Budapest
The city of Budapest is today a major tourist destination and a business center. This city is geographically placed between east and west, making it a common destination for business travelers in a variety of fields.
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A Short History of Budapest
The city of Budapest includes land on both sides of the Danube river, east and west. Originally, the west bank of the Danube River was Buda, while the east was Pest. Budapest has a long history, beginning in the first century B.C.E. as a Celtic settlement. It was later occupied by the Romans. During the middle ages, the city became Christian, and continued to grow. It was made the royal seat of power in the 14th century, under the Angevin kings. Budapest was taken by Turkish forces under the command of Suleiman I, and remained under Turkish control for 160 years. A European force freed the cityThe city underwent significant economic growth particularly during the Hapsburg dynasty in the 18th century.
By the mid-nineteenth century, reformers were seeking change and freedom from Hapsburg rule. A compromise was reached in 1867 that led to dual Hungarian and Hapsburg rule. The city continued to thrive in the late 19th century, and during the years preceding World War I was something of a cultural and social destination. Both World War I and World War II deeply damaged the city, leaving it lacking in resources, depleted of culture and severely damaged. The end of communism came easily in Budapest, as the communist party was simply voted out of power.
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Business in Budapest
The Hungarian economy has grown significantly in the last decade; however, it is not yet stable. Current efforts are being made in government to create the financial conditions necessary to adopt the Euro as the national currency of Hungary. Inflation has dropped dramatically, and unemployment is fairly low. Significant industrial production is centered in Hungary, with many items being exported to the rest of Europe. The major industries in Budapest are metals, construction goods, food items, textiles, chemicals, pharmaceutical drugs and motor vehicles. Germany, Austria, Italy, France, China and Russia are Hungary's primary trading partners, with Germany being the largest of these. Machinery, electricity and fuel are the primary imports in Budapest. Hungary is lacking in natural resources, save for bauxite, used in aluminum production, so these products must be imported.
Hungary has been a member of the European Union since 2004. Today, the United States is Hungary's sixth largest export partner; so many Americans find themselves traveling to Budapest on business matters. Investment in Hungarian industry continues thanks to the security of membership in the EU, low manufacturing costs, and high productivity.
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Traveling to Budapest
Budapest (Ferihegy) International Airport (BUD) is Hungary's largest airport. In 2005, the Budapest (Ferihegy) International Airport serviced some 8 million passengers. The Hungarian Malev airlines and the German airline Lufthansa have the most flights into and out of Budapest. There are two terminals at the airport, and if you expect to need to travel between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, you should allow extra time. Terminal 2 was constructed in 1985 and Terminal 2B in 1997, and services most international carriers. Some discount airlines do operate out of Budapest (Ferihegy) International Airport, most using Terminal 1 constructed in the 1950's. Direct service to the United States may be available; however, transferring elsewhere in Europe on your trip to Budapest is typical.
Some services are available in the airport, including food and drink and duty-free shops. Do be aware that you may encounter problems bringing duty-free goods from Budapest into Germany.
Improvements are expected at Budapest (Ferihegy) International Airport in the next few years, including an expansion of Terminal 1, which services discount airlines. Additional waiting areas, restaurants, shops, and parking are all also planned for Budapest (Ferihegy) International Airport. Construction is expected to be completed in 2011 at the Budapest Airport.
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What You Will Need in Budapest
If you are traveling to Budapest from the United States and will not be seeking employment, or staying longer than 90 days, you do not need a visa to enter Hungary. Simply follow all appropriate airline travel regulations and present your passport at customs. Limits on what can be brought into the country are typical, and allow you to carry in personal use quantities of duty free goods, as well as laptop computers, photography equipment and electronics.
Money exchange services are available in the airport, banks, and even some hotels and shopping areas. A 2% commission fee on money exchanges is typical. The Hungarian currency is the forint. You will find that most items are fairly inexpensive, thanks to the relative strength of the dollar against the Hungarian forint. ATMs are widely available and will allow you to access cash using your credit or debit card. Be certain to retain all money exchange receipts, and change only what you need. Traveler's checks are not widely accepted, and may be a poor choice when traveling in Budapest for this reason.
The climate is temperate with warm summers and mild winters. Plan your travel attire accordingly. You may wish to bring along some dressier attire, as it is typical for both business settings and the theater or other cultural events.
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Manners and Customs in Budapest
Knowing the typical customs in Budapest will help your business trip go smoothly. Business is most commonly conducted between September and May; however, this may vary depending upon your profession. Appointments are expected. Business dress remains standard in Budapest, so leave your jeans in your suitcase while attending meetings. Business cards are standard, and formal greetings are preferred. Business hours are typically 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Business is often conducted over meals, and rather formal manners are typical in Budapest's restaurants. It is typical to wish the others at your table good appetite or Jó étvágyat prior to eating your meal. The usual toast is Egészségére or to your health. The expected and usual tip is 10 to 15% at most restaurants and the tip is typically left when paying, as opposed to on the table at the end of the meal. At a more formal meal the host will pay the bill discreetly, but paying individually is acceptable at more casual restaurant meals. Several courses are typically served, and while it is socially appropriate to leave food on your plate, do eat some of everything served. Breakfast is typically eaten from 8:00 to 9:00 AM, lunch from 1:00 to 2:00 PM and dinner around 7:00 or 8:00 PM.
