ECPR

Install the app

Install this application on your home screen for quick and easy access when you’re on the go.

Just tap Share then “Add to Home Screen”

ECPR

Install the app

Install this application on your home screen for quick and easy access when you’re on the go.

Just tap Share then “Add to Home Screen”

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription to the ECPR Methods School offers and updates newsletter has been successful.

Discover ECPR's Latest Methods Course Offerings

We use Brevo as our email marketing platform. By clicking below to submit this form, you acknowledge that the information you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with their terms of use.

Local Information

On this page you’ll find details and essential information for visiting Budapest.  We hope this is useful to you and provides you with all the information you’ll need in advance of attending the Summer School, but if it is not or if you have a question or query that isn’t answered here, on any of the other information webpages or on the Frequently Asked Questions page, please do contact Becky Plant, Methods School Coordinator via email methodsschool@ecpr.eu.

 

Welcome to Budapest

Budapest is undoubtedly one of the most attractive cities in Europe, with its natural beauty, architectural heritage (it boasts two UNESCO World Heritage Sites), unique atmosphere and cultural offerings.  It is steeped in history, yet hip and modern and is the city which has something for everyone: from quiet conversation at cafés and intimate gallery openings to outdoor rock concerts and folk craft festivals. 

The warm weather in the summer also lures locals and visitors alike to lively “ruin pubs”, hidden in dilapidated buildings and dotted with colourful, quirky furniture. And of course the hot spring spas and thermal baths which are at various locations in the city and a must anytime of the year.

 

Address of the Summer School

The Summer School is being hosted at Central European University (CEU):

Department of Political Science

Central European University

Nádor utca 9

1051 Budapest

Hungary

 

To see the location of the Summer School on an interactive map, please click here.

 

Visas

If you’re a citizen of a European country, or of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand and the USA, you do not require a visa to visit Hungary if you are staying no more than 90 days.  We suggest checking current visa requirements on the Hungarian Foreign Ministry website here.

 

If you do require a visa, Hungary is a member of the Schengen Agreement so if you have a valid visa for any country that is a member of the Schengen Agreement it is also valid in Hungary.

 

Currency, ATMs and credit/debit cards

The local currency in Budapest is Hungarian Forint (Ft), sometimes referred to as HUF.  Currently the exchange rate is approximately €1 = 310 Ft.  Coins come in six denominations: 5Ft, 10Ft, 20Ft, 50Ft, 100FT and 200Ft and banknotes in seven denominations: 500Ft, 1000Ft, 2000Ft, 5000Ft, 10000Ft and 20000Ft. Some places may also accept Euros.

 

There are many ATMs (cash machines) around the city which accept all major credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Plus, Maestro, Cirrus).  The majority of shops and restaurants also accept cards. 

 

You can find an ATM in the CEU lobby of the Nador 9 building is a courtesy machine from CIB Bank. If the ATM is out of order, the bank and its information technology provider will do their best to repair it. In the meantime, please use one of the ATMs located close to CEU:

  • CIB Bank, Szabadsag ter 15
  • K&H Bank, Arany Janos utca 20
  • OTP Bank Headquarters, Nador utca 16. (on workdays from 08:00 to 16:00)
  • OTP Travel (OTP ATM), corner of Nador utca and Arany Janos utca

 

Eating out

CEU is surrounded by a great amount of restaurants offering a wider variety of cuisine to suit all budgets, all within an easy reach of the University.  Most restaurants serve food until 23:00.  Click here for a map of restaurants close to the University.

 

Tips and Gratuities

When eating out, service is not usually included in the bill, however sometimes it is so do check before leaving an additional tip.  The standard amount to leave for service is between 10% and 15% and should be left in cash.  It is not usual to tip in a bar, unless drinks are served to your table.  If you are tipping a taxi driver, it is common to round up the fare.

 

Travel and Health Insurance

We highly recommended organising travel and/or health insurance prior to travelling for the Summer School. 

 

If you are a citizen of countries which are part of the EEA (European Economic Area) or Switzerland you can apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which allows you access to state-provided healthcare in these countries at a reduced cost, or sometimes for free.  The EHIC does not cover any private medical healthcare or costs and therefore is not an alternative to travel insurance.

 

Recommended Vaccinations

You do not need any vaccinations to visit Hungary, but the World Health Organisation recommends travellers to be covered for diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella and polio.

 

Language

The official language is Hungarian, however English and German are the most commonly used second languages.

 

Some basic Hungarian phrases, to assist you, are:

Hello: Hello / Szia

Goodbye: Viszlát

Please: Kérem

Thank you: Köszönöm

Excuse me: Elnézést

I’m sorry: Sajnálom

Hospital: Kórház

Danger: Veszély

Smoking: Dohányzóknak    No: Nem

ATM: Bankautomata

Post office: Posta

Food shop: Közért

Water: Viz

 

Internet Access

Many of the libraries in Hungary have free or very cheap internet terminals.  In Budapest there are many restaurants and cafés offering free WiFi.  CEU has it’s own WiFi; personalised connection details will be given to you at registration.

 

Telephones, Mobile Phones and Useful Numbers

 

You can make domestic and international calls from public telephones; they take coins or phonecards.  Phonecards can be purchased from post offices and newsstands. There are three main mobile phone providers in Hungary: Telenor, T-Mobile and Vodafone.  You may want to purchase a rechargeable or prepaid SIM card.

Useful Telephone Numbers

Hungary Country Code 00
International Direct Dial code 36
Budapest City Code 1
General Emergency Line 112
Ambulance 104
Fire 105
Police 107
General Enquiries 199

                                        

Post Offices

Post Offices can be found around the city and are generally open Monday to Friday, 08:00 – 18:00. 

 

Weather

The weather can be very hot, with temperatures reaching over 30ᵒC (86ᵒF).  Sudden showers can also occur.

 

Time Zone

Budapest is one hour ahead of British Standard Time.

 

Electricity

If you need an adaptor, you will need a 2-pin, round prong plug adaptor.  The electricity is 230V/50hz.

 

Travel Guides

For more information about Budapest or Hungary as well as to find things to do or what’s on have a look at Budapest Tourism, Budapest Travel Guide or Lonely Planet.