tomasc
Italian expat in Hungary
Forum posts
52
About me
Italian
Lives in Budapest
Registration: 27 August 2009
Men in skirts in Hungary? by HFTarasque
Just have a simple question - are men in skirts accepted, and can they be found, in Hungary? For bonus points, does this vary from region to region?
In terms of Red Bull race: it is not only Budapest issue, the whole event has been cancelled for the last two or three years globally. It looks to be restarted coming year if the permissions are getting ahead. In terms of actual legal situation ... Read More
Getting around Budapest by bicycle by xabier
Hi everyone! I was wondering if you had any advice on using the bicycle around Budapest. I love riding my bicycle everywhere and here in Barcelona I use it as the main transport on a daily basis to go to work, meet friends, go buy ...
"I'd have never thought Bp. would beat the old big sister in anything", well Danish have the right to apply their own criterias as they wish... but (having been living in Vienna as well): what about women, food, weather, cost of living, fun? did i ... Read More
Getting around Budapest by bicycle by xabier
Hi everyone! I was wondering if you had any advice on using the bicycle around Budapest. I love riding my bicycle everywhere and here in Barcelona I use it as the main transport on a daily basis to go to work, meet friends, go buy ...
Actually Budapest has been ranked by Danish cycling group (after all they invented urban cycling) as 10th best city in the world, beating Vienna hands down: http://copenhagenize.eu/index/index.html Personally i bike 12 months a year, i just skip ... Read More
Magyar Post: recieving my own package and customs issues... by rbr3262
Hello all! I am American and have lived in Eger for about 3yrs now (I work world wide though so only here about 1/4 of the time). Here is the problem I need help with: I had personal stuff (clothes, nick-nacks etc.) in storage in the U.S. for ...
by the way, if i recall correctly, there is 15% extra duty for any clothes manufactured in USA. Read More
Magyar Post: recieving my own package and customs issues... by rbr3262
Hello all! I am American and have lived in Eger for about 3yrs now (I work world wide though so only here about 1/4 of the time). Here is the problem I need help with: I had personal stuff (clothes, nick-nacks etc.) in storage in the U.S. for ...
If you bring stuff from outside EU, it has to go thru customs (and vice versa- exactly same happens people taking stuff from EU to USA - and believe me, it is not any easier there). It does not really matter if it is new or old, what matter is the ... Read More
Sending and Receiving snail mail in Hungary by Stephanie99
Hi everyone A few questions about the postal service in Hungary (we are in Budapest) 1. How long does mail normally take to arrive from Australia? My mum sent me my new driver's license 2 weeks ago. Should I be ordering a new one?! 2. Has anyone ...
I guess the problem can be anywhere between the originating country and destination country. It is not necessary that the delays occur in Hungary, it can be anywhere between these two destinations. Sometimes i have seen problems due to language or ... Read More
Hey:) Im a new member!!
Hi, Bp is full of all kind of expat and non-expat events, depending what you like, sports/culture/wine tasting... What might interest you? 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. ...
Well, Europe is not USA and it has different regulation. You can actually get OTC drugs also other places than pharmacies (DM, petrol stations), but you need to ask. As Szocske says the regulations have reasons, however, i am almost 100 % sure you ... Read More
Gyms in Budapest by Margle
Hello! I am new to Budapest, and I have managed to get most things sorted out, except for finding a gym. Could people recommend a good gym to me? I am living in the 6th district, near the Oktogon and I am working downtown, so anywhere near those ...
Forgot this none http://www.life1wellness.hu/ Read More
Gyms in Budapest by Margle
Hello! I am new to Budapest, and I have managed to get most things sorted out, except for finding a gym. Could people recommend a good gym to me? I am living in the 6th district, near the Oktogon and I am working downtown, so anywhere near those ...
This is a bit more than gym but very nice indeed http://naphegy.oxygenwellness.hu/index.php A bit cheaper version http://www.litewellness.hu/en/ Both are definitely worth checking. Read More
Opening a bank account in Hungary by Julien
Hi all, is it difficult for expats to open a bank account in Hungary ? Which documents are required to open a bank account in Hungary ? How long does it take to open it ? Is there any restriction for expats regarding the services (loans ...
