Expats moving to Hungary need not be overly concerned about safety, as the country has a relatively low crime rate. Nevertheless, instances of petty crime such as theft, pickpocketing and tourist scams do occur, especially in large cities and tourist hotspots such as Budapest.
General safety in Hungary
Expats in Hungary should take general precautions such as not travelling alone at night in unfamiliar areas and not leaving valuables unattended. Hungarians are friendly people that are generally welcoming of foreigners, but expats should nevertheless keep their wits about them and not be too trusting of strangers.
Scams in Hungary
New arrivals should be wary of scams such as being overcharged by taxis, restaurants and bars. Establishments that are involved in such activities are known to work with some taxi drivers, so expats should treat any recommendations from a cab driver with caution. To avoid complications, expats should make sure that the price of food and drinks is clear before ordering at any restaurant.
Emergency numbers in Hungary
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Ambulance: 104
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Fire: 105
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Police: 107
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EU emergency help number: 112
Further reading
►For an overview of social and business etiquette, see Doing Business in Hungary
Expat Experiences
"In my experience, Hungary is a very safe country. Petty theft is common but violent crime doesn’t really pose any threat. Common sense should keep you out of any trouble." Read more about Irish-American expat Colm Fitzgerald's experiences in Hungary.
Are you an expat living in Hungary?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Hungary. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
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