Got a 10,000 HUF fine in Budapest Airport - How bad is it?

Pincher

Had to throw a perfectly good Swiss Army knife away at the airport once, because I usually have one in my man-bag. I usually transfer it to the check-in luggage, but forgot that time. For people who are used to everything in convenient rip open packets, obviously it makes no sense whatsoever.

For centuries, carrying a weapon was an arrestable offence in China, only officials were allowed to carry swords etc. Not very safe for travellers who have wild animals to deal with. A meat cleaver is exempt, since even a noodle seller needs to cut. This is why the stereo type of gangsters with meat cleavers: because they could not be arrested for possession of a meat cleaver, aka a kitchen knife.

Peasants still needed to defend themselves, god knows the police wasn't going to defend them, unless you bribed them. This is why martial arts used everyday objects like walking staff, towels and even fans (the one that folds into a bar shape).

Now, you can't even carry a kitchen knife any more.
What's next, screw drivers?

jumperabv3

NiftyDigits wrote: »

Last time I was in Budapest airport, most of the airport security wanted to have their picture taken with me. I ran away, as I'm photo-shy.

I don't know if you're referring to me anyhow or trying to imply that I complained about what happened to me, but if you note I haven't said a single bad word about the way they treated me whatsoever ... I got what I deserve and I am not complaining at all - the airport is excellent for travel, the city itself has lots of value to offer, it's so cheap in many aspects and even the fine is quite cheap indeed.

NiftyDigits wrote: »

If the OP insists on paying the fine, then perhaps a good idea to set up a Revolut account.

No need for all that ... I've just wired the money to them using my Citibank Hong Kong account - fee: 100 HKD ==> 8.50 GBP - and they will get the full amount ... I've wired using Citibank before, the beneficiary always gets the full amount without any deductions.

jumperabv3

martindow wrote: »

Unfortunately paying by bank transfer could double the cost as your bank charges its fee. Some banks have flat fees of 20 or 25 Pounds for international transfers which is significant for small sums like this.

See again:

jumperabv3 wrote: »

I've just wired the money to them using my Citibank Hong Kong account - fee: 100 HKD ==> 8.50 GBP - and they will get the full amount ... I've wired using Citibank before, the beneficiary always gets the full amount without any deductions.

Moto2

You should be fine, at least until US Homeland Security update their 'no fly' list

NiftyDigits

jumperabv3 wrote: »

I don't know if you're referring to me anyhow or trying to imply that I complained about what happened to me, but if you note I haven't said a single bad word about the way they treated me whatsoever ... I got what I deserve and I am not complaining at all - the airport is excellent for travel, the city itself has lots of value to offer, it's so cheap in many aspects and even the fine is quite cheap indeed.



No need for all that ... I've just wired the money to them using my Citibank Hong Kong account - fee: 100 HKD ==> 8.50 GBP - and they will get the full amount ... I've wired using Citibank before, the beneficiary always gets the full amount without any deductions.

Simply recounting my experience at the airport.
Second point, Revolut is useful for travel anyway....and no need to pay even HK$100.

Voyager2002

duchy wrote: »

Cost you pay for numpty-ness unfortunately.

Disagree: most of us have done something like this. Personally I think that charging a fine is outrageous...

My own experience was when I forgot to transfer my Swiss knife from day-bag to checked bag at Accra airport in Ghana. When this was discovered at security they allowed me to return to check-in, where the staff found a little box and allowed me to take the knife as an additional item of checked luggage. It arrived fine, even though there was a change of 'planes in Amsterdam. Thank you, KLM (before the merger with the unfriendly Air France).

benjus

Does seem a bit strange to fine someone for this. In many airports you can see boxes of all the stuff that has been taken from people as they went through security. The only time this has happened to me was at Stansted when I forgot I had a large bradawl in my bag. I apologised for forgetting I had it; they just took it and let me through. Another time I forgot I had my swiss knife, but they measured it and decided it was OK to take into the cabin.

So seems a bit unfair to fine someone for being a bit forgetful. If they thought that someone was deliberately trying to smuggle a weapon into the cabin I think there would be rather more than just a fine involved...

jumperabv3

NiftyDigits wrote: »

Simply recounting my experience at the airport.
Second point, Revolut is useful for travel anyway....and no need to pay even HK$100.

It sounds interesting but when it comes to a fine from official government I'd rather rely on a bank confirmation ... I saw that Revolut can do SWIFT but they say on their site they can't confirm if the beneficiary will receive the whole amount or not due to intermediary bank fees - so in the end I think paying $100 HKD (8.50 GBP) is better, but again it's all small potatoes and not the main reason I started this thread (albeit saving money with a wire transfer or anything else is always useful).

NiftyDigits

jumperabv3 wrote: »

It sounds interesting but when it comes to a fine from official government I'd rather rely on a bank confirmation ... I saw that Revolut can do SWIFT but they say on their site they can't confirm if the beneficiary will receive the whole amount or not due to intermediary bank fees - so in the end I think paying $100 HKD (8.50 GBP) is better, but again it's all small potatoes and not the main reason I started this thread (albeit saving money with a wire transfer or anything else is always useful).

Perhaps you haven't noticed...but this is a website dedicated to saving money. Which is why I directed you to the Hungarian Embassy in the first instance, as your question was more about the effect than the finance.

Fines

Entry into Hungary can be barred if you have failed to pay a previous fine in Hungary. Contact the Hungarian Embassy in London for guidance on paying any outstanding fines before you next enter Hungary.

duchy

Voyager2002 wrote: »

Disagree: most of us have done something like this. Personally I think that charging a fine is outrageous...

.

Really ?
"Most of us" don't carry knives when we travel . Most us don't carry them on a daily basis going about our regular business either

It's twenty three quid and you think that is outrageous despite knowing the importance of airport security ? I think it's too low.

Personally I prefer to fly knowing the deranged nutter in the next seat whether terrorist or just mentally unwell won't have been able to carry a knife onboard in his carry on