Arrival
Ferihegy airport has two terminals. Terminal 1 (12 miles (20km) from central Budapest) is only used for air cargo and light aircraft traffic. Terminal 2 (2.5 miles (4km) further from the city) is used for all passenger traffic. Terminal 2 is divided into terminal 2A, used exclusively by Malev, and 2B, which is used by all other carriers. Both terminals 2A and 2B are modern and have good facilities.
The best way to get to central Budapest is by a special airport minibus service. There is a fleet of minibuses and they will take you to wherever you want to go in the city centre. The fare is paid at a counter in the arrivals hall. After paying for a ticket, visitors should watch the screens for their destination and minibus number. It is customary to wait until there are several passengers aboard before minibuses leave, though if you are staying at one of the larger, centrally-located hotels you will not have to wait more than a few minutes.
Alternatively, personnel can arrange car or minibus transport through their hotel: all major hotels provide such services, though they charge for it. This is the best way to travel at night. Personnel are advised to agree taxi fares in advance and to avoid taxi touts who may approach them even before leaving the arrivals area. The journey into the city centre takes between 40 and 55 minutes, depending on traffic.
Travelling around the area
There is a good Metro (subway) service in Budapest. There also are fast, clean and reliable bus and trolley-bus services. Taxis are plentiful, though drivers often overcharge foreigners. Taxis in Budapest are unregulated and drivers can charge any fee they choose; many firms are controlled by organised criminal gangs and drivers often radio for help from other drivers if a passenger questions a fare. There are also several respectable taxi firms that can be contacted by telephone from main hotels.
Accommodation
Budapest's hotels are frequently crowded: book well in advance during the summer months. Many international luxury and business-class chains are represented in the city, but their hotels are franchise operations and have distinctive local touches.
Security problems
Budapest's crime rates are the highest in the country, though there has been a drop in pickpocketing in the city in recent years. The police attribute the decline to their arrest of two major pickpocketing gangs. Nevertheless, the police claim that about 600 full-time pickpockets are still active in the city, and that 50% of their victims are foreigners. Pickpockets operate in public places, particularly around tourist-frequented areas, the main railway station, the main street market at Ecseri Piac and the central shopping areas behind the Forum Hotel. Pickpockets also are active on public transport; the No 7 bus, the No 4 and 6 trams and the Metro red line are worst affected. Pickpockets are especially active during the summer tourist season (May-September).
The most crime-ridden area of Budapest is VIII (Jozsefvaros), which is the city's red-light district and where mugging is a growing problem. The VI, VII, IX and X districts of Budapest are also rundown or poor. Personnel should keep to main, well-lit streets when in these districts. There is no need to avoid these areas, but visitors should ensure that they follow sensible security precautions and should not stray too far from the well-lit city centre late at night
BY AIR
There is no commercial domestic airline. Most distances are too small to warrant travelling by air.
BY ROAD
By car
Driving is probably the easiest way to get around. Drivers must have a valid International Driver's Licence. Cars (with drivers if necessary) can be hired at the airport, where Avis, Budget, Europcar and Hertz have offices. Traffic congestion in Budapest and other main cities can be heavy, and parking can be a problem. Wearing seatbelts is compulsory. Do not drive after drinking alcohol; penalties are severe. Major roads are generally in good condition, though driving standards are poor. Petrol stations are common and fairly easy to find. The main road to Vienna (Austria) is the M1 (via Gy�r), while the road to Lake Balaton is the M7. Drivers using the M1 and M3 motorways must have a motorway vignette (tax sticker displayed in windscreen). This can be bought from petrol stations, post offices and at some motorway junctions.
Car-jacking is a problem on motorways. Car-jackers puncture the tyres of cars parked at petrol stations and rest areas. They then pretend to offer assistance once the car returns to the motorway. The criminals steal valuables from the car while the driver attempts to change the tyre. This type of car crime is most common on toll-free sections of the M1 motorway between Gy�r and Budapest and of the M5 between Budapest and Kecskemet. Personnel should not leave cars unattended in motorway service areas and should if possible avoid stopping on the motorway to carry out repairs to their cars.
Car theft is a major problem. Foreign criminal gangs steal most cars. Audis and Volkswagens are usually taken by gangs from Ukraine or former Yugoslavia, where there is a ready market for such cars. More expensive makes, such as Mercedes, are stolen to 'order', often to be smuggled to the Middle East. The police's record of solving car crimes is poor; only about 10% of stolen cars are recovered. Companies should provide off-street parking where possible and consider buying their expatriate personnel less ostentatious cars, such as Volvos, which are less likely to be targeted.
