davidpearce
English expat in Hungary
Forum posts
61
Contacts
1
About me
English
Lives in Poroszlo
Speaks English (native), Welsh (ancestral), Irish (employment), French (schoolboy) Hungarian (learning slowly and with difficulty)
Registration: 04 March 2015
Walking group by Isongrad
Hi Everyone, I just joined this site on 7/28/17. My name is Ildi, I am Hungarian/American who lived and worked in the states most of my adult life and now I'm retired and living in Budapest for 2 years now. I'd like to start a walking ...
Would be interested. I am only in Hungary part year and based out at Poroszlo, but have free travel pass. David Pearce *** Read More
.hu domain name registration by Guest222
Does anyone have experience of registering a .hu domain name and having a .hu website, hobby or business? Is this a simple process? Are there any tax implications for a hobby website? Can you recommend a web host? Thank You Helen
If you are seeking a Hungarian customer base, then .hu unless there are overwhelming reasons to avoid it. I built a business in Ireland as a .ie website. When the .com became available I switched, without thinking through the repercussions. My whole ... Read More
Point me in the right direction
Thank you for that. I'm now working my way through it. Read More
Point me in the right direction
Old Prints of Budapest (the bridges and the Parliament building): I have seen these mounted and framed over the years. Now I'm looking to buy some, I can't find them anywhere. I want to buy unframed, as I do my own picture framing. Does ... Read More
EU Citizenship Question by Crazyfoo
Good morning from Yukon, Canada. 馃槉 Guys I have a question I'm hoping someone here may be able to answer. I was born in Kosice in 1966 and my parents escaped in 1968 due to the impending Russian invasion. They took my brother and I, ...
As I understand it yes, BUT download the administrative rules for application for a Slovak passport. You will need to comply with the photo ID rules. Ensure that bring everything that you could need. Read More
Which bank? by stomalomalus
Hi all, I need to set up a forint bank account at last. Now, I have been told that for Hungarian banks, they ask for you to PAY them to make money off your money. Is this true in all cases? Are there any banks available that will not charge me ...
This is really helpful and challenges me to change from OTP. For international transactions, I use www.transferwise.com 0.5% fees for the whole bank to bank transaction. I have been using them for the last 3 years for 拢 -forints and 拢 to ... Read More
In retrospect, would you move again to Hungary? by Christine
Hi all, If you had to look back on your expat experience in Hungary, would you heartily say "let聮s do it again"? From the preparation stage to your actual everyday life in your new country, what did you enjoy the most? Would you do certain ...
Unlike my colleagues here I have no interest in following Hungarian politics and I don't understand Hungarian or the Hungarians. When they start talking a load of racist shit to me I move on. If they want to discuss the arts or opera I stay and ... Read More
Hungarian words and sentences with pronunciation help by ApartmanSzeged
Hi All, I have compiled a list of property/renovation words and sentences with pronunciation help for those who may need help with renovation etc. The sentences at the end are aimed at making a call to a tradesman whereby you report a problem or ...
This compendium of building words is really useful. Unfortunately it will cancel on this site after a time, and I would like more permanent access to it. I have tried many routes, but not been able to copy it out to anywhere else. If you were able ... Read More
Keeping up with the news in Hungary by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Living in Hungary provides countless occasions to browse local newspapers, listen to local radio stations or watch local TV shows. As everywhere else in the world, local media play a key role in informing the public. What are ...
I use www.hungarianspectrum.org . It is of liberal persuasion and not suitable for supporters of Fidesc or Jobbik. Read More
Address card for non-EU nationals by voyage2931
Hello everyone, I am newbie to this forum even though I kept reading it for a while gathering very useful information t help us with transition to expat life in Budapest. I am looking for some clarification related to an address card requirement ...
As a UK national, I am soon to be in the same situation. I own 2 properties in Hungary and may have difficulty using them. Currently I am applying for a residence card as an EU national. I do not know if that residence card will remain valid, if of ... Read More
How to get married in Hungary? by mhgujar
Hello, i am living in germany and my staus is here as asylum seeker.i have been living here since 2 years on asylum.the german goverments allow me to stay here legelly for short period of time but my asylum case has not passed yet and i have not ...
