Living and working in Hungary

9 fun facts about Hungary 

1. DO NOT clink your beer: In 1848 the Hungarian Revolution against the Habsburgs was defeated, ending in 13 Hungarian generals being executed and the Austrians clinking their beer after each execution. After this, Hungarians vowed to forbid clinking their beers for 150 years, time passed but the custom stays.
2. It’s one of the oldest European countries: Hungary dates back to 895 which makes it older than France and Germany
3. Cowboy’s people: It was very common to ride over Europe on horseback, and still today you can see this practice in Hungary
4. The ‘City of Baths’: Budapest is the city with more thermal springs in the world naturally fed by 120 hot springs. Every day over 70 million litres of thermal water come up to the surface!. Many of these thermal baths date from the 16th century.
5. Rubik’s cube home: Hungary is the home of many inventions like the Rubik’s cube, the ballpoint pen, holography, thermographic camera, digital computing and the first functional helicopter.
6. Introductions: Using your last name during introducing yourself is a common practice in Hungary.
7. Spice Lovers: Paprika is so loved by Hungarians, it became their national spice! It even has its own museum. 
8. Their Pálinka: Hungarian well-known fruit alcohol drink, Pálinka, is usually made from plums, but you can also find one made from pears, apricots or cherries. 
9. The Land of wine: In Tokaj wine has been produced since the 5th century. It is the first in the world official wine area. 

Vivid culture in Hungary

Hungarian traditions and customs have been passed down through generations, so it’s a very ancient tradition we can see until this day over the country:

• Folklore and folk music play a great role and have an influence on art even nowadays, as it is their literary heritage.
• They have developed a rich spa culture due to their own natural thermal springs.
• They show their lifestyle in their crafts of ceramics and embroidery, their music, costumes and dances.
• There are special folk art demonstrations, famous all over the world, that come from the Hungarian technique. 

Hungarian food and dishes

Gastronomy is an important factor for Hungarians. It’s a combination of tradition and innovation, enriched with inspirations from other cultures. Hungarian cuisine tends to be mildly spicy and well seasoned. Some of their most well-known dishes are:

• Goulash
• Pörkölt
• Főzelék
• Hearty Gundel pancakes (filled with a mixture of walnuts and room with a sauce made from dark chocolate)
• Lángos
• Sweet fruit soup (served cold)

Housing in Hungary

Accommodation in Hungary is relatively cheap compared to other countries in Europe. Try to look online, on websites or Facebook groups for expats looking for accommodation. You can contact the landlord directly or add your own post about housing search. The average prices of housing in Hungary will be like this:

• 1-bedroom apartment in the city center
  • Budapest: €530-€740 a month
  • Other cities: €320-€530 a month
• 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center
  • Budapest: €500-€580 a month
  • Other cities: €320-€530 a month
• Room in a shared apartment: €120-€200 a month

Cost of living in Hungary

Cost of living in Hungary is low compared to other European countries. Here are examples of some of the basic costs you should be aware of:

• Groceries: €130-€200 a month
• Cheap meal in a restaurant: €7,50-€12
• Beer in a bar: €1-€3
• Coffee in a café: €1,50
• Cinema ticket: €6-€10
• Gym membership: €25-€70 a month

Expat communities in Hungary

Moving to a new place on your own can seem challenging, especially if it’s your first time. Remember there are many people like you, looking for somebody to start a new journey with, so be open-minded and socialise a lot! We also recommend to join Facebook groups for expats where you will easily find like-minded people. Use our expertise in making friends abroad. This will enhance your experience in Hungary for sure!

Where to learn Hungarian

If you plan to reside for a longer period of time in Hungary, we recommend learning the language to some extent. People in Hungary are very collaborative when it comes to practising their language, so don’t be afraid to ask for help on this matter. It can be difficult for some expats to learn Hungarian but it’s very rewarding since locals value this a lot. There are plenty of places where you can learn the language like the Balassi cultural institute,University of Pécs, the University of Szeged and some of them offer scholarships.

Still not convinced about Hungary?

Hungary offers a wealth of attractions and landmarks to explore:

• Start your journey in Budapest, the capital city, where you can visit the stunning Hungarian Parliament Building, the historic Buda Castle, and the Chain Bridge.
• Take a stroll along the Danube River and soak in the beauty of the city’s architecture.
• Also, don’t miss the thermal baths, such as the famous Széchenyi Thermal Bath, for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
• Outside of Budapest, you can explore the charming town of Eger, known for its mediaeval castle and thermal baths, or visit the Danube Bend region, which offers scenic landscapes and historic towns like Szentendre.

Hungary is also a treasure trove of architectural wonders:

• Explore the magnificent Parliament building in Budapest, an architectural masterpiece that will leave you in awe.
• Budapest is also home to the second-oldest underground railway in the world, the historic Line 1, which has been in operation since 1896.

Hungary is the birthplace of the Rubik’s Cube, the iconic 3D puzzle that has captivated millions worldwide. Embrace your inner puzzle solver and see if you can master the colourful challenge created by Hungarian architect Ernő Rubik.

Hungarians are known for their hospitality and warmth. The concept of “vendégszeretet” (guest-friendliness) runs deep, ensuring that you’ll feel welcome and cherished as you make Hungary your home. All of this together will make living and working in Hungary an unforgettable experience!