Living in Hungary

"Expats considering retiring in Hungary should be aware of the cost of living, which is generally lower than in other European countries. It is important to research the healthcare system and the availability of medical services in the area they plan to live in. Expats should also familiarize themselves with the local language, as English is not widely spoken in Hungary. Additionally, it is important to understand the tax system and the regulations for obtaining a residence permit. Finally, expats should research the cultural norms and customs of Hungary to ensure a smooth transition into their new home," remarked one expat living in Hungary.

"Stay clear of the public health system (there are good private alternatives). Stay clear of the police. Do not drink and drive. Enjoy the marvelous weather and the fresh produce," wrote one member in Budapest.

"Come with an open mind, there are problems of varying sorts throughout the world. Life is what you make of it, what you demand. We personally find it healthy and quite, much the opposite from where we came from.," remarked one expat who made the move to Tarnazsadany.

"Newcomers should read the Budapest Business Journal to get informed about events - www.bbj.hu," remarked one expat living in Budapest, Hungary.

"It really depends upon your personal needs. This is a quite rural place, the villagers quitely go about there everyday business. Gardening is a big thing, growing your own produce. A car is essential although there's a regular bus service to the bigger towns," wrote one member in Tarnazsadany.

"Expats in Hungary often join clubs and activities such as language exchange groups, book clubs, and sports teams. Expats can also meet people by attending local events such as festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests, as well as to attend networking events and meetups," remarked one expat who made the move to Hungary.

"People are basically kind but not too helpful when you are looking for good customer service in a shop," said one expat who made the move to Budapest.

"We are both retired out here,property is reasonably cheap,the expense of living here we find to be very economical. We have become friends with some of the locals.Work is not the be all and end all.It is a very healthy area, lovely clean fresh air. Family & socialising is a priority here. There are the thermal waters around and about," explained one expat living in Tarnazsadany, Hungary.

"Like any capital cities crime is a definite issue. Two years ago I got pickpocketed on the bus. It was Romanian gypsies. There are also lot of homeless who appeared to be able to camp out pretty much everywhere (except maybe at the Parliament building, LOL!) Mainly at metro and railroad stations. There are the occasional car thefts but having said that things are fairly save," wrote one member in Budapest.

"Crime is not a major problem in Hungary. The country has a relatively low crime rate compared to other European countries. However, there have been reports of pickpocketing and other petty crimes in some areas, particularly in tourist areas. Violent crime is rare, but it does occur in some parts of the country," remarked one expat who made the move to Hungary.

"There are Hungarians and Gypsies... sometimes they have their differences, but you need to see it from both sides," wrote one member in Budapest.

"It's a small, growing school. The class sizes are small, which appealed to us. It's been wonderful meeting students, parents and teachers from all over the world. We considered the American School and the British School when looking at schools in Budapest in 2000. We chose ISB for its bilingual program, the international atmosphere and curriculum and its peaceful location. It just felt right! We haven't regretted our choice," remarked one parent with kids at International School of Budapest in Budapest.

"The British International School Budapest is one of the best international schools in Hungary. It is a co-educational school offering the National Curriculum of England and Wales, as well as the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The school has a strong emphasis on academic excellence, and provides a wide range of extra-curricular activities. The International School of Budapest is another excellent international school in Hungary. It is a co-educational school offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, as well as the International Primary Curriculum. The school has a strong focus on developing the whole child, and provides a wide range of extra-curricular activities. The American International School of Budapest is a bilingual school offering an American-style curriculum. The school has a strong emphasis on academic excellence, and provides a wide range of extra-curricular activities. The French International School of Budapest is a bilingual school offering the French National Curriculum. The school has a strong emphasis on academic excellence, and provides a wide range of extra-curricular activities. The German International School of Budapest is a bilingual school offering the German National Curriculum. The school has a strong emphasis on academic excellence, and provides a wide range of extra-curricular activities," explained one expat living in Hungary.

"Well that depends on your life style. Approximately on the average 1,500 euros - 2,000 euros per month on the high end including lots of travel. This monthly living expense is after a property purchase," said one expat who made the move to Budapest.

"The cost of living in Hungary is generally considered to be quite affordable. Prices for basic necessities such as food, transportation, and housing are generally lower than in other European countries. Eating out in restaurants is also relatively inexpensive, and there are plenty of affordable options for entertainment. Overall, Hungary is a great place to live if you are looking for a budget-friendly destination," explained one expat living in Hungary.

