Budapest is not just a beautiful city, it is also one with efficient and well-maintained services which help to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents. The public telephones generally work, telephone booths are equipped with a directory, the bus and tram stops display timetables and public transport is both clean and reliable. Nevertheless, as with all other central European countries, there are there are a growing number of negative social phenomena. Local people are increasingly complaining about rising crime rates, the plague of pickpockets and incidences of car theft. Visitors to Budapest will also be sadly aware of the growing numbers of people living on the streets.
Documents and money should be carried in a secure inside pocket or in a money belt. Traveller's cheques are widely accepted, so there is no need to carry much cash on you. Money should be exchanged at a bank, in your hotel or an exchange bureau, never on the black market. Do not leave valuables in your car. There are three multistorey car parks in the city center, at No. 4-6 Aranykéz utca, No.2 Nyir utca and on Szervita tér. Cars parked improperly may be clamped or towed away to a car park outside the center. To find out where a car has been taken, call the Removed Cars Information line. On-the-spot fines of up to Ft 2000 can also be imposed for parking offences. Pickpockets operate during rush hours, targeting crowded metro stations, buses and shopping centers They also operate at all the main tourist sights, and on nearby public transport. When working as a group, they may surround unsuspecting tourists and jostle or distract them. It is a good idea to have a photocopy of your passport and your travel insurance. If a passport is lost call the police in Kecskeméti utca (317-0711), where English is spoken. Once the appropriate police certificate is obtained, report the loss to your embassy.
Hungarian policemen are frequently seen patrolling the streets on motorbikes, on foot or in cars. In addition, every district has its own police station The Hungarian word for police is rendőrseg. In the event of anything going missing, because of loss or theft, a report should be made immediately to the police. In the event of a lost passport, see the above section under the heading Advice to Visitors. Australian tourists will need a visa to enter Hungary, but European and American tourists can stay in Hungary without a visa for three to six months However, after one month check the registration requirements at the local police station. In reality, this applies mainly to tourists staying in private accommodation or with friends, since all hotels, hostels and pensions automatically register foreign guests. Tourists driving to Budapest are obliged to have the green insurance card, while those hiring a car need just their driving licences. Hitchhiking, although not against the law, is not a recommended way of travelling in Hungary . Women should not walk unaccompanied late at night in poorly lit areas and should avoid deserted streets. Rákóczi tér and Mátyás tér, in district VIII, have been famous for their brothels since the 19th century and have a long standing tradition as hangouts for prostitutes. Prostitution has been officially outlawed in Hungary since 1950. In recent years, however, it has been tolerated and the authorities of district VIII are in the process of trying to legalize it.
- Ambulance: 104 (also 311 1666)
- Fire: 105 (also 321 6216)
- Police: 107
- Metropolitan Police: 318 0800
- Gas Emergency Service: 334 4000 (24-hour)
- Electricity Emergency Service: 350 1401 (ask for number of local service!
- Water Emergency Service: 329 6093
- AIDS Helpline: 352 1947 (8am-4pm Mon-Thu); 338 2419 (8am-lpm Fri)
- Alcoholics Anonymous: 352 1947
- BKV Lost Property: 267 5299 (1ost today) 461 6500 ext.71346 (lost prior to today)
- Falck Emergency Medical Service: 1025 Budapest, Kapy utca 49 tel.: 275 1535
- Foreigners' Registry Office: Izabella utca 61 tel.: 311 8642
- Office: 8m-noon Mon-Wed & Fri, 8am-6pm Thu.