Here are the exact instructions from OTP: otpbank.hu/portal/en/Retail/Account/ForintAccount_Packages/Open_an_Account Read More
Opening a bank account in Hungary by Julien
Hi all, is it difficult for expats to open a bank account in Hungary ? Which documents are required to open a bank account in Hungary ? How long does it take to open it ? Is there any restriction for expats regarding the services (loans ...
It is very easy indeed, you need your passport and if you have hungarian address then your lakcim card. otherwise you can give your home address. It takes maybe 30 min. Depending on the bank and account you need to see the requirments for initial ... Read More
Expat Pet Club Budapest by Agnes Toth
I am looking into starting a club for all of you who own dogs or other animals, living in Budapest or in the area. I am also looking into starting off an ExpatDogWalkingDay project here in the city, so I await all who would like to meet new ...
:-) check the date, i wrote it in March... 2011-03-07 21:41:25 Read More
Anyone having a car in Budapest? by louise61
Hello everybody! I am about to bring my car from France to Budapest, and I would need some advice/tips about : - car insurance : any tips about where to go, what to look for? - parking areas : I'm living in the city center, and I would like to ...
The fluffy is correct, only minor addition: for most consumer goods to be used in EU, you pay the VAT at the point of sales, ie. if i buy pair of trousers in Italy, even though i live in Hungary, i pay the VAT in Italy. In case of vehicles, however, ... Read More
Anyone having a car in Budapest? by louise61
Hello everybody! I am about to bring my car from France to Budapest, and I would need some advice/tips about : - car insurance : any tips about where to go, what to look for? - parking areas : I'm living in the city center, and I would like to ...
You can find easy to understand information on vehicle registration from here http://ec.europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/vehicles/registration/when-who/index_en.htm. You can also chose where to pay your first VAT if you move the car between the ... Read More
Anyone having a car in Budapest? by louise61
Hello everybody! I am about to bring my car from France to Budapest, and I would need some advice/tips about : - car insurance : any tips about where to go, what to look for? - parking areas : I'm living in the city center, and I would like to ...
Sorry, but you kind of missed the point, EU does not mean that there are no internal duties or difference between taxation of different countries - there are a lot actually, from varying kinds of products, it means that there are no barriers for ... Read More
Anyone having a car in Budapest? by louise61
Hello everybody! I am about to bring my car from France to Budapest, and I would need some advice/tips about : - car insurance : any tips about where to go, what to look for? - parking areas : I'm living in the city center, and I would like to ...
Just to correct minor issue Actually the registration tax as such is totally eu compliant and similar scheme is used in several eu countries beside Hungary, actually i believe it is more common than not having very high taxes. The main exceptions ... 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 ...
I have had bank accounts in most banks so i have some experience but i might also have bit special requirements. If you are very cost conscious you need to of course check the costs, however, please note that you need to review what you do with ... Read More
Mountain Bike Shop?... by fluffy2560
Can anyone recommend a good mountain bike shop in Budapest (preferably Buda side and not Decathalon or Intersport)? Thanks!
I really like Orbea, it is kind of small(ish) spanish producer that put a lot of effort in their bikes, most of them are produced in Spain although i suspect (but not sure) that some of the frames are made in Taiwan (like most at least carbon fiber ... Read More
Mountain Bike Shop?... by fluffy2560
Can anyone recommend a good mountain bike shop in Budapest (preferably Buda side and not Decathalon or Intersport)? Thanks!
The one which is kind of workshop is recickli http://www.reciklibicikli.hu/, i have used it once when my tire broke just in front of it, great servce, the other one is bringa b谩zis - it is brand new, been there maybe one or two months (i bike by it ... Read More
Mountain Bike Shop?... by fluffy2560
Can anyone recommend a good mountain bike shop in Budapest (preferably Buda side and not Decathalon or Intersport)? Thanks!
Some more.... criticalmass.hu/forum/20070602/budapesti-bringaboltok-listaja kerekparboltok.tlap.hu/ Read More
Mountain Bike Shop?... by fluffy2560
Can anyone recommend a good mountain bike shop in Budapest (preferably Buda side and not Decathalon or Intersport)? Thanks!
I think there are literally tens of shops in Buda side alone, Buda枚rs has two on the main street, there is new big shop at the crossing of Buda枚rsi 煤t and Gazdagr茅ti 煤t and close the tram terminal at Bartok Bela 煤t is nice shop called recicli which ... 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 ...
English speaking first class facilities: firstmedcenters.com/ drrose.hu/ medicover.com/huen/1044,Medicover-s-service-locations.htm medical-center.hu/Index.aspx Read More
Banking in Budapest
Just a correction, joint accounts are definitely possible, neither me or my wife are hungarian citizens and one of us is not even resident but we have in three different banks joint bank accounts with full rights. Actually you don't need to be even ... Read More
does anyone needs help ? by asbracoach
Hi, I am searching for somebody who could help me to start living in Budapest understanding the language, people, and life. My dream ? Opening a little shop in a few months, even with a partner. Can you suggest me somebody who needs a serious ...
I also think that Hungary might have been over enthusiastic in implementing compulsary training for quite a few activities where more traditional countries have not, although the original idea and concept is pretty solid. My personal experience from ... Read More
does anyone needs help ? by asbracoach
Hi, I am searching for somebody who could help me to start living in Budapest understanding the language, people, and life. My dream ? Opening a little shop in a few months, even with a partner. Can you suggest me somebody who needs a serious ...
Actually i did not have opinion on the issue, just that it is inline with EU development, and the fact that not all countries have implemented something has no relevance whether it makes sense or not. Actually i do disagree however, EU regulations ... Read More
does anyone needs help ? by asbracoach
Hi, I am searching for somebody who could help me to start living in Budapest understanding the language, people, and life. My dream ? Opening a little shop in a few months, even with a partner. Can you suggest me somebody who needs a serious ...
Actually this "training to be shopkeeper" is EU wide initiative, however most of the EU countries thus far has not implemented it as consistently as Hungary. However, the spirit of EU program is that all professions should be provided training for. ... Read More
Expat Pet Club Budapest by Agnes Toth
I am looking into starting a club for all of you who own dogs or other animals, living in Budapest or in the area. I am also looking into starting off an ExpatDogWalkingDay project here in the city, so I await all who would like to meet new ...
Sounds good idea, keep us posted for the events! The Spring is supposed to start officially on Friday! idokep.hu/tavasz Read More
Pets in Budapest? by Agnes Toth
If anyone wants to come to a veterinary clinic where the doc speaks English (studied in the States), is totally a friendly and fun place, and is advertised as the first American style clinic in Hungary, let me know, or visit this website: ...
Personally i have no problems whatever vet people are using - i am sure this one is good as well - as long as the animal they care for is treated properly. PS. This is bit beside the topic, BUT, it might be strange for some of our amerian friends ... Read More
Pets in Budapest? by Agnes Toth
If anyone wants to come to a veterinary clinic where the doc speaks English (studied in the States), is totally a friendly and fun place, and is advertised as the first American style clinic in Hungary, let me know, or visit this website: ...
There is animal ambulance allatmento.hu/elerhetoseg.php which you can call 24hr. Not sure about their english, however, in the emergency it is enough to be able to say your address. Here is also 24hr veterinary practise ... Read More
tanning salons (szolarium) by logger
tanning salons (szolarium) could this be the answer to those late february blues ? seems like a szolarium on every other city block, but never seen anyone actually visiting this kind of premises, has this culture been replaced by the more active ...
Actually that is true, too much solarium is definitely not great idea - whether it has been really proven to cause skin cancer or not, but definitely there is possibility for that it might cause increased risk. Whether solarium causes higher risk ... Read More
tanning salons (szolarium) by logger
tanning salons (szolarium) could this be the answer to those late february blues ? seems like a szolarium on every other city block, but never seen anyone actually visiting this kind of premises, has this culture been replaced by the more active ...
i am not sure about the decline, fashion trends come and go. Personally i just find tanned people better looking and being superficial as i am, i like that - when i was liviging in UK i was seriously suffering from the pale chicken skin syndrome ... Read More
tanning salons (szolarium) by logger
tanning salons (szolarium) could this be the answer to those late february blues ? seems like a szolarium on every other city block, but never seen anyone actually visiting this kind of premises, has this culture been replaced by the more active ...
If you visit any of the big night clubs in Bp you can see lot of people who clearly visit these places regularly (as well as myself...). Maybe it is a bit less popular than used to be but in my salon you can see all kind of people (men, women, old, ... Read More
Is Quorn available in Budapest by markru
I am a near vegetarian, that is I eat fish but no meat products. In the UK we could get hold of a meat substitute called "Quorn". Does anyone know if there are any stockists in Budapest or elsewhere, i.e. just over the border in Austria. Thanks mark
Proper italian risotto is not cooked in plain water but either in chicken/meat stock/broth or white wine (there are variations depending on the chef but should never be plain water). Read More
Is Quorn available in Budapest by markru
I am a near vegetarian, that is I eat fish but no meat products. In the UK we could get hold of a meat substitute called "Quorn". Does anyone know if there are any stockists in Budapest or elsewhere, i.e. just over the border in Austria. Thanks mark
Budapest is a big city, i am vegetarian, lot of my hungarian friends are vegetarians, sporty, health conscious etc who hardly ever (except when visiting mother...) eat traditional hungarian food. It is entirely possibly without any problem to live ... Read More
English Native Speakers In Pecs by markru
Hi Are there any other English speaking people in Pecs. All ex-pats seem to be in Budapest. I live permenently here, with my wife, just outside of Pecs. English native speakers seem to be a rare breed down here.
There should be some english speaking expats for sure, Elcoteq (major finnish electronics company) has big facility there and i heard that in pecsvaros there is american couple who has a pensio (small hotel). If you check google lodging in Pecsvaros ... Read More
What do vegetarians do here in the winter ? by logger
I know it聮s summer out there and the living is easy, but winter is just around the corner ! I聮ve often thought about this tricky question, never found a satisfactory answer. Summer is great, with lots of tasty fresh local produce. But, what do ...
Obviously you cannot eat local produce too much in the winter... but better supermarkets and vegetable shops has plenty of foreing produce available. At least in Budapest you have plenty of shops where you can buy whatever you want, more or less. If ... Read More
English language computers in Budapest by logger
As far as I can determine, internet mail order computer vendors only deliver one installed language version of Windows 聳 the language version of the country in which the product is ordered/delivered. Language doesn't seem to be an option. Does ...
If you buy your pc in a specialist shop you can get your pc with any language you want. That might be more expensive than at home but that depends where your home is and if you can get there. Of course if you want language that is not commonly ... Read More
Paying bills by logger
I heard people in Hungary don't use cheques. To pay bills, they take their bank card or a bag of cash down to the post office, and pay the bill there. Apparently, this is why there are always long lines at the post office. Is this true ?
All online banks i have been using (OTP, K&H, Reiffeisen, Citibank, etc) have english online banking, so don't worry about language. Really unless you need extensive amount of cash (excess of 250k), there is never need to go to bank or post office ... Read More
Paying bills by logger
I heard people in Hungary don't use cheques. To pay bills, they take their bank card or a bag of cash down to the post office, and pay the bill there. Apparently, this is why there are always long lines at the post office. Is this true ?
I am not actually advertising OTP, however, i do find it very good especially in terms of euro exchange rate and online banking facilities,and also we have excellent service from our neighbourhood OTP - never have to queue (they always take us ahead ... Read More
Paying bills by logger
I heard people in Hungary don't use cheques. To pay bills, they take their bank card or a bag of cash down to the post office, and pay the bill there. Apparently, this is why there are always long lines at the post office. Is this true ?
