Local Customs & Etiquette in Budapest, Hungary
1. Greetings and Handshake
Hungarians often use a firm handshake when meeting someone for the first time. However, it's less common among friends or family. Use two hands for a handshake to show respect.
- Formal vs Informal: Handshakes are formal, but they might not be used among close friends or family.
- Two-handed: A two-handed handshake is considered more respectful in Hungarian culture.
- Eye Contact: Maintaining eye contact during the handshake is expected, but not too long to be uncomfortable.
2. Tipping in Restaurants
Tipping in restaurants is expected and ranges from 10-15% of the total bill. Some establishments add a service charge to your bill, so check before leaving extra cash.
- Service Charge: Check if a service charge has been added to the bill before tipping extra.
- Rounding Up: Rounding up your bill is an acceptable way of showing appreciation for good service.
- Cash vs Card: It's common to tip in cash, but tips on cards are also accepted.
3. Public Transport Etiquette
Giving up your seat for elderly, disabled, or pregnant passengers is expected. Also, avoid standing in the designated priority seating areas.
- Priority Seating: Respect priority seating areas intended for seniors, people with disabilities, and pregnant women.
- Giving Up Your Seat: Offer your seat to those who need it more than you do.
- Quiet Environment: Public transport is often a quiet environment, so try to keep conversations to a minimum.
4. Dining Etiquette
Wait for the host or elder at the table to start eating. Also, it's customary to say 'Kérem a bőséged' (God bless you) before starting your meal.
- Starting the Meal: Await the host or elder at the table to start eating.
- Blessing before Eating: Say 'Kérem a bőséged' (God bless you) before starting your meal.
- Table Manners: Use good table manners and don't start eating until everyone has their food.
5. Drinking Customs
Hungarians often enjoy wine, beer, or 'Pálinka' (fruit brandy). It's common to clink glasses before drinking and say 'Egészségére!' (To your health!).
- Clinking Glasses: Clinking glasses before drinking is a common practice in Hungary.
- Drink of Choice: Wine, beer, or 'Pálinka' (fruit brandy) are popular drinks among locals.
- Toasting Etiquette: Say 'Egészségére!' (To your health!) when toasting.
6. Bathing Culture in Thermal Baths
Public bathing in thermal baths is a common pastime and part of Hungarian culture. Swimwear is required, but it's also acceptable to wear bathing shoes.
- Swimwear: Wear appropriate swimwear in thermal baths.
- Bathing Shoes: It's acceptable to wear bathing shoes for comfort and hygiene.
- Respectful Behavior: Respect others' personal space, especially in communal areas.
7. Punctuality
Hungarians value punctuality, but it's not uncommon for events to start slightly late. If you're running late, call ahead and apologize.
- Acceptable Delay: Events starting slightly late is somewhat common in Hungary.
- Calling Ahead: Always call ahead if you're running late for an appointment or event.
- Respect for Time: Hungarians value punctuality and expect others to do the same.
8. Gift-giving Etiquette
When giving gifts, avoid giving black items as they are associated with mourning. Gifts are usually opened upon receiving.
- Avoiding Black Items: Gift-wrapped black items should be avoided due to their association with mourning.
- Timing of Gift Opening: Gifts are typically opened upon receiving.
- Appropriate Gifts: Choose gifts that are appropriate for the occasion and recipient.
9. Smoking Etiquette
Smoking is less common than in some other European countries but allowed in designated areas. It's important to ask before lighting up indoors.
- Designated Areas: Smoking is only permitted in designated areas.
- Indoor Smoking: Ask for permission before lighting up indoors.
- Respecting Non-Smokers: Be considerate of non-smokers and step aside when smoking.
10. Dress Code for Formal Occasions
For formal events or meetings, wear conservative business attire. Women might also want to bring a wrap in case the venue gets cold.
- Business Attire: Conservative business attire is appropriate for formal events.
- Women's Accessories: A wrap can be useful for women in case the venue gets cold.
- Informal vs Formal: Determine if an event is formal or informal to choose appropriate attire.
11. Cycling Culture
Cycling is a popular mode of transportation in Budapest. Follow traffic rules and use bike lanes when available.
- Follow Traffic Rules: Obey traffic rules while cycling.
- Use Bike Lanes: Use bike lanes when available for safety and convenience.
- Bike Rentals: Bike rentals are widely available, making it easy to explore the city by bike.
12. Photography Etiquette
When taking photos of people in traditional costumes or at events, always ask permission first.
- Asking Permission: Always seek permission before taking someone's photo.
- Respect for Privacy: Respect people's privacy, especially when taking photos in private settings.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Be culturally sensitive and aware of local customs and traditions while taking photos.
13. Public Space Etiquette
Keep public spaces clean by disposing of litter in designated bins. Show respect for local customs and traditions.
- Litter Disposal: Dispose of litter in designated bins to keep public spaces clean.
- Respect for Local Customs: Show respect for local customs and traditions while in public spaces.
- Communal Responsibility: Contribute to maintaining clean and orderly public spaces.
14. Bar Etiquette
Bars often have a cover charge or minimum spend per person. It's customary to tip the bartender if you receive good service.
- Cover Charge or Minimum Spend: Some bars may have a cover charge or minimum spend per person.
- Tipping Bartenders: Tip the bartender if you receive good service.
- Bar Culture: Bars are an important part of Hungarian culture and social life.
15. Language Barrier
English is not widely spoken in Budapest, so it's useful to learn a few basic phrases or carry a translation app.
- Basic Phrases: Learn some basic Hungarian phrases for smoother communication.
- Translation App: Use a translation app when language barriers arise.
- Patience and Understanding: Be patient and understanding when communication is challenging.