Everything you need to know
Budapest, as the capital of Hungary, uses the Hungarian forint (HUF) as its official currency. Although many transactions can be done by card, it’s important to know where to exchange money safely if you need cash during your visit. Here we explain the best options for currency exchange and share useful tips to avoid unnecessary fees.
1. Where to exchange money in Budapest?
To exchange currency safely and get good rates, we recommend going to Money Exchange, located at Király u. 1/b, 1075, in central Budapest. This place is very reliable and offers competitive rates with no hidden fees. It’s an excellent option if you need local currency while visiting places like the Castle District or Váci Utca, the city’s famous shopping street.
2. Do you need to carry cash in Budapest?
In most cases, you don’t need to carry much cash in Budapest, as almost all shops accept credit and debit cards. From restaurants and cafés to tourist attractions, you can pay easily by card. Even taxis and ridesharing services like BOLT accept card payments.
If you have an international card such as Revolut, you can pay in Budapest without worrying about hidden fees, since these cards allow transactions in multiple currencies without extra cost—ideal for tourists.
3. Withdrawing cash from ATMs
If you prefer to withdraw cash in Budapest, we recommend using ATMs from OTP Bank, Hungary’s largest bank. These ATMs are spread across the city and offer a secure way to withdraw money. You can find them in key locations such as the Hungarian Parliament or the Central Market, and you won’t have trouble finding one near the main tourist spots.
4. Tips to avoid fees
- Use fee-free cards: Make sure you have a credit or debit card that doesn’t charge international transaction fees, such as Revolut, to avoid extra charges.
- Exchange money at trusted places: Avoid exchanging currency at airports or unregulated exchange offices. Choose safe places like Money Exchange at Király u. 1/b to get the best rates.
- Withdraw from recognized bank ATMs: If you need cash, use ATMs from banks such as OTP Bank to avoid unnecessary charges or risks.
In summary, most transactions in Budapest can be made by card, so you don’t need to carry large amounts of cash. If you need to exchange currency, choose secure places like Money Exchange, and if you prefer to use ATMs, OTP Bank is the best option to avoid fees.
