Just landed - wondering what gives the better rate in Hungary: ATM withdrawal or airport exchange counter?
In Hungary, the best method is to use ATMs attached to major banks. Budget HUF 10,000-14,000 per day depending on whether you eat local or upscale. Withdraw forints at OTP or Erste ATMs, and avoid stand-alone tourist machines which charge higher fees. Exchange a small sum at the airport only if you need quick cash for transport. Always opt for local currency charges, not EUR, at the ATM. Airport counters are best left as a last resort.
Budapest Airport exchange was a rip-off. I converted €100 there and later saw I’d lost HUF 3,000-4,000 compared to the ATM rate. That’s enough for a couple of goulash dinners. With a budget of HUF 15,000 per day, it was frustrating to waste money instantly. Don’t believe the “no commission” signs at the airport desks - they hide the loss in the rate. ATMs are much fairer.
I changed €20 at Budapest Airport for my airport shuttle, and the rate was awful. Later, I withdrew HUF 40,000 from an OTP ATM downtown, and it gave me much better value. Meals cost around HUF 3,000, and ruin bar nights ran closer to HUF 6,000, so a good exchange rate mattered. I budgeted HUF 12,000 daily, and sticking with ATMs kept me on track.
In Hungary, ATMs consistently offer better rates than airport exchange counters. Budapest Airport exchange desks are known for poor deals, while ATMs from OTP Bank, Erste, or K&H Bank give more favorable forints. If you’re budgeting HUF 10,000-15,000 daily for meals, trams, and sightseeing, ATMs are the smarter choice. Use the airport counter only for a tiny amount to cover your bus or taxi into Budapest.