Hungary And Slovakia

Both Hungary and Slovakia are in the European Union, but while Slovakia uses the Euro currency, Hungary maintains its own currency, the Florint. The exchange rate is around 300 Florints to a US dollar. 

When you are in Hungary and you are constantly calculating prices in tens of thousands of Florints, prepare to make frequent mistakes.

Hungary seemed a bit more laid back. Nobody hassles you. I was taking picture of the Parliament building at night with a tripod. The cops watched me, but no one asked me what I was doing. Imagine a foreigner trying that in the USA.

Slovakia was pleasantly relaxed as well except in the eastern part of the country, near Ukraine. There, you might notice more of an ex-Soviet feel, where people watch you suspiciously. Still, nobody gave me a hassle. If you want to be hassled by cops or territorial citizens, visit the States.

On European highways, there are people who drive very fast in the left lane, and they’ll tailgate and flash you if you are in their way, but otherwise, drivers are very politie. In Slovakia, they’ll beep their horn if you’re moving slowly; in Hungary, they don’t even do that. Drivers in the US are far more aggressive and irritable.

Budapest has a special beauty that few other cities can match. Bratislava is a smaller city with a very pretty historic center.

In Hungary, a restaurant bill includes an 11 to 13 percent service charge, so you don’t have to tip. In Slovakia, tips are expected and appreciated.

In both countries, you’ll be able to use your VISA or Mastercard, but American Express is rarely accepted. Only big hotels, car rental agencies, and airport vendors accept Amex. When I asked them why, they claimed that the fees are too high.

In Hungary, watch out for ATMs or other electronic transactions that offer to convert the amount to Euros or to your home currency. If you choose this option, they will include a big markup. One ATM wanted to charge twelve percent. Choose to pay everything in the native Florints, and let your bank calculate the currency conversion.

The food was wonderful in both countries, delicious meals prepared with pride using fresh ingredients. I have a sensitive stomach, and I experienced no issues with anything that I ate during my time there.