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Getting Around in Budapest
Budapest has a number of public transit options, and these can be the ideal way to get around the city when traveling on business. Budapest is notorious for limited parking, poor driving, and being more than a little difficult to navigate by car, so you may simply wish to skip the rental car on this business trip. Public transport is often quite crowded, and pickpockets can be a problem so do be cautious. All forms of public transit use the same type of tickets. You can purchase these singly or in books of ten or twenty, and they are valid on the buses, metro, trolleys and trams in the city. You will need to validate your ticket yourself on the bus or metro. You may also wish to purchase a day pass or multi-day pass. These do not have to be validated and can be much more convenient for travelers. Do be aware that many routes do not run after 11:30 PM.
Taxis are available, but do choose marked taxis. Look for taxis with the logo of a firm imprinted on the door. Taxis are often most commonly found near bus and train stations, markets and central squares. Fares may vary, and a 10% tip is standard. The typical fare includes a flat fee, a per kilometer fee, and a waiting fee.
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Lodging in Budapest
You can find lodging in Budapest ranging from basic to luxurious. Newly constructed four and five star hotels can rival some of the finest in the world, allowing you to conduct business in the lap of luxury. Other elegant and lovely accommodations in Budapest date back to the city's pre-war heyday. The finest hotels in Budapest offer an array of services, luxury accommodations, and more, as well as convenient downtown locations in many cases.
Less expensive pensions are available, but budget lodging may be somewhat more difficult to find in the city. Do request a double bed if you prefer it, as twin beds are common, especially in less expensive establishments. Room rentals in private homes can also be an economical choice in Budapest. Staying somewhat outside of the downtown area will help to lower your overall lodging bill while in Budapest on business.
If you are traveling during the summer months, be certain to make your reservations well in advance and confirm them. Prices will typically be highest from April to October, with lower costs out of season. Hotel prices are often listed and billed in Euros as opposed to forints, particularly at larger establishments.
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Dining in Budapest
There are many diverse restaurants in Budapest, and a variety of international cuisine is available in the city. Many restaurants offer excellent food at reasonable prices, and Budapest has a good reputation for fine dining. Do avoid imported seafood, but local freshwater fish is quite good. Traditional Hungarian food is quite spicy, with paprika and onions flavoring many foods. Soups, stuffed pancakes, and pastries are all quite good in Budapest.
The Hungarian word Étterem can be applied to restaurants of all sorts, from casual ones to fine dining. A vendéglo is a small, family style restaurant, serving traditional foods. Affordable lunch restaurants can be found throughout the city, as can snack stands. Beer and wine bars often offer meals as well, but the kitchen may close somewhat earlier than the bar. Lunch is typically the main meal of the day, but a full menu is typically available at dinner as well. Reservations are often not required, but may be helpful, especially at nicer restaurants. Dressier attire is appropriate at all but casual restaurants.
Coffeehouses offer pastries, coffee, ice cream and possibly small sandwiches. These are an excellent place for a snack, or to relax in the city. Cinnamon ice cream is particularly good in Budapest, and not to be missed. Baked goods of all sorts are typically quite good.
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Sightseeing in Budapest
If you have free time while in Budapest, you may wish to do some sightseeing. Many people visit the city purely for the sights, so making time to visit some of Budapest during your business trip will be both enjoyable and relaxing.
The city is particularly known for its baths, a remembrance of the long Turkish occupation. There are a number of baths in the city, ranging from very traditional baths to more modern spas.
The Matthias church is a popular destination for tourists, offering interesting architecture and a long history particularly with regard to the Hungarian royal family and coronations. The church has been rebuilt several times, and the current church reflects 19th century design. Budapest is also home to a number of fine museums, ranging from historical museums to art museums. The Castle Quarter offers the chance to walk through ruins dating all the way back to the Roman architecture of the city. Much of the finest architecture in the city, dating to the late 19th and early 20th century has been recently restored.
If you enjoy the theater, Budapest has excellent opportunities for everything from traditional opera to modern, Broadway-style shows. Hungarians do still dress for the theater, and you may need to buy tickets for desirable shows well in advance.
You will find affordable shopping opportunities for traditional Hungarian handcrafts in the city's many markets. As a growing urban center, you will also find more typical shopping including designer goods in the city. Factory outlets can also be a good choice for traditional Hungarian goods and may be less expensive than buying from tourist shops. Credit cards are typically accepted, making shopping quite easy.
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