SHOULD I BRING A TRANSLATION PHRASE/DICTIONARY TO HUNGARY
Jul 11th, 2014, 01:01 PM
#1
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SHOULD I BRING A TRANSLATION PHRASE/DICTIONARY TO HUNGARY
From the older posts I've read, I get the impression that most Hungarian citizens don't know how or won't make an effort to speak English. Alright, if this is the case, should I bring a phrase and word dictionary that translates English to Hungarian? I speak French fluently but highly doubt that they speak this language as well. We'll need to communicate with the locals and I don't wish to be ignored if asking for directions, ordering food in restaurants, buying something in their shops etc., you get the idea. Thank you.
On another note, how does tipping work over there, Budapest. What percentage should be added to a restaurant bill, tipping taxi drivers, tipping hotel staff eg. porter, concierge, and maid services? Thank you.
On another note, how does tipping work over there, Budapest. What percentage should be added to a restaurant bill, tipping taxi drivers, tipping hotel staff eg. porter, concierge, and maid services? Thank you.
Jul 11th, 2014, 01:20 PM
#2
Hungarian, despite having had Hungarian family members, is one of the few European languages that stumps me completely. If you manage at all I commend you as I believe it's likely the most opaque of the European languages. I can function in Russian better than Hungarian.
On the up side, except in the countryside, I've always encountered English speakers when I've needed them. Especially in Budapest, you should have no problems. Those in the business of providing services all speak English or have someone on staff that does. Unless you're up for some language adventure, I wouldn't bother with Hungarian for just a vacation there.
On the up side, except in the countryside, I've always encountered English speakers when I've needed them. Especially in Budapest, you should have no problems. Those in the business of providing services all speak English or have someone on staff that does. Unless you're up for some language adventure, I wouldn't bother with Hungarian for just a vacation there.
Jul 11th, 2014, 02:53 PM
#3
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Thank you MmePerdu. You're probably right. Another thing to lug around...I will still print out some basic phrases and words to have just in case. In Prague I could have used some basic Czech. Our taxi driver was rough when we wanted him to take us on a different route back to our hotel.
He grunted something to himself, looked in his rear view mirror and watched my husband make hand gestures to direct him back to our hotel. I'm sure he wanted to give us 'le tour du monde' and was frustrated that he couldn't pull a fast one over us. Lucky for me my husband has a great sense of direction.
He grunted something to himself, looked in his rear view mirror and watched my husband make hand gestures to direct him back to our hotel. I'm sure he wanted to give us 'le tour du monde' and was frustrated that he couldn't pull a fast one over us. Lucky for me my husband has a great sense of direction.
Jul 11th, 2014, 04:09 PM
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Are you willing to take the risk of really needing to communicate something, say in an emergency, and being unable to do so? There are a variety of very small phrase books/travel dictionaries that you can get, about 4" by 6" by 1/4". Personally, I would never travel anywhere without some way to communicate if necessary.
For the tipping norms, consult any good guidebook. Unfortunately, I don't remember, but agree that it is really important to know that kind of thing in advance.
Enjoy!
For the tipping norms, consult any good guidebook. Unfortunately, I don't remember, but agree that it is really important to know that kind of thing in advance.
Enjoy!
Jul 11th, 2014, 04:56 PM
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I'm not sure that there are any Hungarins that speak English that won't bother to do so. You have to remember that for many years their compulsory second language was Russian.
That said, we had no problem getting along in English - even only a few years after the wall fell. Someone had gone through a couple of the major museums and taped typed (with some interesting spellings) English labels over the Russian ones. Naturally we could not read the Hungarian - since it is it's own language group - not slavic - but I think perhaps related to Finnish.
That said, we had no problem getting along in English - even only a few years after the wall fell. Someone had gone through a couple of the major museums and taped typed (with some interesting spellings) English labels over the Russian ones. Naturally we could not read the Hungarian - since it is it's own language group - not slavic - but I think perhaps related to Finnish.
