The Hungarian Forint is the official currency in Hungary. Officially it is then divided into 100 fillér, although since these are no longer in circulation; in effect they are redundant, having been a casualty of Hungary's constant battle with inflation.
The forint is denoted by the abbreviation ft. So, something that costs 4 forints, would be written as 4 ft.
The use of forints in Hungary dates back to around the early part of the 14th Century, when gold-based units of currency were introduced that were known as florentinus and were later known as forints. The name forint, derives from Florence the city, which is where coins were minted in the 13th Century.
It existed in various forms throughout the middle ages, but the forint as it is known today was basically introduced in 1946, after the Second World War.
However, it will not be around for a long time to come. Hungary was very proud to join the European Union in 2004 and as a condition of its joining it will adopt the standard European currency, the euro. However, this will not be until either 2012 or even 2014. Its adoption of the euro being dependent on its ability to manage its economic situation.
As of 2008, the economy and the Government in Hungary are both in a precarious position. This is actually good news for anyone travelling to Hungary, since it means that they will get more forints for their dollars, pounds or euros.
Forints are really easy to get hold of. There are lots of ATMs everywhere, so you will find that you can simply go to an ATM and withdraw as much money as you need (or can afford).
It is always cheaper to withdraw money abroad using a debit card, since if you use a credit card, you will find that it is more expensive, due to higher interest charges.
Most cards are accepted, so that really isn't an issue that you should be worried about, but if you are concerned about this, then you could take some traveller's cheques, preferably in dollars or euros and these can be easily cashed at a bank.
Hungary enjoys a relatively low rate of crime. That being said, it is true that pickpockets can and often do take advantage of anyone they see who may not be paying attention to their surroundings. So it is important that when you are in a crowded place you make sure that you either wear a money belt or you put your hand in the pocket where your wallet is located. Women should also ensure that your purse or bag is firmly secured and cannot be easily tampered with.
The places that pickpockets tend to operate in are in the immediate vicinity of tourist hotels, as well as on public transport. In these locations it really is important to be vigilant and ensure that you take all basic precautions.
Like any other country in the world, there are some people in Hungary who may prey on people they think are naïve or who do not seem very 'street wise'. Scams can often seem very genuine, so if you are aware of scams that sometimes take place, then you can at least avoid falling victim to one.
One of the oldest scams which still happens is when a young (and usually very pretty) woman asks a man if he will buy her a drink (or perhaps more). The drink or drinks are shared and then the man asks for the bill. When it arrives it is extremely expensive, because it is a scam devised by the bar. As a result it is always prudent to ask to see a menu before you place an order, that way it is much easier to resolve any disputes.
In the business area of Budapest, drinks and food really can be very expensive, so don't order anything before you have seen the price list.
Sometimes in bars there have been occasions where arguments over the bill have resulted in violence, there have also been incidents where travellers have been forced to pay the bill under the threat of violence by security guards. In this kind of situation it is usually just best to pay up and then chalk the whole incident up to experience.
Like so many countries, the capital is very different to many other parts of Hungary. Budapest is cosmopolitan, has a wide range of people from all over the world visit it on a regular basis and is indeed a real tourist trap.
Yet in other parts of Hungary, people may be still living a rather old fashioned and rural existence. English is widely spoken in Budapest but not in many of the rural areas. You may also find that in the little towns and villages, it is still very much a cash based economy, so it is always best to carry round some money with you, including a little for emergencies if you are travelling round within the country. As a rule, the countryside is quite safe in Hungary, although it is always wise to make sure that you are not separated from your valuables.
Often the people in the countryside are more welcoming than in busy Budapest, but you may find communication more difficult because they don't have such a good grasp of English.
Due to the very favourable exchange rate it Hungary really is a great place to visit, because your money will stretch just that little bit further. So no matter how small your budget is, or indeed how big it is, you can still eat, drink and have a wonderful time.
Budapest is undoubtedly more expensive than other places. However, since there are lots of restaurants and cafes jostling for your trade, you can expect to find some good food at very competitive prices.
The range of restaurants on offer is quite cosmopolitan and you will find somewhere to eat, no matter what your tastes. Western fast food restaurants are also in abundance or you can opt for a fine dining experience, with some of the best food that Hungary has on offer.
Some tourists do complain that the food on offer is too Hungarian, which can mean quite meat orientated and sometimes a little salty. However, why come to Hungary and not at least try the local food?
One important note is that you should not clink glasses when you are having a drink. This is considered rude in Hungary and it is also traditional for the man to pour wine from the bottle, not the lady.
As a rule, tips of around 10 % as a minimum are left. However, you should tell the waiter how much of a tip you want to leave or hand him the money direct. It is not usual to leave the tip on the table.
Usually you will be able to pay for any meals using a credit or debit card, at least in Budapest, but be aware that in some of the smaller towns and villages, particularly if they are off the standard tourist track, may not accept cards and you may have to pay by cash.
Shopping in Hungary is a wonderful way to get some real bargains and because the exchange rate is in favour of travellers to Hungary it is even better value than usual.
There are quite a lot of very traditional touristy items on offer. These are painted eggs and little dolls in traditional costume or all kinds of ceramics and hand made lace items. Generally, these are geared towards the tourists and are not especially good value for money, but they can look quite cute and if they are made locally, then they can help the local economy.
Good bargains to be had mainly lie in the alcohol department, with some great prices available on the local Unicom liqueur as well as apricot and plum brandy (which is not for the weak livered). Wines can also be bought for exceptionally low prices, but for obvious reasons, these can be difficult to transport back home. However, you should try to fit in at least a bottle or two, because some great wines can be had for some great prices.
Shops throughout the week are usually open from 10 am until 6 pm, but on Saturdays they tend to close at 1 pm, which means that if you are leaving on a Sunday, you need to make sure that any items you wish to buy are all acquired by Saturday morning.
In Budapest itself, one of the best places to go and have a look for some bargains and objets d'art is the Castle District, where you will find a while host of small and very individual shops. Some of these can be quite expensive, but the goods they have on offer are very quirky and individual.
There are lots of things to see and do when in Hungary. Budapest is full of historic castles, interesting museums, lively flea markets and places to simply walk by the river to soak up the ambience.
It is the perfect place to visit, if you like places that offer really good value and the eclectic mix of old world charm with a vibrant city that is still a newcomer to the European Union, makes this a really interesting combination of both old and new. In addition, the rural areas offer a stark contrast to the city life of Budapest and you feel like you have stepped back in time.
If you take a few sensible precautions and don't leave yourself open to being taken advantage of, then you will find that this is a country that is quite welcoming and friendly and where you will find something just that little bit different. If possible, try to see something outside of Budapest and just get a feel for the rural way of life and how quiet and tranquil it is, compared to the sophisticated, very modern feel to Budapest. And if you venture into winemaking country, there are some great wines to be tasted, bought and then drunk!