Travel to Hungary to backpack, study, intern, volunteer, work,

or live as a digital nomad, expat or emigrant?

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Hungary: table of content

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 Hungary

Intro

Backpacking or travelling in Hungary?

  • Hungary - the country of one of the most famous festivals in Europe, thermal baths, peppers and a unique language. The country is centrally located in Europe and has something for everyone: lively cities, countryside with castles, hot springs and beautiful walks. Travelling here is an exciting experience, with good prices also for the backpacker, and a good public transport system.
  • Activity spotting: explore beautiful Budapest; relax in the thermal baths; hike in the Bükk Mountains; cycle around Lake Balaton; taste wine in Tokaj; visit historic castles such as Visegrád, Eger and Buda; roam the Hungarian Puszta, a unique steppe area with wild horses and rare birds; visit the village of Hollókő; canoe on Lake Tisza; party until late at festivals such as Sziget and Balaton Sound.
  • Animal spotting: wild horses, foxes, deer, mouflon, boar.
  • Food Spotting: Goulash, Lángos, Pörkölt, Paprikás Csirke, Hortobágyi Palacsinta, Túrós Csusza, Esterházy Cake, Tokaji Wine.

Study in Hungary?

  • Hungary offers affordable and high-quality English-language education, making it increasingly popular among international students. Hungarian universities are particularly well-known for medical, engineering and music studies, and there is a great deal of cultural diversity on campuses.
  • Study cities: Budapest, Szeged, Debrecen.
  • Language: Generally Hungarian, but English-language programmes are available.

Internships in Hungary?

  • Internships in Hungary offer opportunities in various sectors, such as IT, education, hospitality and cultural management. Budapest in particular has a thriving startup scene, and there are also opportunities in international organisations.
  • Competencies: Intercultural communication skills, innovation and creativity, management skills, technical skills.

Volunteering in Hungary?

  • There are several opportunities in Hungary. You can work in English language exchange and education, in the cultural sector (for example restoring historical monuments), at summer camps, in nature conservation or even as a volunteer in a zoo.

Working in Hungary?

  • Hungary offers interesting opportunities for expats, especially in IT, education, customer service and hospitality. The country has a relatively low cost of living, and working in Budapest is popular among expats because of the mix of culture and affordability.
  • In winter and summer you may be able to work in the hospitality industry in tourist areas.
  • Working as a digital nomad in Hungary?
  • Budapest is a popular European destination for digital nomads thanks to its relatively low costs, fast wifi and vibrant culture.
  • Favorite locations: Budapest, especially the Erzsébetváros and Terézváros districts.

Living in Hungary?

  • Living in Hungary is relatively cheap compared to other European countries. Budapest offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle with restaurants, cultural activities, and nightlife. Outside of the capital, housing costs are even lower, and you’ll find plenty of nature and tranquility.
  • Education: There are international schools in Budapest that teach in English or German, making it a great destination for families. The Hungarian education system has a good reputation and is focused on academic achievement.
  • Expat community: Budapest has a vibrant expat community, with events, meetups, and online networks where you can meet other internationals. Outside of the capital, expats are rarer, but the community in Budapest is very active.
  • Safety: It’s generally safe with little crime, but beware of pickpockets in crowded areas.
  • Culture: Hungary has a rich culture with strong influences from Turkish, Austrian, and communist history. Hungarians are proud of their heritage, and you can enjoy music, literature, and traditional festivals such as the Wine Festival and the National Day on August 20.
  • Please note: speaking Hungarian is very useful (and not easy) if you want to move outside Budapest, winters can be cold, administrative processes can take some time.
  • Health insurance: accessible and generally of good quality, especially in the cities. Expats often choose private healthcare. So make sure you have your own good health insurance.

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  • What are the customs in Hungary regarding food?
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  • What are the best drinks in Hungary?
  • What are notable holidays and festivals in Hungary?
  • What are the remarkable habits in Hungary?
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Hungary: Updates & Travel
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    • Hungary is a country that is different from it's neighbours. The inhabitants are not Slavic but Magyar (a tribe from Central Asia), the country does not have high mountains like Austria but vast plains and ...
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  • What are the customs in Hungary regarding food?
  • What are the best recipes in Hungary?
  • What are the best drinks in Hungary?
  • What are notable holidays and festivals in Hungary?
  • What are the remarkable habits in Hungary?
  • What are the customs in ...

