USEFUL INFORMATION

Passport and Visa
Nationals of most European countries need only a valid passport for entry. German citizens require a valid identity card only. For countries outside Europe: no visa is needed for citizens of Argentina, Canada, China, Korea, Japan and the USA. Entry visas can be obtained at any Hungarian consulate and also at Budapest's Ferihegy Airport and on motorway border stations but not on trains.

For detailed information in English please visit the official homepage of the consular service of the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On this page you can get customs information, abolition of Visa, entering the country with ID, export and import of currency and you can download Visa Application Forms.
In case of any other question please feel free to contact the Congress Bureau.

Climate
The climate is continental. The weather in May is usually warm, the average temperature is 18-20°C (cca 63°F). However, do not forget to bring your umbrella with you.

Cheques, credit cards, currency exchange
Travellers' cheques, Eurocheque and most credit cards (American Express, VISA, Diners, Eurocard/Mastercard) are widely accepted in Hungary. "Bankomat" ATM's operating day and night can be found throughout the city.

Official currency: forint (Ft, HUF).
Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, Ft.
Banknotes: 100, 200, 500, 1.000, 2000, 5.000, 10.000, 20.000 Ft.

Time: GMT +1 (GMT + 2 from April until October)

Electricity
220 volts

Telephone
The country code for Hungary is 36. The local code for Budapest is 1. International access code is 00.

Airport Minibus
On arrival to Budapest Airport the easiest way to get to your hotel is using the Airport Minibus. This service is operated by the Airport Authority and has a fixed rate between the airport and any destination in the city. You can order at the Minibus counter in the arrival launch.

Transportation in Budapest
Following this link you can get to the official English language home page of the BKV Rt. (Budapest Transportation Company) where you can learn more about city transportation, bus tickets, reduced tourist cards, transport maps and more that will be useful during your stay in Budapest.

Link collection
Budapest WebCamera
Budapest Tourism Office
Collection of Hungarian touristic links
Corner for Hungarian wines
eHungary (Hungarian Electronic Government Portal)
Facts about Hungary (Hungarian Ministry of Economic Affairs)
Hungarian Airlines - Timetable, Arrivals
Hungarian Railways - Timetable, Arrivals
Budapest Festival Center
International Opera Festival - June 2003