Jul 11th, 2014, 06:43 PM
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Would someone let me know how tipping works in Budapest? Approximately, what percentage should we give to waiting staff in restaurants, maid services, porter, concierge for his tourist suggestions, taxi drivers? Are there times when tipping is not required? What I mean by this is, say we're asked to pay so many HUF for a taxi, need we tip the driver as well, or is it included in the fare?
Jul 11th, 2014, 06:59 PM
#7
From CN Traveler:
HUNGARY
At Restaurants: When it comes to great service, "Hungary isn't quite there yet," says Kozlowski. "If the service is good, I leave 10 percent of the total bill in cash, tops. If it's just coffee, I leave pocket change."
At Hotels: Tip concierges about $20 if they do something extraordinary like secure you hard-to-get tickets. Porters get $1 to $2 per bag, cleaning staff $3 to $5 a day.
Guides and Drivers: Tip guides $15 to $20 per person per day for small groups and $10 per person per day for larger groups; tip drivers half that. In taxis, round up the fare.
Dollars Accepted? Yes, if they're undamaged and crisp, and never give American coins.
P.S. Expect to tip train porters $1 to $2 per bag. Spas will probably include a 10 percent
service fee, but you can tip 10 percent on top of that.
HUNGARY
At Restaurants: When it comes to great service, "Hungary isn't quite there yet," says Kozlowski. "If the service is good, I leave 10 percent of the total bill in cash, tops. If it's just coffee, I leave pocket change."
At Hotels: Tip concierges about $20 if they do something extraordinary like secure you hard-to-get tickets. Porters get $1 to $2 per bag, cleaning staff $3 to $5 a day.
Guides and Drivers: Tip guides $15 to $20 per person per day for small groups and $10 per person per day for larger groups; tip drivers half that. In taxis, round up the fare.
Dollars Accepted? Yes, if they're undamaged and crisp, and never give American coins.
P.S. Expect to tip train porters $1 to $2 per bag. Spas will probably include a 10 percent
service fee, but you can tip 10 percent on top of that.
Jul 12th, 2014, 02:05 AM
#9
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Thank you very much CN Traveller for giving me thorough details on tipping in Budapest. These details will certainly be applied when we go visit this city. I did not want to appear cheap nor to lavish with my tipping while over there. Very grateful!
Jul 12th, 2014, 03:10 AM
#10
Most Humgarians you will meet will speak a fair bit of English. I've been well off piste in the country many times and apart from the smallest village inn I've never had a problem. French and a little German is also useful as a back up. Hungarians know how difficult their language is and work with you.
In tips I think that proposed probably comes from an American writer. 10% is a little high for a GREAT meal while the other tips suggested are frankly way too high. Basically all that is happening is that you are exporting the US culture to other countries and by doing so destroyinng that culture. I suggest the mantra should be take only photos and leave only footprints.
At Hotels. Tip in the local country's currency (is that so hard?) or next time I'll use glass beads in New York. The currency is the forint (there is no l in forint though many people try to put it there) I suggest take the figures suggested and reduce by a minimum of 50% if not 75%. Concierge, I struggle to think of something so special that might require an extra fee, maybe rose petal carpets to the room perhaps.
As for tipping in a spa, I'm not sure what the "extra" you are tipping for or indeed where you would keep your money in order to be able to pay it. You pay for your entry fee at the door like everyone else. If you want a sausage in a bun you buy it with the local money and round up if you want to, but it is not expected.
Taxis round up. Yes, but take care at the airport to use the correct taxi (I'd book a pickup from the hotel to avoid the occasional rip off that is well documented on the web) actually I wouldn't I'd catch the train and walk but I'm European.
FYI the issue of tip is of major contention on this site because some people want to be a roman when in rome and some like to import their culture. Expect more input.
In tips I think that proposed probably comes from an American writer. 10% is a little high for a GREAT meal while the other tips suggested are frankly way too high. Basically all that is happening is that you are exporting the US culture to other countries and by doing so destroyinng that culture. I suggest the mantra should be take only photos and leave only footprints.