1. Make sure you use a Hungarian registrar office who has conducted a cross border wedding before. 2. You will both need a certificate of eligibility, and both translated by the office of translation, as well as birth certificates so check the fees ... Read More
Address card for non-EU nationals by voyage2931
Hello everyone, I am newbie to this forum even though I kept reading it for a while gathering very useful information t help us with transition to expat life in Budapest. I am looking for some clarification related to an address card requirement ...
I should have added: beware about bank statements. They need hard copy ones headed by the bank, not downloaded statements. Read More
Address card for non-EU nationals by voyage2931
Hello everyone, I am newbie to this forum even though I kept reading it for a while gathering very useful information t help us with transition to expat life in Budapest. I am looking for some clarification related to an address card requirement ...
I dealt with the immigration office in Eger, but there are many dotted around the country. There are instructions available in english. It is not altogether straightforward, like all documents have to have been issued in last 30 days: that is land ... Read More
Hungarian Bus Company Schedule Web Site No Longer in English by GuestPoster279
The Hungarian Bus company schedule web site: http://menetrendek.hu/ Use to provide an English language option. The site has been redesigned, and it seems to no longer provide an English language option (at least I can no longer find any English ...
I struggle to find a bus timetable in Hungarian in UK, and there are more Hungarians in UK than the other way round. Read More
New boiler and heating system by Teddyb24
Hi I am in process of buying a new apartment in Budapest which I will be renovating I was wondering if anyone knew if there are new regulations on what boiler I can instal as I was thinking of getting a condensing combi boiler as I would like a ...
I had to have new boiler in Hungary in September and became aware to my cost that there are recent regulations emanating from Brussels, the effect of which has been to extinguish the supply of spare parts for some recently made non compliant ... Read More
UK votes on June 23 to stay in the EU. by GuestPoster279
For UK citizens in Hungary, if the UK votes to exit the EU what are your contingency plans? If the UK exists the EU, then you are no longer EU citizens. You may not be entitled to EU residency rights in Hungary. And this may including such things ...
I'm sure that you would enjoy being wrong. I sadly share your cynicism about voter turnout in the UK and the imperfections in our democracy generally BUT seeds of hope. The last 2 general elections have had higher turnout. As much as I despise ... Read More
UK votes on June 23 to stay in the EU. by GuestPoster279
For UK citizens in Hungary, if the UK votes to exit the EU what are your contingency plans? If the UK exists the EU, then you are no longer EU citizens. You may not be entitled to EU residency rights in Hungary. And this may including such things ...
It is in our interests to circulate this https://www.gov.uk/voting-when-abroad link amongst the expat community in all EC countries, to maximise the vote. There is of course a caution on the proxy vote that it has to be done at the voting station ... Read More
UK votes on June 23 to stay in the EU. by GuestPoster279
For UK citizens in Hungary, if the UK votes to exit the EU what are your contingency plans? If the UK exists the EU, then you are no longer EU citizens. You may not be entitled to EU residency rights in Hungary. And this may including such things ...
In the event of Brexit, I assume that we will lose our health rights and our free transport at the very least. If there is a Brexit, then the 'would be Donald T***' elements will surely be in the political ascendancy in the UK, and I fear ... Read More
Hungarian lessons in Budapest center
would be interested in details Read More
Bank Transfers by fidobsa
I have a Forint account with OTP which I use for everyday living expenses. I need to transfer some money to a lawyer in Bulgaria and he asked for payment in Bulgarian Leva. I went to my local OTP branch but they say it is not possible to do the ...
Beware re rights under SEPA. I recently transferred euros between my Irish euro bank account and wife's euro account with Bank Austria. They deducted 20 euros. We had to get quite aggressive with Bank Austria before they would refund the 20 euro ... Read More
Bank Transfers by fidobsa
I have a Forint account with OTP which I use for everyday living expenses. I need to transfer some money to a lawyer in Bulgaria and he asked for payment in Bulgarian Leva. I went to my local OTP branch but they say it is not possible to do the ...
