Short trip to Hungary

Nikiya

Hello! My son is travelling to Hungary.

He'll probably use the Santander zero for payments but if he wants some cash for markets, tips, etc. Where can he get the best rates? 

I read they are better over there, but any advice would be welcome.
Also, if it is more convenient to take pounds, dollars of Euros.
I found a thread about this issue but it is from 2015.

Thanks in advance!

IOWJJBTM2025

I use revolut when abroad - you can get cash from cash machines locally with no fees.

elsien

if he’s only taking a bit for tips in the odd purchase over a couple of days then the rates probably aren’t going to make a huge amount of difference. 

Nikiya

Thanks, never heard of Revolut, do you know how long it takes to get one?

dnpark38

When I used to go to Europe I just put my card in the first ATM I saw at the arriving airport, when the ATM asks if you would like to see the conversion in Sterling say NO.
When at departing UK airport after security and airside go to an ATM and ask to see a/c balance this alerts the bank you are going abroad.
Make sure sure he has a an EU health card and if medical help required to use that in the countries NHS and he will get what a citizen would get.
Also make sure he has private insurance as well.

hubr

I've been a frequent visitor to Hungary, mostly outside Budapest. I've used a Starling personal a/c but cash seems king. Euros often acceptable, but Forints are the currency. I've used M&S bank, Post Office etc prior to travel, but oddly, most small towns & cities offer better rates. OFX used to transfer bigger amounts between banks.

NoodleDoodleMan

dnpark38 said:

When I used to go to Europe I just put my card in the first ATM I saw at the arriving airport, when the ATM asks if you would like to see the conversion in Stirling say NO.
When at departing UK airport after security and airside go to an ATM and ask to see a/c balance this alerts the bank you are going abroad.
Make sure sure he has a an EU health card and if medical help required to use that in the countries NHS and he will get what a citizen would get.
Also make sure he has private insurance as well.

Sterling !!!