About Hungary

About Hungary

gridlab The 1100 year old country, Hungary lying in the centre of Europe, like a small and beautiful treasure box with its rich culture, unique gastronomy and wines. The famous hospitality of the Hungarians will spoil its visitors with memorable experiences.

Name: Hungarian Republic

Location: East-Central Europe (borders with Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia)

Area: 93,030 square km

Population: 10,300,000

Form of government: Republic (parliamentary democracy - 4 year election periods)

Capital: Budapest (2 million inhabitants)

Climate: Continental with Mediterranean and Atlantic influences

Average temperatures: January -2C (28F), July 23C (73F)

Language: Hungarian (a very special language, originating from the Finno-Ugric tribe

Currency: Hungarian Forint - HUF

Local time: in the winter GMT + 1 hour, in the summer GMT + 2 hours (same as in West Europe)

Public holidays: January 1, March 15, May 1, August 20, October 23, December 25, 26

International country phone code: 36

Electricity: 220 volts/50 Hz (EU standard)

Exchange rate: 1 USD = 253 HUF (only as a guide) - 1 EUR = 235 HUF (only as a guide)

For exact figures visit www.mkb.hu/english

How To Get There...

The international airport in Budapest is Ferihegy Airport with its two terminals. The national airline MALÉV operates flights between Budapest and the most European capitals as well as New York City, USA.

International and inland railway service is extensive and convenient. Passenger boats on the River Danube are also popular, particularly the hydrofoil service between Vienna and Budapest.

Useful Hints

Passport and Visa: All foreign visitors must have a valid passport. The visa policy of Hungary is liberal. For visits shorter than a month, no visa is required for citizens of most European countries, the United States, Japan and Israel. Most European citizens can visit Hungary with their domestic identity card. Nevertheless, participants are advised to inquire about visa regulations at their travel agency or at the Hungarian Embassy or Consulate in their home country. AGREEMENTS OF THE REPUBLIC OF HUNGARY ON ABOLITION OF VISA REQUIREMENTS is available on the internet. Visa is required for visitors from most Asian countries, and most states of NIS. Those who experience any trouble in getting visa to Hungary should not hesitate to contact the Conference Organisers immediately. The list of Hungarian missions can be found on the Internet on the web site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: www.kum.hu

Cheques, credit cards, currency exchange: Travellers’ cheques, Eurocheque and most credit cards (American Express, VISA, Diners, JCB, Eurocard/Mastercard) are widely accepted in Hungary. Bankomat ATMs are operating - day and night - throughout the city.

Useful links: