Jeremy
@angol
English expat in Hungary
Forum posts
62
Contacts
3
About me
English
Lives in Budapest XIII
Speaks 脡n tanulok Magyar (translation: I can't yet speak Hungarian!)
Registration: 22 April 2011
Environmental protection in Hungary by Kenjee
Hi, Environmental protection is a challenging issue for all the countries around the world. Would you say this issue is deemed of significance in Hungary? Is the country going green through initiatives like waste management and selective ...
Here in Budapest, I've always thought there was a very effective recycling system. It engages a dedicated army of mainly shabbily dressed men who inspect street bins at all hours to ensure anything useful, edible or smokeable can still be put to ... 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 notice the Wiki article also states: "...residents of the Danish territory of Greenland who, whilst also outside the EU as a result of the 1984 Greenland Treaty [to leave the EU], do receive EU citizenship as this was not specifically ... 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 ...
Yes, it seems one can be a citizen of any political area. As EU citizenship is supplementary to and dependent on national citizenship, "there is a great variety in rules and practices with regard to the acquisition and loss of citizenship in EU ... 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 have always believed that EU Citizenship was - and is - a deliberate but unfortunate play with words. Certainly, the right of EU 'Citizenship', by right of nationality, entitles a national of an EU country to all the benefits and ... Read More
English-Hungarian Beginners Book by Yorkshireman
Hello all Me and a few friends are wanting to start learning Hungarian and I want to ask if anyone knows of a good book to use. We are all complete beginners (barring ten words or so) so the basic starting point book is what we're looking ...
Hi, I don't know if you are still in Budapest... but I can give you some limited tips. Firstly, I would suggest that if you are serious about learning the language - and intending to live here - you really need the input of a college class or ... Read More
help me to choose between district 8th and district 5th by gergi
Hi all i need further information about corvin apartments 8th district and 8th district in general like is it safe and i heard that is the new city center and surrounded by mall,gym,cinema,bars,restaurants is that true ??? i need to choose ...
ingatlan.com is your website. Click on the British flag then click on 'detailed search'. Fill in all your requirements - particularly district(s) and price - and off you go. The site is a portal for very many Budapest agencies. You'll probably be ... Read More
help me to choose between district 8th and district 5th by gergi
Hi all i need further information about corvin apartments 8th district and 8th district in general like is it safe and i heard that is the new city center and surrounded by mall,gym,cinema,bars,restaurants is that true ??? i need to choose ...
gergi, Corvin City Garden sounds OK. Just a short walk from busy public areas and there are new hotels so should be a calm and amiable spot, though I haven't visited it. You quote 450 euro for a 40sqm flat. That sounds expensive to me for the area. ... Read More
help me to choose between district 8th and district 5th by gergi
Hi all i need further information about corvin apartments 8th district and 8th district in general like is it safe and i heard that is the new city center and surrounded by mall,gym,cinema,bars,restaurants is that true ??? i need to choose ...
Hi gergi, Do you have a precise street address for the Corvin apartment? The area I know a little of is around the modernised cinema area at Corvin k枚z, which is near Corvin-negyed metro station. This spot is OK, near a major crossroads with good ... Read More
Why is it so hard to have a social life in Hungary ? by JujuCherry
Hey you guys, I am Ju from Canada. I've been living in Budapest for 2 years and I was wondering if there is something wrong in here. I mean, why is it so difficult to have friends? Please guys, I want to know how you deal with this situation ( If ...
You might find some tips here: http://paprikatown.blogspot.hu/2012/10/find-help-in-budapest.html Most of the venues mentioned are on FB too. Read More
Hi, new in Budapest, from the US! by sarah105
I'm working in Budapest for the next two months, and I'm looking to make friends while I'm here! I grew up in the northeast US but have traveled a fair bit since then. I've been in Budapest for about two weeks so far and would love to meet up with ...
Sarah, Friday night is drinks night at TheClub, currently venued at the outdoor Pointers Bar, 2nd courtyard, 13 Kiraly utca (if you can find it!). Plenty of expats - English, American - and indigenous persons too. From 6 - 9 pm officially, Club ... Read More
Digi TV by angol
I've just moved rented flat after my first year in BP. Gone a little more down-market and there's no TV set. I've signed up with UPC (in own name) for internet plus TV package. Only got two English cable channels at my last place so have signed up ...
Thanks for all the really helpful replies. Tho' it's a techie subject it's had plenty of reader hits. After all my enquiries, visits to MMrkt etc, I have arrived at a solution. A Hungarian friend is gifting/lending me a spare TV! It's an oldish ... Read More
Digi TV by angol
I've just moved rented flat after my first year in BP. Gone a little more down-market and there's no TV set. I've signed up with UPC (in own name) for internet plus TV package. Only got two English cable channels at my last place so have signed up ...
Well, my visit to MediaMarkt revealed they don't have anything to help me apart from individual HD monitors with integrated TV tuner or HD TV sets with integrated tuner. Strangely, the cheapest price for either was the same - about 40000 Ft. Re: ... Read More
Digi TV by angol
I've just moved rented flat after my first year in BP. Gone a little more down-market and there's no TV set. I've signed up with UPC (in own name) for internet plus TV package. Only got two English cable channels at my last place so have signed up ...
According to the Asus website there seems to be the option of card or stick as tuner. Unless both are required. http://www.asus.com/Search/?SearchKey=TV%20tuner The sticks look simpler and claim, for example: Just plug the ASUS Express TV Stick ... Read More
Digi TV by angol
I've just moved rented flat after my first year in BP. Gone a little more down-market and there's no TV set. I've signed up with UPC (in own name) for internet plus TV package. Only got two English cable channels at my last place so have signed up ...
OK, thanks for the further info. The HDMI socket in laptop is to output to TVs (only output). If you want to receive TV signals, in your laptop then you will need TV tuner.Yes, when I plugged the cable into both STB and laptop nothing happened - ... Read More
Digi TV by angol
I've just moved rented flat after my first year in BP. Gone a little more down-market and there's no TV set. I've signed up with UPC (in own name) for internet plus TV package. Only got two English cable channels at my last place so have signed up ...
Well, there's an HDMI socket on the STB, UPCman left some HDMI cable - it's got small cylinder bulbs at each end just before each plug - and I've got a laptop with HDMI socket. What's gonna happen if I connect up and switch on the UPC box? I ... Read More
Digi TV by angol
I've just moved rented flat after my first year in BP. Gone a little more down-market and there's no TV set. I've signed up with UPC (in own name) for internet plus TV package. Only got two English cable channels at my last place so have signed up ...
szocske, a desktop monitor - that's a good idea. Would that have a 4x1 cm socket to match the UPC scart plug? I notice the STB also has other ouput sockets, like a pc-friendly one marked HD TV. I have a laptop here, but I'm not into hi-fi so don't ... Read More
Digi TV by angol
I've just moved rented flat after my first year in BP. Gone a little more down-market and there's no TV set. I've signed up with UPC (in own name) for internet plus TV package. Only got two English cable channels at my last place so have signed up ...
Don't they supply a "Set Top Box" when you sign up? That should drive whatever old TV you have via SCART.Hadn't thought of that. I'm no expert on TVs. UPC have installed the HD box and 20-point scart cable, but I don't yet have any TV of my own so ... Read More
Digi TV
I've just moved rented flat after my first year in BP. Gone a little more down-market and there's no TV set. I've signed up with UPC (in own name) for internet plus TV package. Only got two English cable channels at my last place so have signed up ... Read More
Paint shop by angol
Hi folks. Does anyone know where I can find a paint shop in BP? I've not discovered anywhere in V district (predictably). I'm after paint remover and a scraper to tidy up some previously over-painted window frames.
Many thanks for the reference, Frida. At last an answer. I knew I'd have to travel, but looks like the most convenient OBI branch is up Vaci ut in 脷jpest XIII district and there's a metro station nearby. Read More
Paint shop
Hi folks. Does anyone know where I can find a paint shop in BP? I've not discovered anywhere in V district (predictably). I'm after paint remover and a scraper to tidy up some previously over-painted window frames. Read More
Learning Hungarian for beginners by jamiewelshboy
Hi everyone, I'm a new member, recently moved to Budapest, I was wondering if anyone knew of any group courses or reasonably priced beginners Hungarian courses or tutors they could suggest? cheers Jamie
To Jamie , who asked the question... The choice between private tutor and school classes is one of a) cost, b) learning preferences and c) availability. A professional private teacher will cost 'up to' twice as much per session as a school class. ... Read More
Shopping for clothes (inexpensively) by Stephanie99
Can anyone recommend places to buy summer clothes that won't cost too much in Budapest? We arrive in February and will be well-prepared for winter, but as summer arrives we plan on buying clothes as it gets warmer. Where should we go? Thanks Steph
Forgot to add that stocks will undoubtedly change to summer wear come springtime. Read More
Shopping for clothes (inexpensively) by Stephanie99
Can anyone recommend places to buy summer clothes that won't cost too much in Budapest? We arrive in February and will be well-prepared for winter, but as summer arrives we plan on buying clothes as it gets warmer. Where should we go? Thanks Steph
You should have no problem in finding inexpensive summer clothing here, Stephanie, provided you shop right. There are sufficient second-hand and charity shops, with mostly good quality items - you just need to locate the shops. In V District, ... Read More
Health Services by angol
I've checked what's available here on this topic - not a lot. So some tough questions for the experts! DOCTOR How do I acquire TB? There is a doctor service for the apartment block I live in. Name and address printed on notice board. Should I look ...
Many thanks, szocske. I'll try to locate the previous posting. I do need to sort out where I stand. I suspect not having an employer, or Hungarian national insurance number, or official residency documents is a problem. Further research indicates ... Read More
Health Services by angol
I've checked what's available here on this topic - not a lot. So some tough questions for the experts! DOCTOR How do I acquire TB? There is a doctor service for the apartment block I live in. Name and address printed on notice board. Should I look ...
Thanks for the two contributions. I'm a little disappointed that no further info has been forthcoming on this - my - topic. For example, on how to acquire the Tarsadalombiztositas insurance for medical services and whether I could qualify. Does ... Read More
Learning Hungarian
The bad news and the good news. Are locals in Budapest usually happy to slow down to help language novices like me?!Happy to slow down: No, never! Happy to help: Usually, yes. Some people learn languages just by listening and speaking - quickest. ... Read More
Currency woes by angol
Not sure if this is the right kind of forum for this, but anyway ... Hope folks are giving some attention to the totally surprising (not) mess the euro is in. I see only very negative economic, and political, consequences in Europe, and beyond, ...
Fluffy, Thanks for correcting any errors. The only thing which would help would be if Hungary was sitting on some readily saleable natural resource like gas, diamonds or oil. However, there's really not much here like thatThis morning I read ... Read More
Currency woes
Not sure if this is the right kind of forum for this, but anyway ... Hope folks are giving some attention to the totally surprising (not) mess the euro is in. I see only very negative economic, and political, consequences in Europe, and beyond, ... Read More
What is the best internet provider and phone sim card? by velo
Hi all, I'm coming to Budapest soon and going to stay there for a few months. Need your advice what is the best internet provider in Budapest? and phone sim card? Thanks.
T Mobile insist on a residence card even for pay-as-you-go 3G.Well, that's interesting. Should I report their shop for not asking for mine? I don't actually know what a residence card is. Should I have one? I simply showed them my tenancy agreement. Read More
What is the best internet provider and phone sim card? by velo
Hi all, I'm coming to Budapest soon and going to stay there for a few months. Need your advice what is the best internet provider in Budapest? and phone sim card? Thanks.
szocske points out that gettting an Internet connection takes time. This being so, I would suggest to Stephanie that you try to get your landlord involved between now and February. Where I'm staying, there was an existing UPC cable connection and ... Read More
Where to buy good quality lamb? (Budapest) by Argonaut
Morning all, there's some things that I miss from the UK (but not that many), one of them is lamb. So far, I've tried without success to find a good place to buy it, Tesco's offers some pre-packed very fatty and extremely expensive lamb but that's ...
Have you tried asking 'kebab shops' where they get their meat? (Actually, maybe that's not a good idea!!) Kebaberies do exist here - with the spit roast 'meat' turning on a spike for slicing. There are two at least on south side of St Istv谩n k枚r煤t. ... Read More
We're booked and ready - Arriving in February! by Stephanie99
Hi everyone My Hungarian-born partner and I are arriving in Budapest on Feb 12th. We have an apartment sorted already - Szent Istv谩n k枚r煤t 5 - which is also exciting. Seems like a good area...? We are both on paid leave (on half-pay) from work and ...
I live in a street off Szent Istv谩n k枚r煤t. Yes it's a good area. If you're actually overlooking the k枚r煤t you'll be able to watch the bright yellow trams go by - exciting! The street is good for access to many shops, restaurants, bars. At the south ... Read More
ATM Withdrawals
My UK bank is Santander. They definitely have a maximum 拢300 day limit on ATM cash withdrawals. I believe this applies to most UK banks. Hadn't thought of asking them to raise the limit. Perhaps they'd agree, perhaps they wouldn't. Read More
Health Services
I've checked what's available here on this topic - not a lot. So some tough questions for the experts! DOCTOR How do I acquire TB? There is a doctor service for the apartment block I live in. Name and address printed on notice board. Should I look ... Read More
Can my parents mail me OTC drugs to Budapest? by GuestPoster116
I'm experiencing spoiled American syndrome again... I'm just learning that Hungary is WAY behind in the OTC drug market. My (hungarian) friend has gotten a cold, and I told him to take medicine. He said he did. 4 hours later, he felt no relief. ...
Don't know about the rules on importing medicines. You have EU regulations on approved drugs, plus Hungary's own historic system. What I do know is it's difficult to send liquids abroad from the UK, because Royal Mail won't export such things. My ... Read More
American Working/Living in Hungary visa/permit question!? by jravi
Hello all! I am an American and I am trying to figure out what I need to qualify for a residence permit and then a work permit in Hungary. I am going to be teaching English and I have a job offer and will have a residence with the school. From ...
Reads like your feeling confused and frustrated. I have no experience of this, but I guess what you're after is a residence visa. This page learn4good.com/travel/hungary_visa.htm simplifies the requirements a little bit. Looks like you need a D-type ... Read More
Where to buy good quality lamb? (Budapest) by Argonaut
Morning all, there's some things that I miss from the UK (but not that many), one of them is lamb. So far, I've tried without success to find a good place to buy it, Tesco's offers some pre-packed very fatty and extremely expensive lamb but that's ...
Not sure which side of the divide you're on ... but I would have thought the indoor markets in Pest would stock fresh lamb. I'm sure you know the big covered market opposite F贸vam ter, just before Szabads谩g Bridge. There is also a similar smaller ... Read More
Am I paying too much?! by MissVirginia
Hi everyone, I've just relocated and before I landed I found online a nice apartment near the Opera House in the 6th. One bedroom, 60m, furnished (v nice) for 750 euro, which includes all bills, internet, cable, fully equipped, everything. But now ...