I've used transferwise for the last 2 years across sterling, euros and forints. I have to say that I have always found it friendly, efficient and massively cheaper than the banks. The 'but' is that you have to have bank account in the ... Read More
Income Tax in Hungary by GuestPoster109
Hi to all, I have a Private Pension in France and be soon a Permanent Resident in Hungary. Do I need to declare my private pension in Hungary and pay taxes ? My only income is this pension and do not work in Hungary. Does this also apply to State ...
Sorry. You will only get details of the UK / Hungary dual taxation agreement off the UK government website. BUT there will be one for Norway / Hungary. It is a matter of searching. That will be the definitive advice. My own experience with tax ... Read More
Income Tax in Hungary by GuestPoster109
Hi to all, I have a Private Pension in France and be soon a Permanent Resident in Hungary. Do I need to declare my private pension in Hungary and pay taxes ? My only income is this pension and do not work in Hungary. Does this also apply to State ...
Be careful. The pensions issue is not as delicious as at first sight. UK and Hungary have a dual taxation agreement as do most other countries. UK reserve the right to tax certain Uk generated pensions in UK, and other sources besides like property ... Read More
Free senior citizen travel in Hungary by davidpearce
Since I became eligible a few weeks ago, I've enjoyed free travel on trains, buses and the Budapest metro, BUT struggled to be clear about cross border travel. As far as I now understand it, it is only free for a journey that starts and ends in ...
So you mean that if I travel on the inter city from Budapest to Vienna, I buy a ticket from Hegyeshalom to Vienna at the Budapest international ticket office, together with my inter city supplement. I save my 30 euros and avoid breaking my journey? Read More
Free senior citizen travel in Hungary
Since I became eligible a few weeks ago, I've enjoyed free travel on trains, buses and the Budapest metro, BUT struggled to be clear about cross border travel. As far as I now understand it, it is only free for a journey that starts and ends in ... Read More
Making a WILL and passing property to someone by petercori
Hi All, As a UK citizen, what is the best way to make sure a Hungarian girlfriend (or Hungarian wife) will inherit your hungary property? If I make a WILL in UK, will it be acknowledge, perhaps via Notary, in Hungary? Or would it be better to make ...
Firstly the Hague Convention circumscribes you in relation to freehold property only. All other chattels, indeed other land interests can be dealt with by either will. To avoid problems you should state in each will that there is another will ... Read More
Making a WILL and passing property to someone by petercori
Hi All, As a UK citizen, what is the best way to make sure a Hungarian girlfriend (or Hungarian wife) will inherit your hungary property? If I make a WILL in UK, will it be acknowledge, perhaps via Notary, in Hungary? Or would it be better to make ...
I would never either claim the UK legal system to be superior or more developed than anywhere else. More importantly though, it should always be emphasised that nothing should be assumed from a knowledge of UK law because there are significant ... Read More
Making a WILL and passing property to someone by petercori
Hi All, As a UK citizen, what is the best way to make sure a Hungarian girlfriend (or Hungarian wife) will inherit your hungary property? If I make a WILL in UK, will it be acknowledge, perhaps via Notary, in Hungary? Or would it be better to make ...
There have been recent changes in the law in Hungary affecting the whole balance of rights in cohabiting relations. I have never needed to look at them, but tread carefully or better still find out more from somebody who is up to date on the issue. Read More
Making a WILL and passing property to someone by petercori
Hi All, As a UK citizen, what is the best way to make sure a Hungarian girlfriend (or Hungarian wife) will inherit your hungary property? If I make a WILL in UK, will it be acknowledge, perhaps via Notary, in Hungary? Or would it be better to make ...
