Five Essential Tips for a Worry-Free Trip to Budapest: Stay Safe and Sound
Safety should be a priority for any traveller, regardless of where they go. However, finding out the ins and outs of the specific cities you explore can help you protect yourself from region-specific crimes or trouble that could otherwise be avoided.
Budapest is a beautiful country in Hungary that has a crime rate of 44.48, which is relatively average when compared to other countries. Pickpocketing, taxi scams, and other petty crimes are not unheard of, and a basic safety strategy is needed to ensure your holiday is a happy one.
By adopting a few savvy safety tips, you can minimise your exposure to troublemakers and enjoy a peaceful and memorable holiday in this unique central European country.
A Little Bit About Budapest
Budapest is the bustling capital city of Hungary, a landlocked central European country known for its architectural marvels, thermal baths, cultural festivals, and unique Hungarian cuisine.
Visually, Budapest is a feast for the eyes – with Roman, Ottoman, Nouveau, Gothic, and Renaissance influences that are evident in everything from the style of architecture to the cultural practices.
There is a good balance of scenic, peaceful views and pulsing nightlife, making it a popular tourist attraction for families, students, and all types of people. The busy city atmosphere is part of what makes it a hotspot for pickpocketing and common scams, but it’s also what makes it exciting.
5 Tips For Having A Safe And Memorable Trip To Budapest
Every city has a unique heartbeat, a different rhythm to learn. If you haven’t yet been to Budapest but want to arrive prepared, here are five top tips to embrace when you visit:
1. Check your bill carefully before paying for a meal or drink
One of the most common forms of theft in Budapest is the bill scam. If you are an obvious tourist, restaurant staff may amplify the price of your bill without informing you, leading to an enormous bill that you may or may not be able to afford.
The same thing can happen to you in a bar. The best way to avoid this type of bill scam is to verify the price of something before you order it so that the staff knows that you know what you’re paying.
If this happens to you in a bar, the outcome can be a little scarier. As a man, you may want to avoid indulging glamorous women who ask you for drinks, and as a woman, don’t accept drinks from strangers. You may end up owing someone money for their company or getting your drink spiked.
2. Keep essential belongings closely guarded
Like most big cities, Budapest attracts a fair amount of pickpockets. In busier areas, it can be hard to know when someone is stealing from you, so make sure you have measures in place to prevent your belongings from being snatched without your knowledge.
The best way to do this is to invest in a strong, secure travel bag that fits you snugly and keeps your goods safe. This will be a huge deterrent to the average pick pocketer, who is typically looking for an easy grab.
3. Keep sight of drinks when partying
Spiking is a common issue, especially in ruin bars and outdoor clubs. This disproportionately affects women, but men can also fall victim to this kind of crime, and they should not rule it out as a potential threat when accepting drinks at a bar.
To be super safe, don’t accept drinks from anyone except the people you trust that you are traveling with. Once you have your drink, keep a close eye on it, especially if you are enjoying yourself solo.
If you ever start to experience the symptoms of being spiked (which you should familiarise yourself with), communicate this to a member of staff or to anyone you trust.
4. Use taxis from a reputable transport service
Taxi scams are fairly regular in Budapest. These scams typically involve a taxi driver charging exorbitant fees for the ride after you arrive at your destination. You can avoid situations like this by hiring a private taxi service with a trusted reputation.
If you’re traveling as a group for a stag do, girls' getaway, or group holiday, it’s a good idea to book your airport transfers through a reputable taxi company and try to use the same service throughout your stay.
Whatever you do, don’t get into random cars that claim to be taxis – they probably aren’t.
5. Don’t change money on the street
Street ATMs are not typically reliable or safe in Budapest. It is much safer to find a proper bank building and exchange or withdraw your money there when you need it.
If you use a street ATM, your chances of being robbed pretty quickly afterward are high – and losing your money and bank card in a foreign country is, at the very least, no fun!
Bonus Tip: Get travel insurance if you can
Travel insurance is something you will never regret investing in, especially when visiting a city for the first time where you may not know how to predict certain issues before they happen.
If it is within your financial power, getting travel insurance for your trip to Budapest can put your mind at ease. Even if you have your belongings stolen or you get sick, you have a backup plan that can get you out of a sticky situation and home safe.
Is Budapest Safe?
If you follow basic safety measures and keep your eyes peeled, you aren’t likely to encounter any dangerous situations. Like most cities, crime in Budapest is opportunistic.
But sadly, even the most savvy of travellers can fall victim to scams or crimes. This is true wherever you go—Budapest included. Remember to always keep your wits about you, practice reasonable caution, and communicate with people you trust when visiting new areas, especially at night.
If you follow these tips, traveling safely in Budapest should be a thoroughly rewarding and memorable experience!
Use These Tips To Stay Safe
When traveling to Budapest, it is recommended that you pay close attention to food bills, keep your personal belongings on you at all times, and invest in travel insurance to support yourself should something get stolen. Other than that, stay alert, travel in groups when you can, and have fun!