By taxi
Taxi drivers are likely to try to overcharge foreigners - particularly outside international hotels. Drivers should use meters, but this is no real safeguard as there is a series of tariffs and it is impossible to judge whether the driver is using the right one. Some taxi drivers explain their high fares by claiming that they are a 'private service' and not subject to price restrictions. Do not start an argument over the fare: drivers have been known to call for help from their colleagues to intimidate foreign passengers. One way of securing a fair price is to ask what the cost will be in advance and ask for a receipt.
An alternative is to use a radio taxi; ask the hotel or local business contacts for the number of a reliable firm (such as City Taxi or Radio Taxi). It is customary to round up the fare.
By public transport
Public transport is cheap, fast, frequent and comfortable. There is an efficient metro (subway) system in Budapest. Most other cities have a good tram, trolley-bus and bus network (but use the word ' autobusz' for the latter - ' bus' is a strong expletive). Tickets for all four services are bought in advance from international hotels, kiosks or ' Trafik' tobacconist shops and validated on punch machines inside the vehicles (or at the metro or tram stations). One-day tickets covering all forms of transport are available. Pickpockets operate on public transport.
BY TRAIN
Trains are reliable and cheap, but slow. Buy tickets 24 hours in advance for long journeys. The network is centralised around Budapest's three stations (Keleti, Nyugati and Deli): check carefully which one you will be travelling from. It is worth paying the minimal extra charge to travel first class.
Petty crime is a serious problem at stations and on trains. On international trains passing through Hungary, there have been serious problems with Romany (gypsies) dressed as passport or customs officials claiming that they must take the passenger's passport or money to his or her supervisor and promising to return immediately. They then leave the train or hide in other compartments with the stolen passport or money
BUDAPEST
Arrival
Ferihegy airport has two terminals. Terminal 1 (12 miles (20km) from central Budapest) is only used for air cargo and light aircraft traffic. Terminal 2 (2.5 miles (4km) further from the city) is used for all passenger traffic. Terminal 2 is divided into terminal 2A, used exclusively by Malev, and 2B, which is used by all other carriers. Both terminals 2A and 2B are modern and have good facilities.
The best way to get to central Budapest is by a special airport minibus service. There is a fleet of minibuses and they will take you to wherever you want to go in the city centre. The fare is paid at a counter in the arrivals hall. After paying for a ticket, visitors should watch the screens for their destination and minibus number. It is customary to wait until there are several passengers aboard before minibuses leave, though if you are staying at one of the larger, centrally-located hotels you will not have to wait more than a few minutes.
Alternatively, personnel can arrange car or minibus transport through their hotel: all major hotels provide such services, though they charge for it. This is the best way to travel at night. Personnel are advised to agree taxi fares in advance and to avoid taxi touts who may approach them even before leaving the arrivals area. The journey into the city centre takes between 40 and 55 minutes, depending on traffic.
Travelling around the area
There is a good Metro (subway) service in Budapest. There also are fast, clean and reliable bus and trolley-bus services. Taxis are plentiful, though drivers often overcharge foreigners. Taxis in Budapest are unregulated and drivers can charge any fee they choose; many firms are controlled by organised criminal gangs and drivers often radio for help from other drivers if a passenger questions a fare. There are also several respectable taxi firms that can be contacted by telephone from main hotels.
Accommodation
Budapest's hotels are frequently crowded: book well in advance during the summer months. Many international luxury and business-class chains are represented in the city, but their hotels are franchise operations and have distinctive local touches.
Security problems
Budapest's crime rates are the highest in the country, though there has been a drop in pickpocketing in the city in recent years. The police attribute the decline to their arrest of two major pickpocketing gangs. Nevertheless, the police claim that about 600 full-time pickpockets are still active in the city, and that 50% of their victims are foreigners. Pickpockets operate in public places, particularly around tourist-frequented areas, the main railway station, the main street market at Ecseri Piac and the central shopping areas behind the Forum Hotel. Pickpockets also are active on public transport; the No 7 bus, the No 4 and 6 trams and the Metro red line are worst affected. Pickpockets are especially active during the summer tourist season (May-September).
The most crime-ridden area of Budapest is VIII (Jozsefvaros), which is the city's red-light district and where mugging is a growing problem. The VI, VII, IX and X districts of Budapest are also rundown or poor. Personnel should keep to main, well-lit streets when in these districts. There is no need to avoid these areas, but visitors should ensure that they follow sensible security precautions and should not stray too far from the well-lit city centre late at night
Information from Control Risks
Hungary is relatively clean and healthy, though rabies can be a problem. If bitten seek immediate medical attention. The water is safe to drink. UK, Scandinavian and most East European citizens can receive free ambulance and first aid treatment.
