A cultural travel guide to the world

Etiquette & taboos

Etiquette & taboos

Understanding local customs is where a journey begins. Find the topics that matter to you and feel at ease wherever you go.

Hungary

3 rules found

Local customsPublic transportCountry-wide guidance · Hungary

Hungary: keep quiet on board, let people off first, and ask who's last in line

Do

  • Talk quietly, keep calls short and use headphones on board
  • Give your seat to older, pregnant and disabled passengers
  • Let passengers off before boarding and stand to the side of the doors
  • Where there is a ticket machine, take a number and watch the screen
  • If there is no clear queue, ask 'Ki az utolsó?' (Who is last?)
  • Validate paper tickets as BKK requires

Don’t

  • Don't jump the queue
  • Don't whistle, hum or sing in public

Bad manners usually just earn disapproving looks, but failing to validate your ticket can get you fined by inspectors, tourists included; BKK publishes the amounts.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: Cultural Atlas: Hungarian Culture – Etiquette

Local customsEveryday mannersCountry-wide guidance · Hungary

Hungary: greet with a handshake and don't use first names until invited

Do

  • Give a firm handshake with direct eye contact when you first meet
  • Men usually wait for a woman to offer her hand
  • Say 'Jó napot kívánok!' (good day) when entering shops and restaurants
  • Hungarian names put the family name first; keep this in mind when addressing people or filling in forms
  • Use the formal 'you' (Ön) with strangers and older people

Don’t

  • Don't use someone's first name until they invite you to
  • Don't initiate cheek kisses with people you don't know well; they are for family and friends

There is no penalty, but using a first name uninvited is considered rude. Close female friends kiss once on each cheek, and close male friends or relatives may hug and kiss on the cheek.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: Cultural Atlas: Hungarian Culture – Greetings

Local customsTippingCountry-wide guidance · Hungary

Hungary: check the bill for a service charge before tipping

Do

  • When paying, first check whether the bill lists a service charge (szervizdíj)
  • If it does, you generally don't need to tip extra
  • If not, and service was fine, tip about 10%
  • Before paying by card, state the total including the tip
  • Hand cash tips directly to your server

Don’t

  • Don't leave cash on the table and walk away
  • If service is already included, you can choose 0 when the card machine asks for a tip

Service charges are typically around 10–15% and count as the staff's payment. Many card terminals can't add a tip afterwards, so say the total first. Leaving cash on the table is uncommon and not secure.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: Hungary Unlocked: Tipping in Hungary

Site-specific notes 4

Taken from the "don'ts" on each site page here. Open a site for its full etiquette and background.

St Stephen's Day in Budapest

  • Entering road-closure zones during the fireworks
  • stopping on bridges and blocking the way
  • throwing things into the river

Lake Balaton

  • Playing loud music on the beach that disturbs others
  • entering private piers or wineries uninvited
  • walking on ice that has not been opened for use

Széchenyi Thermal Bath

  • Shouting in the water
  • disturbing chess players by talking
  • photographing other people directly
  • ignoring the venue rules during Sparty

Buda Castle

  • Touching exhibits
  • using flash or a tripod in St Stephen's Hall
  • making noise in the Castle Quarter at night (it is also a residential and office area)