Visiting Budapest

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Generally, Budapest is friendly and safe city to visit. However, being a popular destination for tourists from abroad, it also attracts pickpockets and other thieves. Following commons sense and simple safety rules, will make time of your stay both productive and enjoable.

We highly recommend to familiarize yourself with general information at Budapest Tourism Office web site at www.budapestinfo.hu/en/. Please do not hesitate asking our colleagues further questions about public transportation, food shops, etc.

In case of health problems

• Taxi: please also be aware that taxi drivers often overcharge visitors. A safe bet is to ride “Főtaxi”. Their number is 222-2222 or 06-80-222-2222 (toll free).
• In case of an accident, e.g. a minor injury, etc., you should go directly to the Országos Traumatológiai Intézet (National Traumatology Institute) at 17 Fiumei St. in the 8th district. Phone: 333-7599
• Outpatient Clinic at 14-16 Hercegprímás Street (a few minutes' walk from CEU). The clinic offers a wide range of medical services. Phone: 428-8100
• Transplantation and Surgery Clinic of the Semmelweis Medical University at 23/25 Baross street in the 8th district. The Transplantation and Surgery Clinic specializes in surgical problems and cures ailments related to internal medicine.

Crime Information

• Do not exchange money on the street; there is no need to do so and the risks you face far outweigh the petty profits in rate differences. People offering to change money on the street are crooks who will rob you of your money. When changing money always use a bank or official money exchange booth.
• Show extreme caution when stopped by people (usually two or more) in the street who pretend to be undercover policemen. Their usual trick is to stop you for an ID check and take your money under false pretenses. In such a case, scrupulously check their IDs first and make sure it bears their picture and it reads “POLICE” across their IDs. Hungarian police are allowed to ask for your ID, they do not, under any circumstances, have the right to ask to see your money or foreign currency. 
• Foreigners also experience problems with excessive billing at nightclubs and restaurants featuring “adult entertainment”. Some of the clubs/restaurants in and around Váci street have been reported as enterprises engaging in unethical business practices. These include excessive billing of customers, using physical intimidation to force customers to pay exorbitant bills, and club/restaurant employees assaulting customers of non-payment of excessive bills. You are strongly advised to avoid such restaurants. Under no circumstances should you order food or beverages without first verifying the cost of the requested services.