Information from IHI
The basic health situation is good. High quality medical facilities are available. Personnel are advised to ensure that they have good medical insurance.
Medical supplies are available, but personnel should bring adequate supplies of any necessary prescription drugs.
Budapest is a surprisingly large and grand city. The Danube river with its striking bridges and views is Budapest's main focal point. The city has long been regarded as one of the most attractive in Europe.
Ferihegy airport
Airport code: BUD
Ferihegy airport has been expanded and no longer uses Terminal 1 for scheduled flights. Terminals 2A and B are located 15 miles (24km) southeast of the city centre. Terminal 2A is used for domestic and night flights by the national airline Mal�v, while Terminal 2B serves international carriers. The terminals are only two minutes apart. Facilities at the new Terminals include a duty-free shop, restaurant and bar, bureaux de change, banks, tourist information centre, gift shop and post office. English-speaking staff are not always available at the information desk. There is an ATM in each of the terminals.
Formalities
Immigration and customs procedures are straightforward. Nationals of the EU, US and Canada do not require visas.
Airport to city centre
The best and cheapest way to travel to the city centre is by the special airport minibus, which takes several passengers to their destinations. The journey to the city centre takes 30-40 minutes. The fare is about $8 and is paid at a counter in the arrivals hall. After paying for a ticket, visitors should watch the screens for your destination and your minibus number. For destinations not served by the minibus, taxis are available outside the terminal. Drivers should use their meters, otherwise passengers should negotiate the fare before leaving the taxi queue. The journey into the centre takes about 30 minutes and costs about $20. Car rental is also available and is the best option for visitors with business outside central Budapest
Crime
Budapest's high crime rate has been contained somewhat in recent years. Pickpocketing by trained gypsy children often occurs in crowded places. However, foreigners rarely encounter violent crime.
Trouble spots
The most crime-ridden area of Budapest is VIII (Jozsefvaros), which is the city's red-light district, and where mugging is a growing problem. Other rundown or poor districts of Budapest are VI, VII, IX and X districts. The pedestrianised area of Vaci utca in district V (near the Marriott and Intercontinental hotels) has a reputation for pretty girls asking foreigners to have a drink with them. Visitors are advised to refuse offers of drinks, as they invariably get taken to a disreputable bar or nightclub and are threatened with violence if they do not pay the extortionate bill.
Terrorism
Organised crime-related violence is only a peripheral security threat to visitors. One recent suspected organised criminal attack was the murder in January 2000 of local businessman Ignac Reichardt. Sporadic bomb attacks pose an incidental risk to business visitors. These attacks do not usually target foreign visitors.
Seeking help
All crimes should be reported to the police (Rendorseg). The police force is understaffed, and some officers are corrupt - street and traffic police frequently fine foreigners (mainly drivers) on trumped-up offences and pocket the money themselves. Few police officers speak English or German.
Emergency numbers
AMBULANCE: 04
POLICE: 07
Orientation
The Danube separates the city's two main areas. Buda is a mainly residential area on the west bank on the hills and Pest on the east. Most parliament and government offices and commercial institutions are located in Pest. Six bridges link Buda to Pest over the Danube. Budapest's 22 districts are written in Roman numerals. The main business district is V (in Pest) and the principal hotels are all nearby.
On foot
The main areas of the city are all accessible on foot. In fact walking around the city can be the quickest and most enjoyable means of getting to appointments.
Taxis
Taxis are available in abundance all over the city. However, some taxis can overcharge or be more expensive than others, especially some of the taxis waiting outside major hotels. A better option is to order a radio taxi. Taxi 2000 Tel: 2000 0000; City Taxi Tel: 211 1111 or Fo Taxi Tel: 322 2222 are reliable. Hotels will also recommend a reputable firm. A 10% tip is normal.
Car hire
Car hire from the major international companies is expensive and unnecessary for just travelling round within the city. However, it is useful for reaching business meetings outside the city. If driving around the city, visitors are advised to keep a bit of money separate in order to pay any police 'fines', though the police are likely to decide how much to fine when they see how much cash is available. Car theft is rising, particularly of luxury models.
Public transport
Budapest has an excellent metro (subway) system with three lines that cover almost all of the city. The service is swift, clean, efficient and cheap, but it can be intimidating for lone passengers at night.
