Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Budapest, Hungary

1. Fake Guides at Central Station

Unofficial guides approach tourists offering help, but demand payment for services or guide you to commission-earning shops.

Recognizable Uniform: Official guides wear a blue vest with the Hungarian flag.
Registered Company: Ask for their company registration number to verify authenticity.
Free Services: Official guides do not charge for services at the start, only tips at the end if satisfied.

Taxis without a meter or drivers claiming the meter is broken can overcharge unsuspecting tourists.

Legitimate Taxis: Look for taxis with a company logo and meter.
Fixed Price Agreements: Avoid agreeing to a fixed price before the journey starts.
Official Rates: Know the official taxi rates from the airport or railway stations.

Shops offering to exchange money at a better rate than banks or ATMs often provide counterfeit bills.

Reputable Exchange Points: Stick to reputable exchange points like banks, post offices, or official airport exchange kiosks.
Check Bills Carefully: Check for holograms, watermarks, and security threads before accepting your changed money.
Avoid Street Exchanges: Do not exchange money on the street or with individuals offering a better rate.

Pickpockets often target tourists in crowded areas like markets, squares, and public transport.

Awareness: Keep an eye on your belongings and avoid displaying valuable items openly.
Zippered Pockets: Use zippered pockets or travel vests with hidden compartments to secure valuables.
Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers theft and loss.

ATMs without proper signage or located in secluded areas can be rigged to skim your card or require a PIN for imaging purposes.

Bank ATMs: Use ATMs inside banks, malls, or well-lit, busy areas.
Secure Card Entry: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent keyloggers.
Check for Tampering: Examine the ATM for any signs of tampering or irregularities before using it.

Restaurants near popular attractions may overcharge tourists for food and drinks.

Local Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations on affordable eateries.
Menu Prices: Check the prices on the menu before sitting down to eat.
Avoid Street Food Vendors: Street food can be risky due to hygiene concerns and potential overpricing.

Individuals offering tickets for popular attractions may sell fake or overpriced tickets.

Official Ticket Offices: Purchase tickets directly from the attraction's official ticket office.
Online Booking: Book your tickets online in advance to avoid potential scams.
Check for Validity: Ensure that the ticket is valid and genuine before using it.

Scammers pour sand or gravel into your teacup and demand payment for the 'gold' inside.

Reputable Cafes: Avoid small, unknown cafes offering this service.
Check for Gold: Do not accept the tea until you are confident it contains gold.
Ask Locals: Ask locals about this scam and avoid participating.

Fortune tellers may use cold reading techniques to swindle money from unsuspecting tourists.

Avoid Cold Readings: Be skeptical of anyone who gives specific, vague predictions about your life.
Check Reputation: Research the reputation of fortune tellers before visiting them.
Avoid Financial Requests: Do not give out personal information or agree to financial transactions with fortune tellers.

Souvenir shops near popular attractions may overcharge for low-quality items or sell counterfeit goods.

Negotiate Prices: Haggle prices to get a fair deal.
Market Stalls: Shop at market stalls for a wider selection of authentic souvenirs.
Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may sell counterfeit or low-quality items.

Locals who offer help or friendship may lead you to scammy situations.

Be Skeptical: Maintain a healthy level of skepticism when interacting with strangers.
Ask Locals: Ask other locals about the person's intentions before following them or accepting their help.
Stick to Tourist Areas: Stay in tourist areas with security personnel and avoid isolated, deserted areas.

Charity collectors may approach tourists asking for donations, but the money goes to the collector rather than the charity.

Check the Charity's Legitimacy: Look for official identification or documentation from the charity.
Avoid Street Donations: Do not give money to collectors on the street; instead, donate directly to reputable charities.
Research Local Customs: Understand local customs regarding charity and donation practices.

Individuals may approach you claiming they found a valuable item, but insist on payment to return it.

Check for Authenticity: Verify the item's authenticity and value before agreeing to pay for its return.
Avoid Paying Upfront: Do not give money upfront; instead, ask the finder to contact the police or local authorities.
Stay Alert: Be aware of your surroundings and avoid distracting situations.

Fraudulent police officers may detain you and demand a bribe or fine.

Ask for Identification: Request identification from the officer; legitimate officers will present it upon request.
Contact Local Authorities: Contact your embassy or local authorities if you believe you are being scammed.
Stay Calm and Avoid Conflicts: Remain calm and avoid arguing or reacting aggressively; instead, ask for assistance from a trusted source.

Translation services offered by individuals may be unreliable or overpriced.

Check Credentials: Ask for credentials and verify the translator's authenticity.
Negotiate Prices: Negotiate prices before agreeing to use their services.
Avoid Street Translators: Use official translation services or language exchange apps instead.