Can I pay with US Dollars in Budapest?

Published: September 06 2023

In the heart of Europe lies the beautiful city of Budapest, enticing travelers from around the world with its vibrant culture and stunning architecture. If you're planning a trip to this Hungarian gem, you might wonder if you can use US dollars during your stay. Let's delve into this topic for a clearer understanding.

The quick answer to the question, "Can I pay with US Dollars in Budapest?", is generally no. The accepted currency in Budapest (and all of Hungary) is the Hungarian Forint (HUF).

The Hungarian Forint, named after the city of Florence, Italy, where golden coins were minted in the middle ages, is Hungary's national currency. It's abbreviated as HUF (Hungarian Forint), and its symbol is Ft.

Most vendors, cafes, taxis, or any type of business operating in Budapest are going to expect payments in Forint. Prices for goods and services in Budapest are typically listed in Forint as well.

While the Forint is the preferred and prevalent currency, Budapest does have a number of currency exchange offices where you can easily exchange US Dollars, Euros, and other currencies to HUF.

Please be aware that the rates offered at these places may vary considerably. It's recommended to perform a bit of due diligence to understand the standard exchange rate from USD to HUF to ensure you're receiving a fair conversion.

Budapest is quite modern in accommodating card payments. All major credit and debit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express, are widely accepted. Contactless payments, Apple Pay, and Android Pay are also gaining popularity and acceptance.

It's advisable to alert your bank of your travel plans to ensure that there won't be any disruption in using your cards abroad. Moreover, check your cards’ foreign transaction fees to avoid unpleasant surprises.

ATMs are present in abundance throughout Budapest, thus making it easy to withdraw Forint anytime you require it. A word of advice though - ensure that you're avoiding dynamic currency conversion (the ATM offers to convert your withdrawal into your home currency) as it generally carries less favorable exchange rates.

In a nutshell, while you won't generally be able to use US dollars directly in Budapest, you will find various methods of converting and using your money effectively while enjoying the city's charm. Prior knowledge of the currency situation and preparation can make your trip a smooth and enjoyable experience. Happy travels to Budapest!