Language problems
 

Am planning a trip to Budapest and Prague in the Spring and am worried about language problems. I speak English and French. Is that sufficient?

English is fine. I don't think you'll find many speaking French. If you speak any German, that's a plus. Honestly, English is widely spoken in the hotels, restaurants, shops, and venues. Have a great time, I was in Prague in November and loved every moment of my trip, and I'm on my way to Budapest in March.

Have been to both cities twice and never had a problem with language. And you speak one more language than I do!

Many restaurants in Budapest have multi-lingual menus. <BR><BR>Beszlesz angolul? (Bay-sel ungolool)<BR>Hungarian for: Do you speak English?<BR><BR>I just visited Budapest for the 3rd time and wasn't that concerned about reviewing what little Hungarian I know. (I took lessons for almost a year - fun language) This time around I just wasn't up for trying to be "culturally aware" (I from NYC and I needed a break) You'll be fine in Budapest. <BR><BR>http://www.oanda.com/convert/cheatsheet<BR><BR>Keep a cheat sheet of currency conversions (1US$ = 279.31 FRT) in your wallet - it keeps peace of mind.

I was in Budapest and found that most people are completely obnoxious if you speak English and expect them to speak it back. Not that I don't understand, but it's difficult when you're trying to find something and need to ask. I suggest learning a few buzzwords like hello, goodbye, thank you, please, and where is. People always appreciate it, especially in less tourist infested countries like Hungary and the Czech Republic - although Prague is INFESTED with tourists and American ex-pats. It's the new cool city to live in for the 20 something crowd. In fact, I'm going at the end of January to visit TWO of my friends who are living there. Can't say that I'm not jealous......but they didn't speak a word of Czech before they moved there and they're still alive. Don't worry too much about it. You'll survive either way.