Hotels
Budapest has many business-class hotels. Most are located on or near the river, and it is worthwhile asking for a room with a river view.
Hotel details
Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest
Erzsebet ter 7-8, H1051 Budapest
Tel: 36 1 429 3777
Fax: 429 4777
Hyatt Regency
Roosevelt ter 2, H1051 Budapest
Tel: 36 1 266 1234
Fax: 266 9101
Hotel Inter-Continental Budapest
Apaczai Csere Janos utca 12-14, Budapest V
Tel: 36 1 327 6333
Fax: 327 6357
Budapest Hilton
Hess Andras ter 1-3
Tel: 36 1 488 6600
Fax: 488 6644
Budapest Marriot
Apaczai, Csere Janos utca 4
Tel: 36 1 266 7000
Fax: 266 5000
Restaurants
One of the city's many excellent caf�s is a good place to have a business lunch. For dinner, traditional Hungarian food can be tried at many restaurants in the city centre. The cuisine is meat-based and portions are large. Vegetarians will have difficulties in traditional Hungarian restaurants. However, Ghandi (not Indian), Viguazo Ferenc utca, and Vegetaruim, Cukor utca 3 (both in Pest V), are Vegetarian restaurants. Tips should be included in the bill rather than left on the table. The US embassy since May 1999 publishes a list of bars and restaurants in Budapest where US nationals have experienced violent attacks, threatening behaviour and overcharging. All foreign personnel in Budapest should avoid establishments mentioned in the US embassy announcement, which include: The Black & White Club (formerly known as Tropical Bar), Mephisto Caf�, City Center Club & Rest., Musk�tli Espresso, Fontana Cabaret and Lola Bar. Many of these bars are situated in the popular Vaci utca area in central Pest.
Leisure time in Budapest
It is worth spending at least a day wandering around the city. The city's bridges and many sites are best viewed from the banks of the Danube. Many of the sites are on Castle Hill in Buda. Visible from most parts of the city, Castle Hill is the site of the Royal Palace and Matthias Church. The Parliament (Orszaghaz) building is also built on the river banks and was modelled on the British Houses of Parliament. Heroes Square is Budapest's grandest boulevard where the elite of the city have lived. St Stephens Basilica dominates the area around it in Pest. The most famous of the six bridges linking Buda and Pest is the Chain Bridge (Szechenyi Ianchid). The main shopping street is Vaci utca in Pest which should not be confused with Vaci street, which runs north along the river from the city centre and houses mostly new corporate buildings.
Language
Hungarian is the national language. It is a difficult language to learn, though a few key phrases will be appreciated. German and English are widely spoken in business circles.
Money
The currency is the forint (Ft). Banks are normally open from 10.00-15.00 on weekdays sometimes with lunch break for an hour at midday. Some branches close at 13.00 on Fridays. Most banks now cash Eurocheques, American Express and Visa traveller's cheques. Many ATMs accept international credit and debit cards. There is a Citibank branch in Pest.
Business etiquette
Hungarians are friendly. Business meetings are formal. Business cards can be exchanged and travellers are advised to be punctual, even if the host is not.
Businesswomen
Attitudes towards women remain chauvinistic but are slowly changing. Hungarian business associates may be surprised by high-ranking female executives, but they will be polite to them. It is generally safe for women to walk around cities at night. Women rarely face unwelcome attention.
Cultural and social differences
Right-wing extremism has risen. Rising unemployment and increasing Asian and African immigration have encouraged neo-Nazi tendencies: Hungary's 5,000 skinheads frequently attack immigrants and gypsies. Although well-dressed business visitors will not be targeted by right-wing extremists, non-white personnel may face verbal abuse and offhand service. This is less likely in main hotels.
Communications
International phone calls are easily made from hotels and most hotels have fax machines readily accessible for their guests. Several GSM bands are available, including an analogue band at 450 megahertz and digital bands at 900 megahertz. Dual digital bands at 900 megahertz and 1800 megahertz are expected in 2001.
Telephone
Country code: 36
City code: 1
Plug type for modems: Hungarian and Austrian
Health
The city is relatively clean and healthy, though rabies can be a problem. If bitten seek immediate medical attention. The water is safe to drink. UK, Scandinavian and most East European citizens can receive free ambulance and first aid treatment.
