We are flying to Budapest next week. (Our hotel is on the Pest side). Do you have any tips about taking a taxi from the airport to our hotel? Is it safe? Can we pay in $US, (by any chance), or do we need to change some money in the airport upon arrival? About how much should we expect the cost of the taxi ride to be?

Thank you very much for your advice.

Would you pay in Hungarian florints in the US?

There are ATMs at the airport, extract cash from them. Pay the driver.

There are also shared ride services that will stop at multiple hotels like a SuperShuttle in the US. Google the airport website and you'll get more information on all this.

BigRuss,

Great reply!! If you were a cashier at a Macy's department store in U.S would you take florints??

In New York City you can pay with a credit card in the taxi. I did not use a taxi in Budapest so I am not sure about that idea. I would contact your hotel in Budapest. I am sure they can give you the info you need. In fact they probably have a web site.

Careful now, the taxis at Budapest airport are famous rip off merchants. I'd get forints (no l) at the airport but get your hotel to book a pick up with a FIXED PRICE.

http://www.hungarybudapestguide.com/...axis-budapest/

Our hotel recommended City Taxi. Phone: +361 211 1111

website: www.citytaxi.hu

City Taxi has a good name

For getting around in Budapest, I learned to use (and trust) City Taxi.

It's slightly different with the airport. The airport authorities control which cabs operate legitimately from the airport, and the current permitted operator is Főtaxi. See http://www.bud.hu/english/passengers...arking/by_taxi (other links, showing other transport options, from that page). Note the warning on the page: "Please be aware of exposing yourself at risk by using non-regulated taxi service providers soliciting at the terminal buildings."

Thank you for your comments and suggestions. We leave for Budapest this fall and I will certainly contact our hotel regarding this issue.