In my view, there are two good reasons for living in Budapest - the beauty of the city and the moderate housing costs. Why not enjoy both? I live in V district, 78 sqm, traditionally furnished. Rent including common costs is 98200 Ft/month. But ... Read More
The population census in Hungary - need some help! by Andy_nor
I just heard from my friends that we are supposed to take a population census and that its compulsory for everyone. I haven't received a letter regarding this and was wondering how I should go about it? I read up online that I can get a fee if I ...
Unfortunately, the online application date has passed - that closed on 16 October. The closing date for submitting paper forms is 31 October. The date census details refer to is 1 October. If I understand you, Andy, you've been informed by mail ... Read More
The population census in Hungary - need some help! by Andy_nor
I just heard from my friends that we are supposed to take a population census and that its compulsory for everyone. I haven't received a letter regarding this and was wondering how I should go about it? I read up online that I can get a fee if I ...
I think your degree of concern should depend on whether you're the property owner or not. If you're a tenant, then place responsibility for completing the property questionnaire on your landlord. S/he may, or may not, require you to complete the ... Read More
Expats麓night out ! ! ! Friday 21/10/2011 by mathieu.alloo
Hello all! I hope you are all doing well here in Budapest and that you are ready to get used to the cold weather that is ahead of us... I arrived over a month ago in this great city and I already had the chance to meet many people but as we always ...
A very good gathering. I got home at 5 so I guess must have had a good time! Perhaps a regular Friday night could happen. Read More
Who麓s up for a massive gathering of the expat community ? by mathieu.alloo
We could all meet at a bar in the down town area and make a massive encounter for all expats that are interested!
Sounds like a flash mob. But I admire your bold approach, Mathieu. I'm sure it will be appreciated here -- provided you can back it up. What I mean is: when/if you've received a few vague replies indicating willingness to meet up (as long as it's ... Read More
Looking for a few used things! Rugs, bike, end tables
Second hand clothes shop near the south-east end of Pozsonyi ut, just off St Istvan Krt, V. Quite smart - not sure about kids stuff. Also, a big one very close to Astoria, but can't pinpoint exactly. I've been inside, masses of stock, and certainly ... Read More
Meeting People?
Teachrman, Since you've mentioned it ... How does one get on the guest list for the British Embassy Club? And might I pass the test as a candidate? Read More
Health care in Budapest by Yud
Hello everyone, One among the various issue that many expatriates usually raise is [i]Health Care[/i]. So, I think it would be very interesting and helpful to start a topic about [u]Health[/u]. > So, can you please list some of the private ...
My next-door neighbour is a retired doctor. She tells me I should have medical insurance to get by in Budapest -- which I don't have. But what is 'TB' and how does one get it? (no obvious medical jokes required :)) Read More
Security Deposits by Raoul9
Hi all, I'm moving to Budapest this month and have a question about the general cost of moving into an apartment. Is it a standard practice for apartment owners/managers to ask new tenants for two months rent as a security deposit, in addition to ...
Raoul, Apologies, I seem to have misinformed you. As you've asked again, I've checked my rental contract and find I HAVE paid a two month security deposit. Initial payment was a bit drawn out at the time as I needed to withdraw from bank, which ... Read More
Security Deposits by Raoul9
Hi all, I'm moving to Budapest this month and have a question about the general cost of moving into an apartment. Is it a standard practice for apartment owners/managers to ask new tenants for two months rent as a security deposit, in addition to ...
My security deposit was one month's rent (June this year). One landlord I visited asked for 6 weeks deposit. Can't recall any request from others for two months deposit. AFAIK, it's not against the law. Generally tenants have the upper hand in ... Read More
Barber by angol
The time has come... to get my hair cut. I've been in Pest for 6 weeks and maybe noticed one or two classy ladies' salons - but no gentleman barbers have come to my attention. I see 'A-List Salon' has been recommended once on this board. Excellent ...