Embassy Details
Australia
Kiralyhago ter 8-9, H-1126
Tel: 36 1 4579777
Fax: 2019792
Canada
Budakeszi ut. 32, H-1121
Tel: 36 1 3923360
Fax: 3923390
France
27 Lendway utca, 1062 Budapest VI
Tel: 36 1 3741100
Fax: 3741140
Germany
Stefania ut 101-103, 252054
Tel: 36 1 4673500
Fax: 4673505
Japan
Zalai ut 7, Budapest XII, H-1125
Tel: 36 1 2751275
Fax: 2751281
Netherlands
F�ge utca 5-7, 1022
Tel: 36 1 3366300
Fax: 3265978
Sweden
Ajtosi D�rer sor 27 a, H-1146
Tel: 36 1 4606020
Fax: 4606021
UK
Harmincad utca 6, Budapest H-1051
Tel: 36 1 2662888
Fax: 2660907
US
Szabadsag Ter 12, H-1054
Tel: 36 1 4754400, (out of office hours) 4754703
Fax: 4754764
Climate
Winter (December-February) is generally cold, with snow often lying for some time, while summer (June-September) is usually hot, which with the humidity can make Budapest moderately uncomfortable between June and August.
Average daily minimum/maximum temperatures
Jan Feb Mar
-4� to 1�C / 25� to 34�F -2� to 4�C / 28� to 39�F 2� to 10�C / 35� to 50�F
Apr May Jun
7� to 17�C / 44� to 62�F 11� to 22�C / 52� to 71�F 15� to 26�C / 58� to 78�F
Jul Aug Sep
16� to 28�C / 62� to 82�F 16� to 27�C / 60� to 81�F 12� to 23�C / 53� to 74�F
Oct Nov Dec
7� to 16�C / 44� to 61�F 3� to 8�C / 38� to 47�F -1� to 4�C / 30� to 39�F
Language
English or German are widely spoken in business circles. Employees of smaller and rural companies often do not speak English, in which case an interpretation service needs to be arranged.
Money
The unit of currency is the forint. Although it is now fully convertible, it remains almost impossible to buy any currency before entering Hungary. There are several exchange booths at Budapest airport. Credit cards are widely accepted, but personnel should not rely on them outside Budapest. Traveller's cheques can be cashed at banks, but not used in shops. Cash machines (ATM's) are widely available in Budapest. It is customary to tip by rounding up the bill or leaving 10% of the total.
Dealing with authorities
Corruption is a major problem and business personnel will face requests for bribes in order to speed up slow and complex bureacratic procedures.
Business etiquette
Business personnel are expected to dress smartly. It is important to be punctual. Address people using their professional titles and with Mr, Mrs, or Ms. Hungarians call themselves by their surnames first followed by their given names. Business cards generally follow this custom.
Good business relations are almost always built upon good personal relationships. Local business people are generally hospitable and will usually invite visitors to lunch or dinner in a restaurant. A refusal may offend.
Working week
The working week is Monday-Friday and normal office hours are 09.00-17.00. All banks are closed at the weekend. Shops are open 07.00-19.00 on Monday-Saturday and larger shopping centres also open on Sunday mornings.
Communications
The telephone system is very reliable. For international calls dial 00, wait for the tone and dial the required number. Dial 06 for domestic area codes or cellular telphones. Dial 09 for operator-assisted calls. Major hotels have fax machines.
Electricity
The electricity supply is 230 volts (50Hz AC). Continental European-style plugs with two round pins are used.
Climate
Mean temperatures in Budapest are 25F (-3C) in January and 70F (21C) in July, though more extreme temperatures are common. The best time to go is May-September, but many Hungarians take long holidays in August and business contacts may be unavailable.
