Hungary Forum

peddington
Joined 2013
Posts: 382

6 years ago

Whatever you do...

6 years ago

Whatever you do if you live in Hungary DON'T order merchandise from a non-EU country! I recently ordered a cell phone for my step daughter from China. The cost was $42 (half price) with free shipping. This was not an issue before due to the low amount but the Hungarian government stopped letting through low cost/small shipments (I suspect mostly electronics) and now imposes customs fees, VAT/AFA which on electronics is a whopping 30% (27% AFA/VAT and a 3% surcharge). My item has arrived in Hungary 2 1/2 weeks ago. I received some paperwork which I filled out, copied my passport, included my bill (actual payment for the phone). I got an answer that the Hungarian Post office will transfer this precious cargo to Customs for customs fee etc and will take 8-10 days (a miracle itself because many things in Hungary can take up to 30 days). It's been 6 days since that notice and nothing yet. In the end it will cost somewhere between 4,000 to 7,000 forints to get the phone but in my estimation it is NOT WORTH IT! At this point I just rather they send it back and I get my $42 back from the credit card company...NO TAX/CUSTOMS for the GOVERNMENT but will see. Keep you posted! As of right now I would say order from a company with a EU warehouse. Yes the item will be a little more expensive but you won't have to wait 4 weeks and deal with the paperwork!......just one person's experience! What's yours?

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Living in Hungary Guide

Guide to Living in Hungary covering expat life, local culture, finding a home, diversity and more.

Hungary Forum
Join our Hungary forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Hungary.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Hungary.

Best Places to Live in Hungary

If you're thinking about living in Hungary, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Hungary in 2023.

Healthcare in Hungary

If you're moving to Hungary or an expat living in Hungary, understanding the Hungarian healthcare system in important. This article offers an overview of the national healthcare system, private hospitals and healthcare, private health insurance for expats in Hungary, clinics with English-speaking doctors and the quality and cost of medical care in Hungary.

Cost of Living in Hungary

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Hungary.

Moving to Hungary Guide

Expats share 8 things they which they had known before they made the big move to Hungary - from what to bring to finding a good bank, healthcare to deciding where to live.

Real Estate in Hungary

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Hungary.

Pros & Cons of Living in Hungary

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Hungary.

Retiring in Hungary

Advice for people retiring in Hungary.

10 Tips for Living in Hungary

If you've recently arrived in Hungary, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Hungary.

Additional Information:

Visit our Hungary Index for a Full List

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Hungary by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Hungary.