How To Stretch Your Forints In Budapest: A Student’s Ultimate Guide To Costs, Currency & Smart Spending

So, you’ve landed in Budapest—bright-eyed, slightly jetlagged, and ready to make this semester unforgettable. But how do you navigate daily life in this beautiful city without burning through your savings faster than you can say gulyásleves?

Let’s break it down. Whether you’re an Erasmus student or just settling in for a long-term stay, here’s your go-to guide for making every forint count.

Getting Familiar With The Hungarian Forint (HUF)

First things first: forget about paying in euros. Hungary’s official currency is the forint (Ft or HUF), and it’s best to get cozy with the conversion rate. As of December 2024, €1 gets you roughly 400 forints—a nice bump compared to the 350 rate just a couple of years ago. Even with inflation lurking around, Budapest is still one of the more affordable cities in Europe for students.

💡 Pro tip: Exchange rates can change, so double-check before big transactions.

Card Or Cash: What's The Smart Play?

Let’s keep it simple:

• Card payments are widely accepted—restaurants, bars, supermarkets, taxis—you name it.
• Cash still comes in handy, especially at smaller shops, markets, or when splitting bills with friends.

Forint banknotes range from 500 Ft (around €1.25) to 20,000 Ft (€50). Coins go as low as 5 Ft (€0.0125). But don’t go around flashing large bills—some places may not have change. Get used to hearing "Nincs kisebb?" ("Don’t have anything smaller?").

Also, when paying in cash, prices are often rounded. For example, 522 Ft becomes 520 Ft; 528 Ft becomes 530 Ft.

Tipping In Budapest: Yes, It’s A Thing

Tipping isn’t optional here—it’s expected.

• In bars and cafés, people generally round up.
• Restaurants often add a 10-13% service charge, listed on your receipt.
• When in doubt, say how much you're paying (e.g., “Three thousand forints” for a 2,750 Ft bill).
  Waiting around for small change? It’s not a great look here.

Exchanging Money: Where And How

Exchange offices are all over town, with some charging less than 1% commission. Just make sure the difference between buy and sell rates is under 2.5%. Avoid currency exchange at the airport—those rates are brutal.

Need cash? Use ATMs from major Hungarian banks like OTP or Erste. Skip those flashy "currency exchangeu" machines—they often charge hidden fees.

Want To Avoid Fees? Meet Revolut

If you hate bank charges (who doesn’t?), consider Revolut—a mobile banking app that acts like a prepaid card. You can exchange money at great rates and pay like a local. Perfect for Erasmus students.

What Things Cost In Budapest (And How To Save)

Let’s talk money. Here’s what you’ll be spending on, and where to shave off some forints:

🏠 Accommodation
The biggie. A room in a shared flat runs around €350–€450/month, but utilities can spike in winter. Use heating wisely.

🚌 Getting Around
With an EU student ID, public transport is a steal at 3,450 Ft/month (€8.75). Seriously, that’s cheaper than a single Uber ride in most European capitals.

💪 Gym Life
Fitness on a budget? Thanks to Erasmus Life Budapest discounts, monthly gym memberships start at €27.

Smart Shopping: Food, Fashion & Household Goods

• Grocery stores like Lidl, Spar, Aldi, and Tesco are your budget-friendly staples.
• Budapest’s local markets (e.g., Klauzál tér, Rákóczi tér, Lehél tér) offer fresh produce at similar prices—with a more authentic vibe.
• Need something at 2 a.m.? 0–24 shops like Manna ABC and Roni ABC are open, but expect a markup.

Cigarettes are sold only at Nemzeti Dohánybolt shops—look for the iconic red and white bullseye with a big "T".

For toiletries and cosmetics, head to DM, Rossmann, or Müller.

Eating Out & Ordering In

• Street food like a slice of pizza or kebab: €3–€5
• Sit-down meals at local joints: €8–€12
• Food delivery via Wolt or Foodora: easy and affordable. Delivery fees are around €1.50, and Erasmus Life Budapest even gives you a 1,500 Ft Wolt coupon!

Drinks & Nightlife: The Student Paradise

Budapest’s nightlife is legendary, and your wallet won’t hate you for enjoying it.

• Local beer at bars: €4–€5
• Long drinks: €5–€6
• Weekly free parties through Erasmus Life Budapest? Yes, please.
• Pub crawls, boat parties, and discount club nights? Also yes.

Cheap Culture Fixes

Museums, galleries, exhibitions—you name it, Budapest keeps it affordable for students. Plus, Erasmus Life Budapest offers free walking tours, perfect for getting your bearings in the first few weeks.

Final Thoughts: Living Smart In Budapest

Budapest is one of those cities where you can live well without spending big—as long as you know how to play the game. Use the right apps, avoid tourist traps, stick with student discounts, and embrace the local lifestyle.

Your forints will go further than you think.

So—ready to make the most of your Budapest experience? Let’s stretch those forints and make memories that don’t cost a fortune.