what you buy.
 
There are still refillable glass and plastic bottles for some things in Hungary. Domestic beer and wine, tomato juice, carbonated drinks, and bubbly mineral water can be found in refillable (visszavalthato) bottles. Visszavalthato is a deposit-return system where the store will charge you a small amount as a deposit on the bottle which you get back when you return the bottle to the shop. Reusable glass bottles can on average be reused 35 times before breaking, but new bottles can be made endlessly out of old ones. Reusable plastic bottles can be refilled 100 times on average, but a new bottle cannot be made from the old ones.
 
Otherwise, there are recycling islands at several places in most districts. These are the big colorful containers for PET bottles, colored glass, clear glass, paper, and aluminum cans. In the plastic container, only PET bottles, plastic bags and some shampoo bottles are accepted, not PVC or other plastics. In clear glass, non-refillable bottles and jars are accepted, but not mirrors or light bulbs or window glass. To find a recycling island near you go HERE and choose your district number. In addition to the islands, there are also courtyards HERE. See the bottom of the page for the list.
 
Got a question about recycling in Hungary or other environmental issues? Contact Dan Swartz at Treehugger Dan’s Bookstore and Cafe. 

Community Life
Where to meet fellow expats..!

The North American Women’s Association

NAWA is an association for women from North America (United States, Canada and Mexico) and women whose husbands hold North American passports. Visitors are welcome at our monthly meetings.br> For information, please contact NAWAJOINERS@hotmail.com

1025 Budapest, (II) Szilfa u. 4
Tel.: +36.1.200.6769
www.nawabudapest.com

Australian Get-Togethers

Aussie-Get-Together takes place the first Thursday of each month

Tel.: +36.1.457.9777
www.australia.hu

 
British Women’s Association

Meets on the last Friday of every month, at the British Embassy at 10am.
Any person who holds a UK passport or a spouse that holds a UK passport is eligible for membership.

For more information please send e-mail to BWAhungary@hotmail.com.
Tel.: +36.1.274.5692

 
French Women’s Association

Meeting times: every Tuesday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the French Institute.
Any French woman or woman whose spouse is French is eligible for membership.

Contact person: Penny Ronnberg, budapestaccueil@hotmail.com.
Budapest I. Fõ utca 17.
Tel: +36.1.489.4279

The International Women’s Club Association of Budapest (IWCA)

The International Women’s Club Association of Budapest (IWCA) is a non-profit, charitable organization founded in 1981 by a group of enterprising women from the international and diplomatic communities in Budapest. Today, the Association has more than 400 members representing more than 50 nationalities.

1065 Budapest, Hajós utca 1. (by AGA’s Carpets)
Tel.: +36.1.321.4604
www.iwc.org.hu

Professional Women’s Association of Budapest

Supports women of all nationalities involved in business, trade, service, government, the arts, sports and other professions.

Meetings are held on the second Monday of every month at 19:00.

Membership: 10.000 HUF. Any professional woman is eligible for membership.

If you are interested in joining the PWA, please email us: pwa@nextra.hu

www.pwa.hu

Swedish Women’s Educational Association

SWEA in Budapest is an association for Swedish speaking women living in Hungary, with monthly dinner gatherings and a lot of other activities.

For more info contact Eva Pap +36.20.967.5670
budapest@swea.org

TEA – The English Adventure
The aim of this fun and youthful organization is to break down language barriers and encourage cross cultural understanding by building and facilitating a both global and local English speaking community. They host a whole load of fabulous events – go to their website and register to become a member.

www.theenglishadventure.com

Treehugger Dan’s Bookstores and Café

Aside from boasting an impressive range of second hand bookstores across town (yes English language books, hoorah!), Treehugger Dan and his sidekick Bottlehugger Ben (of Discover Budapest) arrange a whole host of fantastic events in English. The turnout is always great, so it’s the perfect place to meet fellow expats!

www.treehugger.hu

Related

• Expat Interview – Qiaolai Ye 18 December 2011, Sunday
• Did you Know… 8 December 2011, Thursday
• Secret Santa Charity Lunch: Curry for a Cause 8 December 2011, Thursday 12:00
• Avengers – Szeged Contemporary Ballet 10 December 2011, Saturday 19:00
• Expat Interview 3 November 2011, Thursday
• Expat Interview: Francesco 20 October 2011, Thursday
• NAWA General Meeting 23 September 2011, Friday 10:00
• Expat Interview: Gitte 6 September 2011, Tuesday