At Hotels. Tip in the local country's currency (is that so hard?) or next time I'll use glass beads in New York. The currency is the forint (there is no l in forint though many people try to put it there) I suggest take the figures suggested and reduce by a minimum of 50% if not 75%. Concierge, I struggle to think of something so special that might require an extra fee, maybe rose petal carpets to the room perhaps.
As for tipping in a spa, I'm not sure what the "extra" you are tipping for or indeed where you would keep your money in order to be able to pay it. You pay for your entry fee at the door like everyone else. If you want a sausage in a bun you buy it with the local money and round up if you want to, but it is not expected.
Taxis round up. Yes, but take care at the airport to use the correct taxi (I'd book a pickup from the hotel to avoid the occasional rip off that is well documented on the web) actually I wouldn't I'd catch the train and walk but I'm European.
FYI the issue of tip is of major contention on this site because some people want to be a roman when in rome and some like to import their culture. Expect more input.
Jul 12th, 2014, 03:12 AM
#11
From our day trips to Budapest from Vienna, I've learned to ask (in Hungarian, thanks to our neighbors) whether someone speaks English or German, and usually there is someone who speaks enough English to get you through basic services. In the tourist areas, especially, most menus are in English, as well. The CN Traveler points on tipping are great, too.
Also, in the tourist areas the Euro and sometimes the USD are accepted, often only small bills (€5 or $5 and below), with change given in Hungarian Forints. Do not be surprised at the Bankomat (ATM) when your currency choices include 10.000 notes, either; that's only about €30.
Also, in the tourist areas the Euro and sometimes the USD are accepted, often only small bills (€5 or $5 and below), with change given in Hungarian Forints. Do not be surprised at the Bankomat (ATM) when your currency choices include 10.000 notes, either; that's only about €30.
Jul 12th, 2014, 05:15 AM
#12
Phrasebooks are fine for asking questions, but will you understand the answer? If I ask, via phrasebook, how to get to the bus station, will I understand the Hungarian for "Just walk 3 blocks west, then turn right over the bridge and you'll see it across the square." Just saying.
Jul 12th, 2014, 07:23 AM
#14
"...all that is happening is that you are exporting the US culture to other countries and by doing so destroyinng that culture."
I don't believe there are many cultures so fragile that they cannot withstand the occasional overtipping. In any case, I believe it's the travel industry as a whole that's changing, not a group of clueless visitors from one country. Are Americans also to blame for the rise in restaurant & hotel prices and airline tickets? If that were true then one might suppose that prices of everything in the US would be higher than elsewhere and generally that's not the case. It's a global issue and to blame one people is convenient but silly.
CN Traveler is a highish end magazine so presumably, the suggestions are for upscale hotels. And who would tip less than the equivalent of $1 a bag to a porter anyway? I guess we know who. I've rarely stayed in a place with a concierge so it isn't an issue and anyone with a reasonable IQ will know to adjust to the situation.
The article I quoted above asks if dollars are accepted, not is it the currency of first choice. Of course one should tip in the country's own currency. If glass beads is the currency, then glass beads it is.
I don't believe there are many cultures so fragile that they cannot withstand the occasional overtipping. In any case, I believe it's the travel industry as a whole that's changing, not a group of clueless visitors from one country. Are Americans also to blame for the rise in restaurant & hotel prices and airline tickets? If that were true then one might suppose that prices of everything in the US would be higher than elsewhere and generally that's not the case. It's a global issue and to blame one people is convenient but silly.
CN Traveler is a highish end magazine so presumably, the suggestions are for upscale hotels. And who would tip less than the equivalent of $1 a bag to a porter anyway? I guess we know who. I've rarely stayed in a place with a concierge so it isn't an issue and anyone with a reasonable IQ will know to adjust to the situation.