Kriz82 wrote: you just cant miss itHaven't been there yet, but I take your point. It's flashy and won an award! Read More
Barber by angol
The time has come... to get my hair cut. I've been in Pest for 6 weeks and maybe noticed one or two classy ladies' salons - but no gentleman barbers have come to my attention. I see 'A-List Salon' has been recommended once on this board. Excellent ...
there is a fairly good salon in Corvin Setany @ -1 floorI looked up Corvin S茅t谩ny and found this panoramio.com/photo/46457781]nice picture. But I do trust your judgement, Kriz. My Dad always said, "The difference between a good haircut and a bad ... Read More
Barber by angol
The time has come... to get my hair cut. I've been in Pest for 6 weeks and maybe noticed one or two classy ladies' salons - but no gentleman barbers have come to my attention. I see 'A-List Salon' has been recommended once on this board. Excellent ...
Thanks for the tips, szocske. Yes, once I took the small trouble to translate 'hairdresser' to Magyar the search became easier. In fact, they're everywhere. DAN脥 - at the end of my street - features a window illustration of a Victorian child ... Read More
Barber
The time has come... to get my hair cut. I've been in Pest for 6 weeks and maybe noticed one or two classy ladies' salons - but no gentleman barbers have come to my attention. I see 'A-List Salon' has been recommended once on this board. Excellent ... Read More
Advice needed on district to live by GuestPoster963
Hi all, I am moving to Budapest next month and looking for a house or apartment. Requirements are: - Close to Bartok Bela Ut, District 11, walking distance or less than 15 minutes with public transport. - Clean, modern and safe area I found a ...
Hi bebbocu, You probably mean Veres P谩ln茅 utca. That street runs parallel to the well known Vaci utca where you'll find not only restaurants galore but sales staff ready to push you inside, with the tourists. Good food though. I can't recall Dohany ... 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 ...
Thanks for this conversation as I too am looking for a local bank. There's a complete list at budapestagentdotcom, but think I am possibly favouring CIB. I have no regular income presently, so particularly interested in forint savings accounts - ... Read More
Viewing Pest apartments by angol
Hi folks, I'm planning to move to Budapest very shortly - the overheads here in London are getting too much! I've emailed 25 rental agents/landlords in the past week seeking appointments to view flats: but, so far, only 3 replies. I've mainly ...
and happy to take pets!!!!If only EasyJet was so charitable... Thanks. Read More
Viewing Pest apartments by angol
Hi folks, I'm planning to move to Budapest very shortly - the overheads here in London are getting too much! I've emailed 25 rental agents/landlords in the past week seeking appointments to view flats: but, so far, only 3 replies. I've mainly ...
Thanks again, fluffy. I must have viewed hundreds of flats online now, including some on Magyar-only sites. I guess there's a balance between over-pricing and having a helpful and reliable agent and landlord. I think I have a reasonable view now of ... Read More
Viewing Pest apartments by angol
Hi folks, I'm planning to move to Budapest very shortly - the overheads here in London are getting too much! I've emailed 25 rental agents/landlords in the past week seeking appointments to view flats: but, so far, only 3 replies. I've mainly ...
Fluffy, Thanks for your response. And thanks for the tip on other websites. An overload of estate agents - what bliss! I guess I am hoping for too much immediate action given the holiday. 28 deg C here today plus a kind of fog. I will use phone ... Read More
How do rental agencies charge in BP?
Girlie, Many thanks for your reassurances and advice. I have been considering whether I should write to agents in the language. I've been studying Hungarian 2 hours a week for 6 months. But my Hungarian is still not just embarrassing, it's hopeless! ... Read More
How do rental agencies charge in BP?
I'm visiting Budapest for the first week of May. I'm hoping to search for and find a flat to rent in V district. Can anyone tell me how rental agents charge? Do I pay a percentage fee or does the landlord? Please also see my earlier post 'Viewing ... Read More
Viewing Pest apartments
Hi folks, I'm planning to move to Budapest very shortly - the overheads here in London are getting too much! I've emailed 25 rental agents/landlords in the past week seeking appointments to view flats: but, so far, only 3 replies. I've mainly ... Read More