"The cost of living in Hungary is generally considered to be quite affordable. Prices for basic necessities such as food, transportation, and utilities are generally lower than in other European countries. However, the cost of living in the capital city of Budapest is higher than in other parts of the country. The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Hungary is typically around $500 USD per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment is usually around $700 USD per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Hungary typically costs around $15 USD per person," said one expat living in Hungary.

"I have found that my overall cost of living is about 1/3 of what it was in New York and Chicago and about 1/2 of living in Phoenix in the US," mentioned one expat inBudapest.

"In Hungary, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as parks, swimming pools, sports fields, and playgrounds. There are also many outdoor activities available, such as hiking, biking, and fishing. For those who prefer indoor activities, there are bowling alleys, movie theaters, and arcades. Additionally, Hungary is home to a number of cultural attractions, such as museums, galleries, and historic sites. Finally, Hungary is known for its thermal baths, which offer a relaxing and therapeutic experience," said one expat living in Hungary.

"The Buda hills are home to many hiking trails with beautiful lookout points. Budapest is also famous for it's many incredible thermal baths," mentioned one expat inBudapest.

"Budapest has excellent, very hot Summers and very cold, but generally dry winters," said one expat.

"The weather in Hungary is generally mild, with warm summers and cold winters. In the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 30 degrees Celsius, while in the winter months temperatures can drop to below zero. Rainfall is fairly common throughout the year, with the most rain occurring in the spring and autumn months," commented one expat living in Hungary.

"Budapest has an excellent nightlife, famous for it's stag parties and it's colourful and eclectic ruin bars. In Pest you can find restaurants of all types. The food scene in Budapest is continually growing and adapting to accommodate new trends and tastes," commented one expat living in Budapest, Hungary.

"One of Hungary's most beloved restaurants is Bock Bistro, located in Budapest. Bock Bistro is known for its traditional Hungarian cuisine, such as goulash, paprikash, and stuffed cabbage. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of international dishes, such as steak and pasta. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive. Another popular restaurant in Hungary is Kádár Étterem, located in the city of Szeged. This restaurant is known for its traditional Hungarian dishes, such as stuffed peppers, beef stew, and chicken paprikash. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of international dishes, such as pizza and burgers. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff is friendly and helpful. Finally, the restaurant Kiskakukk, located in Budapest, is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. This restaurant is known for its traditional Hungarian dishes, such as stuffed cabbage, beef goulash, and chicken paprikash. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of international dishes, such as steak and pasta. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive," remarked one expat living in Hungary.

"People living in Hungary typically buy groceries from supermarkets, local markets, and convenience stores. Other shopping can be done at department stores, malls, and specialty shops. Online shopping is also becoming increasingly popular in Hungary," remarked one expat living in Hungary.

"The main shopping spots are located in Pest's City Center. Vaci street is perhaps the most famous of these, which actually designated as a pedestrian precinct. The Great Market Hall in Budapest is the most beautiful and largest of all Budapest market halls," said one expat living in Budapest.

"In order to visit Hungary, foreign nationals must obtain a visa prior to their arrival. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting an application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and proof of sufficient funds to cover the duration of the stay. Depending on the purpose of the visit, additional documents may be required. In order to obtain residency in Hungary, foreign nationals must submit an application to the Immigration Office. The application must include a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, proof of sufficient funds to cover the duration of the stay, and proof of employment or other legal source of income. Depending on the purpose of the stay, additional documents may be required. Once the application is approved, the foreign national will be issued a residence permit," said one expat living in Hungary.

"The process is quite straight forward although it can take a few weeks for residency cards to be processed," mentioned one expat inBudapest.

"I do have health insurance back in the US. However I discovered that if I ask for an "official" bill (understand one with the required AFA/VAT) then the price jumps disproportionately. Give you an example; I had a toothache and a little swelling. I found out which local dentist had an x-ray. He took an x-ray, relieved the swelling, prescribed antibiotics and recommended a root canal which he didn't do. The price was 10,000 forints (very cheap compared to the US). Figuring that I could file with my insurance company in the US, I asked for a "bill"! Big mistake; the price instantly chanced to 17,000 forints. So now for minor stuff I pay out of pocket," commented one expat who moved to Fonyod.

"I worked for an International Organization here in Hungary for 6 years and have since retired, staying in Hungary. I am not yet eligible for national healthcare so I purchased a doctor policy from the clinic where I go (English speaking doctors) and I also purchased a separate hospitalization policy. All together this costs less than $150 a month and there are cheaper plans if you need to limit the number of doctor visits. Note, this does not include the cost of medication, but since I am not on any regular medicine, it isn't an issue. But, when I do need a prescription, I find that it is very inexpensive. Of course, there are more expensive health insurance plans out there, but I find that what I have works very well for me," said one expat.