Yes, credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Budapest, especially in restaurants, hotels, and larger shops. Visa and MasterCard are the most commonly accepted, while American Express may be less widely used.
However, it’s a good idea to carry some cash, particularly in smaller shops, markets, or rural areas where card payments may not be available. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city, and many offer instructions in English.
As for tipping, it is customary in Hungary. In restaurants, a 10-15% tip is expected if the service charge isn’t already included in the bill. Always check your bill to see if the service charge has been added. If not, it’s polite to leave a tip when paying.
Tipping is also common for other services such as taxis, hotel staff, and hairdressers. For taxis, rounding up the fare or adding about 10% is appreciated.