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  • What are the customs in Hungary regarding food?
  • What are the best recipes in Hungary?
  • What are the best drinks in Hungary?
  • What are notable holidays and festivals in Hungary?
  • What are the remarkable habits in Hungary?
  • What are the customs in ...

Safety and insurances in Hungary

How does health care work in Hungary, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does health care work in Hungary, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does the health care system work in Hungary?

  • In addition to thermal baths for your health, Hungary also has an accessible and affordable healthcare system. 
  • The quality of care is good, both at public and private institutions. 
  • Costs are also a lot lower than in the West, for example. This also makes Hungary a popular destination for medical tourism, including dental care, plastic surgery, eye surgery and fertility treatments. 
  • If you are part of the public healthcare system (see below), you get a national health card (TAJ kártya).  
  • There are some differences between public and private care, but more on that below. 
  • In case of a medical emergency, call 112; English-language help is available 24/7 through this number. You do have to pay for the help you get. So make sure you are properly insured. 

How does the public healthcare system work in Hungary?

  • Hungary has a public health care system, the Nemzeti Egészségbiztosítási Alapkezelő (NEAK). This system covers medical costs for residents and foreigners who pay social contributions (through work or self-employment). Still, many emigrants choose international insurance because it covers other costs and treatments, both in and outside Hungary. 
  • Care is of reasonable quality, but public hospitals can be dated, and wait times are sometimes long. Specialists often work in both the public and private sectors, so expertise is similar.
  • Costs are low. Visiting a general practitioner or specialist in the public system is often free, provided you are registered with the NEAK.
  • In recent years, many young doctors have left for foreign countries, so the average age of doctors and health care workers is high.  

How does the private healthcare system work in Hungary?

  • Private clinics offer faster access, more modern facilities and English-speaking staff. Especially in cities like Budapest, private healthcare options are popular among expats.
  • A consultation at a private clinic costs about €50-80. With good international insurance, these costs are covered.

How is the GP arranged in Hungary?

  • If you are registered with the NEAK and have a TAJ kártya, you will be assigned a family doctor (háziorvos). Your family doctor is your first point of contact and refers you to specialists if necessary.
  • Therefore, without a family doctor's referral, you cannot see a specialist either. 
  • English-speaking family doctors are especially available in Budapest, but in smaller cities this is less obvious.

How is the dentist arranged in Hungary?

  • Basic dental care is free through the public system, but quality varies greatly. For more complex treatments, most people choose private practices.
  • Hungary is known for medical tourism, including dentistry.
  • Private practices offer modern techniques and are often cheaper than in Western Europe.

How is prenatal and pregnancy care arranged Hungary?

  • Almost all births take place in the hospital. Home births with the help of a midwife are also possible, but there are midwives who offer this. 
  • Prenatal care, deliveries and postnatal care are covered by the NEAK. The care is good, but you often have to bring your own medical supplies to the hospital, such as diapers and sheets.
  • For more comfort, many expats choose a private clinic or hospital. Here you get more personal attention and more modern facilities.
  • The right to abortion changes regularly in Hungary. Since 2020, abortions can only be performed up to 8 weeks of pregnancy and by a special doctor in the hospital. Doctors may also refuse to perform an abortion. 

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Hungary?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Hungary?

  • Hungary is a relatively safe country. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, occurs in tourist areas, but serious crime is rare.
  • Watch your belongings in crowded areas and be alert at ATMs. Avoid politically sensitive discussions in public places.
  • There are no specific no-go zones, but be careful in poorly lit areas in remote villages.
  • As a new resident, it is also important to be aware of scams such as cab drivers who overcharge and different prices in restaurants and bars. 

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Hungary?

  • Tap water is safe to drink! 
  • Be well informed about the latest on health measures and vaccinations.

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Hungary?

  • The road network in Hungary is well maintained, especially the highways (autópályák). In rural areas, roads may not be as good, with potholes and narrow paths.
  • Traffic can be chaotic, especially in cities like Budapest, but generally driving is safe. 
  • Toll vignettes are required on highways, so be sure to buy them in advance!

Which work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Hungary?

  • Is the trip to Hungary and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org

What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Hungary if you are going to live there for a while?

  • To move to Hungary, you need health insurance that provides at least €30,000 coverage. The insurance must be valid in the EU. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.

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