The changing of names on the Hungarian property register can be an expensive business. Once you have been registered owner for a year, the change of name carries a 4% charge. If you remain one of the 2 names, that becomes 2%. UNLESS it is within the ... Read More
Making a WILL and passing property to someone by petercori
Hi All, As a UK citizen, what is the best way to make sure a Hungarian girlfriend (or Hungarian wife) will inherit your hungary property? If I make a WILL in UK, will it be acknowledge, perhaps via Notary, in Hungary? Or would it be better to make ...
Trusts are a very UK concept. They should never be assumed to be a part of any other jurisdiction. Read More
Making a WILL and passing property to someone by petercori
Hi All, As a UK citizen, what is the best way to make sure a Hungarian girlfriend (or Hungarian wife) will inherit your hungary property? If I make a WILL in UK, will it be acknowledge, perhaps via Notary, in Hungary? Or would it be better to make ...
To the moderator only. Thank you for your intervention. I gave a wholly accurate and professional answer to a question raised. I did not and would not expect a 3rd party to preface his reply 'Don't take bloggers advice, because everyone has ... Read More
Making a WILL and passing property to someone by petercori
Hi All, As a UK citizen, what is the best way to make sure a Hungarian girlfriend (or Hungarian wife) will inherit your hungary property? If I make a WILL in UK, will it be acknowledge, perhaps via Notary, in Hungary? Or would it be better to make ...
That is really helpful to everyone. To stress, that is the Hungarian position, which is different from the law of Intestacy in England and Wales. So too is the law of family provisions, whereby the Courts can over rule a will in particular ... Read More
Making a WILL and passing property to someone by petercori
Hi All, As a UK citizen, what is the best way to make sure a Hungarian girlfriend (or Hungarian wife) will inherit your hungary property? If I make a WILL in UK, will it be acknowledge, perhaps via Notary, in Hungary? Or would it be better to make ...
Your statement ' the fact is your property comes under the jurisdiction of the law of your Nationality' is just plain wrong. It applies to tax purposes on UK citizens only. The UK don't attempt to treat Hungary as being within their ... Read More
Making a WILL and passing property to someone by petercori
Hi All, As a UK citizen, what is the best way to make sure a Hungarian girlfriend (or Hungarian wife) will inherit your hungary property? If I make a WILL in UK, will it be acknowledge, perhaps via Notary, in Hungary? Or would it be better to make ...
[Moderated] I addressed the situation of your not being married, in which case you will need the Hungarian will. Read More
Making a WILL and passing property to someone by petercori
Hi All, As a UK citizen, what is the best way to make sure a Hungarian girlfriend (or Hungarian wife) will inherit your hungary property? If I make a WILL in UK, will it be acknowledge, perhaps via Notary, in Hungary? Or would it be better to make ...
I suggest you read the question asked in the first place [Moderated]. I have other things to do with my day than engage with somebody who has nothing better to do than go online looking for an argument. Read More
Making a WILL and passing property to someone by petercori
Hi All, As a UK citizen, what is the best way to make sure a Hungarian girlfriend (or Hungarian wife) will inherit your hungary property? If I make a WILL in UK, will it be acknowledge, perhaps via Notary, in Hungary? Or would it be better to make ...
Sorry that will not transfer the property to his girlfriend, because he will not have a Hungarian will, only address his tax liability assuming that it is to be UK. This blogger has been there and done it and also happens to be retired lecturer on ... Read More
Making a WILL and passing property to someone by petercori
Hi All, As a UK citizen, what is the best way to make sure a Hungarian girlfriend (or Hungarian wife) will inherit your hungary property? If I make a WILL in UK, will it be acknowledge, perhaps via Notary, in Hungary? Or would it be better to make ...
Under the Hague Convention, freehold property can only pass by will of the country it is located in. You therefore have to have 2 wills, one drawn up for your english estate according to the law of england and wales, the other for your Hungarian ... Read More
Rural history in Hungary
When I first visited Hungary in spring 2007, I knew that I was coming to the land of Ferenc Puskas and Imre Nagy and not much else. From then on, I have read a succession of Hungarian history books, all quite narrative in style, and all ... Read More
How is it living in Miskolic or Eger ? Or the nearby areas? by GuestPoster115
Hello everyone! As my father and I have our move day draw closer, i am curious to know about the cities of Miskolic or Eger or Gy枚ngy枚s or the general nearby area. I ask as i have seen many affordable homes for sale in the general area ...