Embassy details
Telephone code for Budapest: +36 1
Australia
Kiralyhago ter 8-9. Tel: 457 9777; Fax: 201 9792
Austria
Benczur Utca 16. Tel: 351 6700; Fax: 351 1165
Belgium
Toldy Ferenc utca 13. Tel: 201 1571; Fax: 375 1566
Canada
Zugligeta utca 51-53. Tel: 392 3360; Fax: 392 3390
Denmark
Budapest XII, Har�r�r �t 37. Tel: 355 7320; Fax: 375 3803
Finland
Kelenhegyi �t 16/A. Tel: 279 2500; Fax: 385 0843
France
27 Lenvay Utca. Tel: 374 1100; Fax: 374 1100
Germany
Uri utca 64-66. Tel: 488 3500; Fax: 488 3505
Italy
Stefania Ut. 95. Tel: 460 6201; Fax: 460 6260
Japan
Zalai ut 7. Tel: 398 3100; Fax: 275 1281
Netherlands
F�ge utca 5-7. Tel: 336 6300; Fax: 326 5978
Norway
Horvath utca 14-24. Tel: 201 9395; Fax: 201 9396
Sweden
Ajtosi D�rer sor 27a. Tel: 460 6020; Fax: 460 6021
Switzerland
Stefania utca 107. Tel: 460 7040; Fax: 384 9492
UK
Harmincad utca 6. Tel: 266 2888; Fax: 266 0907
US
Szabads�g t�r 12; Tel: 475 4400, 475 4703 (out of office hours); Fax: 475 4764
Cultural and social issues
Right-wing extremism has risen throughout eastern Europe, and Hungary is no exception. Rising unemployment and increasing Asian and African immigration have encouraged neo-Nazi tendencies: Hungary's 5,000 skinheads frequently attack immigrants and gypsies. Although well-dressed business visitors will not be targeted by right-wing extremists, non-white personnel may face verbal abuse and offhand service. This is less likely in main hotels.
The US embassy since May 1999 publishes a list of bars and restaurants in Budapest where US nationals have experienced violent attacks, threatening behaviour and overcharging. All foreign personnel in Budapest should avoid establishments mentioned in the US embassy announcement, which include: The Black & White Club (formerly known as Tropical Bar), Mephisto Caf�, City Center Club & Rest., Musk�tli Espresso, Fontana Cabaret and Lola Bar. Many of these bars are situated in the popular Vaci utca area in central Pest.
Businesswomen
Attitudes towards women remain chauvinistic but are slowly changing. Hungarian business associates may be surprised by high-ranking female executives, but they will be polite to them. It is generally safe for women to walk around cities at night. Women rarely face unwelcome attention.
Crime
Hungary has a high level of petty crime incidents against foreigners: these are the main security threat, especially in Budapest. Pickpockets operate in public places, particularly around tourist-frequented areas, at railway stations and at street markets.
Personnel should be aware of currency-changing scams. In one, a well-dressed man approaches foreigners and offers to change money. Two 'policemen' then appear, 'arrest' the money-changer and ask to inspect the foreigner's wallet. The foreigner either has to pay an instant fine, or finds that cash has been stolen from the wallet when it is returned. Visitors should ignore all money-changers: black market transactions are illegal, and touts often use obsolete or fake notes. Moreover, black market rates are only marginally higher than the official tariff.
Violent crime is rare.
Organised crime is unlikely to affect business travellers directly. However, sporadic bomb attacks pose an incidental risk to foreign business personnel. Although organised criminals frequent many hotels and restaurants, particularly in Budapest, they keep themselves to themselves and pose no threat.
Security precautions
Visitors should take the following precautions:
� keep all valuables, passports and tickets in the hotel safe;
� carry photocopies of the relevant passport pages at all times, particularly when driving;
� be aware that pickpockets operate in central areas;
� carry a small amount of money separate from the rest of your money to buy off muggers; and
� avoid groups of Romany (gypsy) children: some are trained pickpockets.
Visitors should not:
� carry large amounts of cash;
� display expensive electronic equipment (such as cameras) in public;
� leave valuables in vehicles; and
� leave bags or coats unattended in cafes and restaurants.
Social and labour unrest
Although market reforms have forced down many people's living standards, pushed up inflation and increased unemployment, manifestations of popular discontent have been infrequent and peaceful. Sporadic trade union demonstrations against wage freezes and redundancies have been well-supported. Demonstrations are most likely to occur outside the parliament building in central Budapest. They pose little threat to visitors' safety, though they may disrupt business operations.
Right-wing extremism
Right-wing extremism has risen throughout eastern Europe, and Hungary is no exception. Rising unemployment and increasing Asian and African immigration have encouraged neo-Nazi tendencies: Hungary's 5,000 skinheads frequently attack immigrants and gypsies. Although well-dressed business visitors will not be targeted by right-wing extremists, non-white personnel may face verbal abuse and offhand service. This is less likely in main hotels.
The police
All crimes should be reported to the police ( Rendorseg). Few police officers speak English or German.
The police force is undermanned and some officers are corrupt - street and traffic police frequently fine foreigners (mainly drivers) on trumped-up offences and pocket the money themselves. Personnel should refuse demands for small-scale bribes wherever possible and should remember that police officers are not allowed to accept cash payments for genuine fines.
Most crimes go unsolved and the police are generally held in low esteem. However, the police are undergoing radical restructuring with moves towards 'community policing'. Such changes will take several years to have an effect.
