Money

The official national Hungarian currency is the Hungarian Forint (HUF). All the major credit cards are accepted in Hungary in places displaying the emblem at the entrance. Though Hungary is a member of the European Union, only a few shops and restaurants accept Euros (EUR) for payment, and the rate might be unfavourable. Currency exchange booths are available in Budapest at the airport terminals, railway stations, travel agencies, banks and various places in the city. The exchange rates applied may vary, check the difference between selling and buying exchange rates. Small exchange booths are safe and are typically giving a better rate, but avoid private offers! Traveller’s cheques and convertible currency may be exchanged at these facilities. Major credit cards are usually accepted in most hotels, restaurants and certain shops in the city. Obtaining cash against ATM or credit cards is very easy from the ATM cash machines that can be found at almost each bank office, hotel or on the street.

Electricity

The electricity is 230 V, 50 Hz. Japanese, UK, USA and other visitors: please note that in Hungary Continental European German-style CEE7/4 sockets (“Schuko sockets“) are used, which also accepts CEE7/16 “Europlugs“.

Liability and insurance

The organisers cannot accept liability for any personal accidents, loss of belongings or damage to private property of participants and accompanying persons that may occur during the Congress. Participants are advised to make their own arrangements to obtain health, travel and property insurance before their departure to Hungary.

Telephone

The international code for Hungary is 36, the area code for Budapest is 1. To call a number within Hungary, first dial 06, then the area code, then the phone number. Budapest telephone numbers have seven digits, all other areas have six digits (in addition to the area codes). To make an international call from Hungary, first dial 00, then the country code followed by the area code and the subscriber’s telephone number. To call a (Hungarian) mobile phone, from a public telephone first dial 06, followed by the subscriber’s seven-digit number starting with 20-, 30- or 70-.

Important phone numbers

(English is usually spoken at the emergency numbers listed below. In case English is not spoken, dial 112)
Ambulance: 104
Fire brigade: 105
Police: 107
Central help number: 112
Hungarian Automobile Club help number: 188

Taxis in Budapest

Budapest taxis have a yellow colour with yellow number plates and a taxi sign in yellow. Any vehicle without these features is operating illegally. It’s a good idea to avoid drivers who volunteer their services but don’t have a registered taxi sticker on their car. This can prevent unpleasant surprises when it comes time to pay. All cars must have a taximeter installed, and these also print out a receipt. Taxi drivers are required to give an invoice on request. Tipping: in general 10% of the fare is acceptable. From 1 September 2013 the taxi fares are centrally regulated, no fixed, shuttle or pre-agreed prices are available any more. The total charge that has to be paid by the passenger is made up of three separate parts: the basic charge, which is irrespective of how far the journey is, presently HUF 450 during day and night, a per kilometre charge HUF 280/km, and the waiting charge which is HUF 70/min.

Tipping

A tip of about 10% is common in restaurants. Do not tip if the menu states service fee is included in the price.

Time

Hungary is in the Central European Time Zone. The school falls into the summer period (which lasts until the last sunday of October), when clocks are set at GMT + 2 hours.