It depends what you are looking for. There are always plenty of places at small money habitable but in need of renovation. Look at the railway map between Fuzesabony and Debrecen. There is no system of estate agents in the area. Some places on ... Read More
How is it living in Miskolic or Eger ? Or the nearby areas? by GuestPoster115
Hello everyone! As my father and I have our move day draw closer, i am curious to know about the cities of Miskolic or Eger or Gy枚ngy枚s or the general nearby area. I ask as i have seen many affordable homes for sale in the general area ...
I found further west OK. If rail link is an issue then Fuzesabony is link station into main lines. I bought at Poroszlo 18 months ago and have no accessibility problem; and of course property is much more affordable. If you are not too worried about ... Read More
Registration for EU citizens - any recent experience? by Sumarokov
I am an EU citizen and I will be staying in Hungary long-term, so need to apply for a Registration Card (Regisztr谩ci贸s k谩rtya) and Address Card (Lakc铆mk谩rtya). Has anyone done this recently? I want to avoid making too many ...
I am looking for same. I need to import my car into Hungary and am told that I need both address card and tax registration. Read More
Interpreter English - Hungarian
Ilona Palfalvi *** She is in Budapest 13: retired schoolteacher, did interpreting with builders for me. Read More
Healthcare in Hungary by Julien
Hi, how does the healthcare system work in Hungary ? Is it efficient ? What are the main differences between public and private sectors? Is it recommended to purchase private health insurance in Hungary? Thanks in advance for sharing ...
Always carry your EC health card. I was ambulanced to hospital unexpectedly without it and I had serious problems being let out of hospital without payment. Read More
New Law about Registering a Car as a Foreigner by tmt0685
Hi guys and ladies! There's a new law recently about foreigner, specifically 3rd world citizens can not register a car without Hungarian Address card! Can anyone please give me (or us?) some more details about this new policy of the ...
This is what I'm doing at the moment, bringing car over in the spring, taking it back October and getting MOT again before I drive back to Hungary, BUT I hit problems with my UK breakdown cover. Britannia who I have been with for 20 years will ... Read More
New Law about Registering a Car as a Foreigner by tmt0685
Hi guys and ladies! There's a new law recently about foreigner, specifically 3rd world citizens can not register a car without Hungarian Address card! Can anyone please give me (or us?) some more details about this new policy of the ...
I face same issue. I drive my car from UK to Hungary in the spring, fly backwards and forwards, then take it back to UK in the autumn. It is problematic because breakdown company will only cover 180 days out of UK, and I dont love 4000 km of driving ... Read More
Process of getting married in Hungary by xzharism
Good day to all. I want to know what are the process of getting married in Hungary. I am a filipina and my Fianc茅's hungarian. Now lives in BE where his assigned because of his job. Can we get married there? Thanks
should have added what you will very soon find out: the aesthetic quality of the registry offices is very varied. if you want photos outside the registry office, there is an issue with flags. many local authorities also fly the CSK flag as well as ... Read More
Penalties for foreigners not submiting income tax?
There is a dual taxation agreement between England and Hungary. Some incomes are reserved to Hungary and some likewise some to the UK. You will not be taxed in both countries. You are responsible for completing an income tax form in one country, so ... Read More
Obtaining a Hungarian ID card by davidpearce
My only ID is a UK passport which I'd rather not have to carry everywhere with me. I am home owner in Hungary living there for a substantial part of the year. I remain a UK national. Is there any way I can gain a Hungarian ID card?