As most parts in developed Europe, checks are not used for payments, personally before moving to UK i had not seen a cheque in scandinavia for 25 years.... You can pay in post office, but no need to do it as all invoices can be paid by online ... Read More
Szentendre area by logger
Hi ! We are expecting to move to the Szentendre area sometime this summer. Although we visited the town as tourists, we are wondering what it will be like to live there all the time ! We are both outdoor types with a big dog who needs regular ...
We have lived here in Bp for six years and considering that i am vegetarian i do eat lot of fresh vegetables and salads. I have never noticed any lack of fresh vegetables or lettuce etc. We do most of the shopping from either Kaiser (which has ... Read More
Info about Hungary by WHIM86U
I am originally from Nigeria, but now a Norwegian citizen. I currently live in London, but things are so difficult here now, in terms of job etc. I am thinking of relocating to Hungary, and I have just finish my degree in criminology from one of the ...
Hi, i have several black friends (i am white) living here in Bp and no-one has ever complained about racist experiences here in Bp. I countryside some people might be curious as they have never seen a black person before (actually one of them is ... Read More
Budapest flights are so expensive! by gabsgabs
Why are flights to Budapest so expensive? What's going on in Budapest?
Hi, i am scandinavian, before Bp i have been living in italy, uk and australia among other places and i find hungary very reasonable indeed. For americans it might not looks so cheap but for australian (or british/skandinavian/italian) definitely ... Read More
Budapest's Underground Courtyard Parties
Definitely the kert scene is as lively as ever, new ones are popping all the time, of course szimpla kert is still going strong but there are lot ot of others as well. You can find (most) of them from funzine, time out or pestiest or just hanging ... Read More
british food by dhall905
Can anyone tell me where to buy british foods in Budapest ?
Actually i am not hungarian... and you might be right about hungarians (although i do find food in hungary superior to both uk an us)... and we do all have our own tastes but i have been living in uk, us, italy, france, australia, singapore and ... Read More
british food by dhall905
Can anyone tell me where to buy british foods in Budapest ?
Tesco has some british products as well (although why someone would like to buy british/american food is beyond comprehension). Read More
Do and don't in Hungary by expat.com
Are you living in Hungary? We need you to share your experience of the local customs :) Is it difficult to adjust to the local customs in Hungary? Could you please share with us a list of the [b] do's and don't's in Hungary?[/b] Thanks!
In terms of labeling some comments racists, i would rather stay safe than politically correct. This specific problem is not unique to Hungary but exist also in Scandinavia, Portugal, Spain, Slovakia, Czech, Poland, Romania and after having been ... Read More
Do and don't in Hungary by expat.com
Are you living in Hungary? We need you to share your experience of the local customs :) Is it difficult to adjust to the local customs in Hungary? Could you please share with us a list of the [b] do's and don't's in Hungary?[/b] Thanks!
Hi, it is very true that the taxation in hungary is quite high, especially compared with its local ex-communist neighbours (with exception of poland which is also still having progressive taxation), with already reasonable income you might end up ... Read More
Living in Hungary by expat.com
You are living in Hungary, or you used to live in Hungary. [b]Share your experience![/b] How would you describe life in Hungary? Has it been complicated to settle down, to find an accommodation and a job? Is it complicated to make friends in ...
there are lot of real estate sites (ingatlan) where you can find flats, and surprisingly lot of them although targeted to local market have actually english version as well. just google ingatlan and look around.My personal favourite is to look for ... Read More
Living in Hungary by expat.com
You are living in Hungary, or you used to live in Hungary. [b]Share your experience![/b] How would you describe life in Hungary? Has it been complicated to settle down, to find an accommodation and a job? Is it complicated to make friends in ...
Hi, i cannot really comment on the living at countryside but here in budapest there is really a large community of expats who live here either part time or full time. In terms of housing, it roughly is split in two: those who are here for short ... Read More