The article I quoted above asks if dollars are accepted, not is it the currency of first choice. Of course one should tip in the country's own currency. If glass beads is the currency, then glass beads it is.
Jul 12th, 2014, 06:47 PM
#16
Just for the record, Monty Python also had difficulty using a Hungarian phrasebook:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akbflkF_1zY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akbflkF_1zY
Jul 12th, 2014, 06:58 PM
#17
"I don't believe there are many cultures so fragile that they cannot withstand the occasional overtipping."
That is the attitude found in people who pick flowers in National Parks. "Oh, just one won't hurt." And overtipping - or tipping at all in non-tipping countries - DOES affect the culture. This is from a recent post on the Asia board:
"Even four years ago, I was told by several Chinese people who shared my train that they no longer count on being able to get a taxi at the main train station in Beijing because the drivers who stop there now only serve foreigners, who won’t insist on the meter and who give tips. I found it incredibly difficult to get a metered cab there."
That is the attitude found in people who pick flowers in National Parks. "Oh, just one won't hurt." And overtipping - or tipping at all in non-tipping countries - DOES affect the culture. This is from a recent post on the Asia board:
"Even four years ago, I was told by several Chinese people who shared my train that they no longer count on being able to get a taxi at the main train station in Beijing because the drivers who stop there now only serve foreigners, who won’t insist on the meter and who give tips. I found it incredibly difficult to get a metered cab there."
Jul 12th, 2014, 07:40 PM
#18
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Thanks, thursdaysd. 
The quoted words are mine. This issue is easily dismissed by people who think -- I'm sure quite genuinely -- that they are just being kind or generous, but who don't give much thought to the consequences. And it is worth thinking about, because overtipping (or tipping at all in a non-tipping culture) is NOT a small thing -- It is a BIG thing with potentially huge ramifications. Please give it some thought!
BTW, I hate to think it matters just WHO, exactly, is/was/will be affected, but just in case, let's be clear that it can affect YOU, too! Here is an excerpt from my trip report (on this board), about my efforts to get a cab at that specific station: "I’d like to think that I would have asked myself why so many taxi drivers were willing to offer me such 'deep' discounts off the metered rate, and why they would then protest so vehemently if I insisted on using the supposedly more expensive meter. The metered cab that I finally found (after an official intervened) cost 29 yuan – a far cry from the 'discounted' rate of 150 to 250 yuan the drivers of the non-metered taxis tried to convince me to take."
The quoted words are mine. This issue is easily dismissed by people who think -- I'm sure quite genuinely -- that they are just being kind or generous, but who don't give much thought to the consequences. And it is worth thinking about, because overtipping (or tipping at all in a non-tipping culture) is NOT a small thing -- It is a BIG thing with potentially huge ramifications. Please give it some thought!
BTW, I hate to think it matters just WHO, exactly, is/was/will be affected, but just in case, let's be clear that it can affect YOU, too! Here is an excerpt from my trip report (on this board), about my efforts to get a cab at that specific station: "I’d like to think that I would have asked myself why so many taxi drivers were willing to offer me such 'deep' discounts off the metered rate, and why they would then protest so vehemently if I insisted on using the supposedly more expensive meter. The metered cab that I finally found (after an official intervened) cost 29 yuan – a far cry from the 'discounted' rate of 150 to 250 yuan the drivers of the non-metered taxis tried to convince me to take."
Jul 12th, 2014, 07:50 PM
#19
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There are several good apps, including Google Translate, for phones that translate voice so you can talk and have it read back in another language. Google also recently bought Word Lens that lets you translate printed text live on your phone via the video camera. They are both available for android or iphone.
Jul 12th, 2014, 08:10 PM
#20
I suppose one solution, then, for those of us who travel far and wide and long and who cannot manage to keep all the "musts" and "must nots" and "shoulds" and so on straight, just don't tip, at all, anywhere, ever. It seems the only possibility and I think I'm just getting too old for all the correctness hereabouts. (I suppose yet another lashing will be coming my way now.)
