Public safety
Hungary is generally a safe country. Hungarian people are hospitable and welcoming of visitors. Hungary share similar experiences with other countries and major cities frequented by visitors.
Scams
When travelling in a foreign country, it is practically impossible to validate who is a genuine police officer and who is an impersonator. Many scams are based on the “police intimidation” factor, where false IDs and uniforms are used. The most important fact that you should be aware of is that police officers are NOT allowed to accept cash as payment for fines in Hungary!
Restaurants
Hungary offers a wide range of excellent culinary entertainment. Its traditions are deeply rooted in its history and place in Europe. Unfortunately, the reputation of this industry is also being damaged by a few opportunists targeting visitors. In the vicinity of some large hotels you can be charged exorbitant prices in certain bars, clubs and restaurants. Common scams include adding a 20,000 HUF (€80,00) surcharge per drink to the final bill or charging up to 100,000 HUF (€300,00) for a meal. Individuals who have been unable to settle their bills have frequently been accompanied by the establishment’s security guards to a cash machine and forced to withdraw money under threats of violence.
You should avoid all establishments where menus do not display prices clearly.
If you have any doubts about a bar, restaurant or club – do NOT go in.
Exchanging money
Exchanging cash at the point of arrival (airport, railway station) is usually more expensive in most countries. Railway stations are some of the MOST EXPENSIVE places to exchange money in city centres.
Hungary has a competitive money exchange industry. Always check the current official exchange rate of the Hungarian Forint (HUF). Rates are always displayed in front of the exchange offices.
NEVER exchange money on the street!
Beggars
Hungary takes less drastic measures than some of its western European counterparts to deal with beggar mafias, which operate in the downtown and tourist areas. Often beggars are imported from eastern countries who dress as very old women or as one with a severe injury or disability. Hungary has an excellent social security system, and such situations of neglect would never occur! We ask all visitors to cooperate in helping to solve this situation. When deciding to be generous with your money, be careful to whom you donate. If you have spare change or money to donate, give it to your favourite charity which will effectively disburse the money to the needy.
SZTE Experience
Dianne - Faculty of Science and Informatics
I am a PhD student and a Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship holder from the Philippines. I am currently pursuing my PhD in Environmental Science and I happen to be in my 3rd year of studies. I chose University of Szeged because its one of the top ranked research university in Hungary known for its good reputation in the fields of health and natural sciences. Coming from the Philippines with a warm climate, I had huge preference of Szeged for my studies, the city having the most rays of sunshine and considered to be the warmest place in Hungary. I would advise all the prospective students to join University of Szeged’s diverse and vibrant community! Don’t be afraid to leave your comfort zone, try to find and establish your niche in a new place like what I did. I didn’t regret coming to Szeged as it continuously provides me an enabling learning environment for various reasons, has affordable cost of living, very safe and calm university town, organized transport system, beautiful and clean surroundings with the very sightly Tisza River which adds to its appeal, and also holds many festivals throughout the year. After graduation, I am planning to go back to my home institution and continue my teaching duties at the University of the Philippines Los Baños
Ahmad Adha - Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
I am Ahmad Adha from Indonesia and currently a 3rd year student in Theoretical Linguistics PhD program. I chose the University of Szeged (SZTE) as my study destination because it is located in the center of the town and it is also the highest ranked university in Hungary. The university staff and the professors were very accommodating and understanding when I decided to change the program that suits my research topic. I am so glad that I can be a part of my current department, and of course SZTE, since it is also the Center of Pragmatic Research which aims to promote advanced linguistic pragmatic research with international collaborations. After graduating, I wish to continue to work in my academic field as a professor and a researcher. My advice for prospective SZTE students is to choose a university with a good academic reputation that fits their passion.
