Moving to Hungary

"Stay away from the party districts unless you want to party. Those would be in the center of the Pest side of the city. Traffic is bad and loud as are the tourist. A good area is District 1 right under the castle. Consider using the public transportation when you choose your place. It's only about 35 usds per month and you can use anything; bus, tram, metro, and short train routes. Parking will be expensive if you can get a permit and a garage is hard to find as is an apartment with parking," said one expat who made the move to Budapest.

"Expats should be aware that Hungary is a landlocked country in Central Europe, bordered by Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia. The official language is Hungarian, although English is widely spoken in the larger cities. Expats should also be aware that Hungary has a temperate climate with cold winters and warm summers. It is important to note that Hungary is a member of the European Union, and as such, expats may need to obtain a visa or residence permit in order to stay in the country for an extended period of time. Additionally, expats should be aware that the cost of living in Hungary is generally lower than in other European countries, making it an attractive destination for those looking to save money. Finally, expats should be aware that Hungary has a rich cultural heritage, with a variety of festivals and events taking place throughout the year," explained one expat living in Hungary.

"-Finding English-language real estate agents can be difficult but they do exist (I work for one) and it is worth it to find one. Mix ups I've experienced in the past include agents who confuse numbers (40 and 60, for example) and some debate over whether or not my landlady would offer a couch. Businesses that seek expat clients (relocation companies, some real estate agencies and also exercise studios, beauty salons) can have very useful information posted on their website. Choosing a neighborhood: Families seeking residential settings should look for houses on the Buda (West) side of the city, in districts 1, 2, 2A (a bit far from the city center but home to the American School) and 12. Residential parks exist with detached homes and lots of yard space. Those looking to live in the center and close to embassies/businesses should live on the Pest (East) side in district 5, 6 or 7. For urban but residential surroundings look at districts 9, 13 and 14. I saved a map of international schools in Budapest which will help those interested in living close to one: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=113650380662921546661.00048a66a58c714c0c74a&z=11," said one in Budapest.

"I would recommend hiring a good lawyer or finding a real good real estate agent who can guide you into the best building, if you plan to rent. I purchased my flat and I could not be happier. Even though prices have gone up lately, one of the best things is the lack of property tax, which in the US can be thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars a year. I rented for the first year before I decided to buy, and there are many nice apartments in Budapest. Most of the rental apartments here are fully furnished. Also, be aware that they do not distinguish "bedrooms" from other "rooms." So, if you want a two bedroom apartment you need to look for an apartment with three rooms (two bedrooms and a living room). The kitchen and bathrooms do not count in that calculation. In Budapest there are a lot of Airbnb apartments, so it would be good to stay away from buildings. Also, there doesn't seem to be regulations regarding businesses verses residents, so you might find a business in one of the upper floors of a building. But again, a good real estate agent or lawyer can help you figure that out," explained one expat who made the move to Budapest.

"I already knew the neighborhood from spending a summer here working as an intern. Found my apartment by asking friends & looking for apartments with roommates," said one expat in Budapest.

"Hungary can be challenging like any country for expats but is especially so if you came here and wonder why Hungarian people can't be more, well, American. There is not, for example a single expat in Hungary whose country did not stand on the wrong side of history. If you come here to visit, please enjoy the food, art, nature and architecture and be a good guest. If you are coming here to live, accept that Hungary, like your own country is flawed but beautiful in its very own unique way. If you can’t do that, maybe Hungary isn't for you," replied a member in Hungary.

"I would say outside the city lower but inside the city normal for most US cities and lower for cities like NYC and DC. The average cost for a 1200 square ft. apartment is around the same price usds. If you get a good deal that would include utilities. We pay 720. usds on the average for a 1 bedroom apartment including utilities. We were lucky," said one expat who made the move to Budapest.

"The cost of housing in Hungary varies depending on the location and type of accommodation. Generally, renting an apartment in Hungary can cost anywhere from around €200 to €1,000 per month, while buying a property can range from €50,000 to €500,000," explained one expat living in Hungary.

"Buying a home in Hungary can be a great investment, as the country has a strong economy and a growing real estate market. However, it is important to consider the costs associated with buying a home, such as closing costs, taxes, and maintenance fees. Renting a home in Hungary can be a more cost-effective option, as it allows you to avoid the upfront costs associated with buying a home. Additionally, renting a home can provide more flexibility, as you can move to a different location more easily than if you owned a home. Ultimately, the decision to buy or rent a home in Hungary should be based on your individual needs and financial situation," remarked one expat who made the move to Hungary.

"If you’re relocating to Hungary the only things you really need to bring are the things that are irreplaceable to you. Family photos, art, mementos. Despite what you may have heard virtually everything else is available if you know where to look. Jonesing for a Reese’s peanut butter cup? Asian store on Kiraly in the 6th and so on. Anything you pack and ship besides clothes and personal items is probably a waste. I wish I brought half as much as I did. Things not to bring? Furniture and anything with a plug," explained one expat living in Hungary.

