Hungary, a country rich in history and thermal spas, provides a distinct combination of cultural heritage and natural beauty. Hungary captivates visitors with its diverse attractions, which range from the architectural splendour of Budapest to the rolling vineyards of Tokaj, the historic castles of Eger, and the serene waters of Lake Balaton. Understanding the local cash, cash and ATMs in Hungary, and payment options is critical for navigating the financial landscape and providing a seamless experience. This guide will provide you with the financial knowledge you need to comfortably and confidently explore Hungary’s enchanting landscapes and vibrant cities, immersing yourself in its rich traditions and culinary delights.
You may also enjoy reading Ultimate guide on how to save money for travelling in 2025.
Where can I find ATMs in Hungary?
There are more than 4,800 ATMs in Hungary. More than 15 commercial and specialised banks in Hungary run them. Many of them can be found on main streets in cities, with a few options also available in smaller towns in Hungary.
You can find ATMs at:
- Major airports,
- Market and town squares,
- Every major town has its main tourist streets,
- Shopping malls,
- Food lanes,
- Bank branches,
- Some corporate buildings.
It will be difficult to find ATMs in:
- Small airports,
- Islands,
- Regional bus stops,
- Interior of the villages,
- In small towns, off the main roads.
Best ATMs to use in Hungary for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Hungary are those owned by popular banks such as:
Unicredit,
OTP Bank,
K&H Bank,
Raiffeisen,
Erste Bank, and
CIB Bank.
There are other banks too with ATMs that accept international debit and credit cards.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Hungary, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in HUF).
- If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
- If you ‘Decline’ – ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees while withdrawing cash in Hungary, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in HUF’.
If you’d like to understand more, read ATM fees abroad: Charges to use cards at foreign ATMs explained.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Hungary?
Yes, many foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Hungary. ATMs commonly accept Visa and Mastercards. Some of them also accept Plus and Cirrus cards. Only some accept American Express, Diners, Discover cards. Others like CUP, JCB, Maestro or Rupay cards are usually not accepted.
For a detailed guide, read Money and Currency in Hungary.
What are the ATM opening hours?
ATMs – In most cases, yes, they are open around the clock, every day of the year 24×7. You should have no trouble getting to any of them at any hour of the day or night because many of them are self-contained ATMs. Depending on the location, some bank branches may only be open from 9 am to 3 pm.
What do they call ATMs in Hungary?
The words ‘ATM’ or ‘Bankomat’ are commonly used, or signage displays the bank name without the word ‘ATM’.
PIN type
ATMs in Hungary typically accept 4-digit PINs.
For swiping, Chip-and-PIN cards are common, but merchants also accept magnetic stripe cards.
Languages at ATMs in Hungary
ATMs and currency exchanges in Hungary offer two language options by default: Hungarian and English. Some provide additional options, such as German and French. You get to select this option at the start of the transaction itself. If you don’t understand these languages, that’s okay. Use Google Translate’s camera function to translate the options on your phone in real-time. Please keep in mind that these translations are not always completely accurate, so don’t rush through the transaction.
If you cannot understand these languages, it’s fine. Use the camera feature of Google Translate to translate the selections on your phone in real time! Note: Because these translations are not always accurate, please take your time and finish the transaction without haste.
Do ATMs in Hungary work similarly as other countries?
Yes, very much. The ATMs are modern in appearance and operation, similar to those found in the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and India. Some of them take your card completely inside during the transaction, so remember to take it after withdrawing cash from such ATMs.
Join the discussion, read and share cash related travel experiences on ATM Fee Saver’s Community Travel Forum at Money & Travel in Europe.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Hungary?
ATMs in Hungary dispense only the official currency Hungarian Forint (HUF).
ATM withdrawal limits in Hungary?
ATMs in Hungary have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of HUF 100,000 to HUF 200,000. One bank ATM allows to withdraw up to HUF 400,000 or maximum of 40 notes in one transaction.
ATM Fees in Hungary?
There are many fee-free ATMs in Hungary. Majority of the Bank ATMs in Hungary do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. One bank charges HUF 1,200 per transaction as ATM Fees (Hungarian Forint). So, there are many fee-free ATMs you can use in Hungary as a foreign cardholder!
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Hungary – something every traveller handling cash in Hungary should be aware of. These are:
- Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
- Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Hungary?
- Use the fee-free or lower fee ATMs in the country.
- Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
- Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
- Consider getting a fee-free travel card from your home country.
- Get one Visa and one Mastercard fee-free cards as some ATMs abroad accept only Visa and some only Mastercard.
- Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees.
For a detailed guide, read Withdrawing cash abroad? 9 best ways to save foreign ATM fees.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Hungary?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Hungary. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Hungary.
Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Is it safe to use Hungary ATMs?
Typically, yes. Many ATMs feature cameras and security guards. Crime rates near ATMs are low. Pickpocketing is more common in touristy areas.
To be safe, use precautions such as:
- Use the ATMs located inside bank branches instead of standalone ones.
- Avoid using ATMs on empty streets or late at night.
- Keep your card visible at all times.
- Cover the PIN pad with the palm of your hand to avoid revealing your PIN to hidden cameras.
- If you find any suspicious devices attached around the keypad area of the ATM, do not use the ATM.
- Be aware of your surroundings, if you see suspicious people, move away.
- Keep two or more cards as backup.
- If also using your mobile phone for the transaction, avoid using public Wi-Fi. Use VPN for extra protection.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Hungary takes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retreive your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retreive and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs here?
Yes, it is possible. There are many fee-free ATMs in Hungary. Majority of the Bank ATMs in Hungary do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. One bank charges HUF 1,200 per transaction as ATM Fees (Hungarian Forint). So, there are many fee-free ATMs you can use in Hungary as a foreign cardholder!
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs in Hungary?
Yes. ATMs in Hungary typically accept credit cards from the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and other countries.
Bitcoin ATMs?
Yes, there are approximately 50 Bitcoin ATMs in Hungary.
Foreign bank ATMs’ in Hungary
Bank of America: There are no Bank of America ATMs in Hungary.
Citibank: None.
Barclays: There are no Barclays ATMs in Hungary.
HSBC: There are no HSBC ATMs in Hungary.
Standard Chartered: There are no Standard Chartered ATMs in Hungary.
