Pickpocketing

Pickpocketing is rampant downtown in busy areas and especially on stuffed trams and buses. It is not uncommon to have money taken right out of your front pocket or out of your purse or backpack – these people are professionals! The best solution is to carry a pouch with your valuables in it around your neck or waist under your shirt, or to use a zippered inside pocket. If you carry a purse, be sure to keep your hand ON your purse when you are in crowded stores or on public transportation.

When traveling, be sure to have no valuables in your backpack because it is so easy for pickpocketers to just unzip a pocket and take whatever!

Watch each others’ bags when traveling. If you’d cry if it were stolen, then don’t put it in your bag.

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NEVER change money on the street

Keep extra Forints, enough for an unexpected cab ride or a meal - try to not have less than 2,000 HUF on you and your cell phone.

NEVER, NEVER, NEVER change money on the street or in train stations! It is illegal and you can be sure to get badly ripped off. The best place to exchange cash is at the small money xchange shops in the big shopping centers, in Mammut or MOM park for example.

And, if someone asks to see your money to check if it’s correct - don’t be a fool to show them!

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Out alone at night

Women (in general) should not walk alone at night and should avoid public transportation alone at night. DO NOT make direct eye contact with men – it is seen as an invitation or as a challenge. Read more »

To be Safe

On your person:
The list is playing it on the safe side, but you can put most of these numbers on a single small card. It may also be a good idea to carry a little card in your wallet with the numbers of all members of your team. To carry this information and things even if you’re just running or walking somewhere would be a good idea:

1. A photocopy of the photo page of your passport.
2. The telephone numbers of your embassy.
3. The telephone number of someone at your company or school who can help you if needed.
4. The telephone number of a Hungarian friend who can help you if you get in a bind.
5. Your telephone number and your PRINTED address in Hungary. It is helpful to give this
to taxi drivers when they can’t understand your Hungarian.
6. Your permanent address and telephone number in your home country.
7. Your residency permit.