"Most of the items you will need here in Budapest are available. Things that you will want if you are American are certainly related to food. Mexican Chili is very hard to find. Candy, like Payday, Butterfinger etc. are not here at all. You can find Milkyways, Snickers and Castlebury chocolates but that's about it. You will have to choose from local and European candies. Bring Candy. I wish I had brought my specialty tools. They are hard to find here - like - Dremel bits, cobalt drills, special hammers, drivers and bits. For fishing you have lots to choose from. Dont' worry unless you have a special lure bring plenty because carp fishing is king here. Predator fishing is just starting. Cooking - bring everything you want to cook with if you are a chef. Utinsels are hard to find. Basics are here but specialty items are expensive. Knives - bring good sharpening equipment like Lansky. None here but are available on Ebay UK and expensive. Don't bring anything that is 110 Power unless it is dual power. The systems for converting usually cause a huge draw on the power systems. Normal amp breakers are 25 amps. The wiring is old. and will not draw above that even if you change the breakers. Clothes - better choice of clothes here and not very expensive not much use in bringing a bunch of clothing unless you just love Levis. they are expensive. Bring your important papers or at least a scanned copy. Car - leave it at home and buy a local car. The inspection system is hard to get through and if it is a US car maybe the parts and service will be hard to find," said one expat in Budapest.

"Wish I'd brought: -Fall clothing (raincoats, light jackets, closed toed shoes) as summer and fall can be quite chilly -Skype Phone (hand-held device that works with Skype on your computer) -ipad/kindle or other portable electronic reader & internet device," said one expat who made the move to Budapest.

"When moving to Hungary, it is important to pack items that will help you adjust to the climate and culture. Pack clothing that is appropriate for the season, such as a coat and warm clothing for the winter months. Bring comfortable shoes for walking around the city. Pack items that will help you feel at home, such as pictures of family and friends, books, and music. Don't forget to bring any necessary documents, such as a passport, visa, and other important paperwork. Additionally, it is a good idea to bring a few items that will help you learn the language, such as a Hungarian dictionary or phrasebook," explained one expat living in Hungary.

"Actually none that I am aware of, it was more a reverse shock when I started getting involved in the Dutch expat community: the fact that I dared take the metro in this extremely dangerous city (ahum)... sorry..," commented one expat who made the move to Budapest.

"It is important to be aware of cultural differences when visiting Hungary. It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions. It is considered rude to be late for appointments or social engagements. It is also important to dress appropriately for the occasion, as casual dress is not always appropriate. It is also important to be aware of the local language and to avoid speaking English in public unless it is necessary. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local customs regarding physical contact, as it is considered inappropriate to touch someone without their permission. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local customs regarding gift-giving, as it is considered polite to bring a small gift when invited to someone's home," remarked one expat in Hungary.

"Budapest is a beautiful, historic city with a reasonable cost of living. The architecture is stunning, the restaurants and cafes are plentiful and there are lots of things to see and do. It also has its fair share of green spaces, not to mention the scenic Buda hills," replied one expat when asked about moving to Budapest.

"Hungary is an attractive destination for expats due to its low cost of living, vibrant culture, and excellent healthcare system. The country is also known for its stunning architecture, beautiful landscapes, and rich history. Additionally, Hungary offers a great quality of life, with a variety of activities and attractions to explore. The country is also well-connected to the rest of Europe, making it easy to travel and explore the continent. With its welcoming people and vibrant cities, Hungary is an ideal destination for expats looking for a new home," stated one expat who made the move to Hungary.

"Ask what the capabilities are. Ask for costs up front. If possible don't ask for a "formal bill" as this will increase your out of pocket substantially," offered one expat living in Fonyod.

"Healthcare services in Hungary are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and foreign residents. The quality of public healthcare is generally good, with a wide range of services available, including primary care, specialist care, hospital care, and preventive care. Expats in Hungary can use the public healthcare system, but they must first register with the local government office and obtain a health insurance card. This card allows them to access the public healthcare system and receive the same level of care as Hungarian citizens. Expats can also opt to use private healthcare services, which are often more expensive but may offer more comprehensive coverage," wrote one expat living in Hungary.

"There may not be the same new offices but the quality of care is as good if not better than in the USA. Had several surgeries (hip replacement, cataract, breast, hernia) with excellent care, all included in the insurance, after care in a rehab center as I live alone with no help - all included. People are people - sometimes they have a bad day - so do I. You live in the real world," offered one expat living in Budapest.

"In Hungary, medical services are generally of a high standard. The country has a well-developed healthcare system, with a wide range of medical facilities and services available. The country has a number of public and private hospitals, as well as a network of primary care clinics and specialist medical centers. The quality of care is generally good, with a focus on preventive medicine and patient-centered care. Hungary also has a number of highly-trained medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals," wrote one expat living in Hungary.