Your husband could have a class; banning communication in english of course. Though I firmly believe that we all have different mental routes in learning languages, I found with Hungarian that conquering the vowel sounds was the fundamental ... Read More
New members of the Hungary forum, introduce yourself here by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Hungary forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Apologies. I may be guilty because I got into private dialogue, not realising that I was in open pages. I am probably being naive, but how is it possible to separate private dialogue from open pages. Read More
Process of getting married in Hungary by xzharism
Good day to all. I want to know what are the process of getting married in Hungary. I am a filipina and my Fianc茅's hungarian. Now lives in BE where his assigned because of his job. Can we get married there? Thanks
Though the answer is yes BEWARE. Make sure you use a registry office where the registrar has done a cross border wedding before. X border weddings are laden with red tape and expense, You will need a certificate of no impediment with authorised ... Read More
Obtaining a Hungarian ID card by davidpearce
My only ID is a UK passport which I'd rather not have to carry everywhere with me. I am home owner in Hungary living there for a substantial part of the year. I remain a UK national. Is there any way I can gain a Hungarian ID card?
because every year you would suffer the humiliation of the annual ritual of being humiliated at rugby by the Welsh. It would surely have not been an intelligent alternative. Welsh is my ancestral language, but to my shame I allowed myself to be ... Read More
New members of the Hungary forum, introduce yourself here by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Hungary forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
I am actually driving over 25/3 but intend to take my time. Won't come the direct Mway route, but cross north Germany, spend a few days in rural Poland and then drop down via Bardejov and Kosice to Poroszlo. Done the driving move with trailers ... Read More
New members of the Hungary forum, introduce yourself here by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Hungary forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Is your friend english / hungarian bilingual? I was in the opposite position 9 months ago, and found a worthwhile site. ( I found myself on my own in Hungary with Hungarian property and no language, because I split with Hungarian partner 2 months ... Read More
Obtaining a Hungarian ID card by davidpearce
My only ID is a UK passport which I'd rather not have to carry everywhere with me. I am home owner in Hungary living there for a substantial part of the year. I remain a UK national. Is there any way I can gain a Hungarian ID card?
I do understand what you say. It is sort of soothing to hear somebody in another country, suffering the same annoyance as we do here,and know that it's not just Brits who are paying fortunes to the 'work and responsibility refuseniks'. Read More
Obtaining a Hungarian ID card by davidpearce
My only ID is a UK passport which I'd rather not have to carry everywhere with me. I am home owner in Hungary living there for a substantial part of the year. I remain a UK national. Is there any way I can gain a Hungarian ID card?
I think we have to accept that Hungarian government didn't really want to give EU citizens anything at all. They had no choice but to accept the EU equality of treatment rules, because they want to be in the EU having 4 regions qualifying for EU ... Read More
New members of the Hungary forum, introduce yourself here by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Hungary forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
I'm David Pearce, signwriter from UK and now 90% retired, still in UK while growing a life around Poroszlo on the Tisza river in Hungary. I've no Hungarian blood in me but found myself owning 2 houses in an area where few people speak any ... Read More
Obtaining a Hungarian ID card by davidpearce
My only ID is a UK passport which I'd rather not have to carry everywhere with me. I am home owner in Hungary living there for a substantial part of the year. I remain a UK national. Is there any way I can gain a Hungarian ID card?
What is Hungarian resident card? I am property owner in Hungary and pay my local tax, but am completely unaware of this one. I think I'm still in naivety zone! Read More
Obtaining a Hungarian ID card by davidpearce
My only ID is a UK passport which I'd rather not have to carry everywhere with me. I am home owner in Hungary living there for a substantial part of the year. I remain a UK national. Is there any way I can gain a Hungarian ID card?
I admit that I've been stopped 4 times by police in Hungary, 3 of them to check my Mway carnet, and on no occasion have I been asked for my passport, BUT I was fined 19 euros in Czech Republic for leaving it in the hotel. My big issue is to ... Read More
Obtaining a Hungarian ID card
My only ID is a UK passport which I'd rather not have to carry everywhere with me. I am home owner in Hungary living there for a substantial part of the year. I remain a UK national. Is there any way I can gain a Hungarian ID card? Read More