SCAMS in Budapest?
 

In looking over this forum, I noticed there are problems with some hotels and taxis. Please fill me in. Thanks.

I didn't stay in a hotel while I was there but do only take city taxi's. You can find them on this site. Also I took a taxi from the mariott hotel and they were legit and did not overcharge. DO NOT take one off of the street unless you negotiate the price first. I did get riped off one night when I had no choice, although I walked away twice until he dropped his rate. I still paid to much but not as bad as he first wanted. <BR>

Judy, first let me include the caveat that Budapest is a very nice city, our hotel (on the Buda side) was fantastic and the food at the hotel was outstanding! However we had terrible luck with taxi's in Budapest, and we travel all over the place, never had a problem in NYC, Rome, Paris, Naples,etc. But Budapest did us in. Apparently, or at least it was explained to us by our hotel staff, there is only ONE licensed taxi company operating in Budapest and charging correct fares. That means that all the others are like, free agents. Without writing a novel I'll just outline our taxi experience: From Train to hotel, waited in line, paid nearly $85.00 for what turned out to be a $15.00 fare. Husband threatened when he disputed the fare. Taxi two, way home from city at night, went to a hotel, (not ours) they called a cab company, ended up paying $30.00 for a $15.00 fare, finally on the last day, OUR hotel called a cab and we paid a proper fare to the train station. I realize that a great deal of the responsibility if not all of it, falls on us, for not being more agressive or not being more careful. Chalk it up to a lesson learned. We had a laugh over it later. If I went there again, I would first of all choose a more centrally located hotel, and perhaps rent a car (we tried the bus, but it was a full hour and a half late and so full we nearly could not get on it). <BR>Also one other slightly humorous "scam" thing was this, as we walked across this bridge over the river, we observed an, apprently able-bodied, older woman walk towards a pillar, finish a cigarette, walk a few feet, then pass behind a pillar, out of sight. As we got to the center of the bridge the same woman, now stooped and limping with a cane hobbled towards us and asked for money. I guess she didn't know we had seen her earlier, before the performance. I know I will most likely take a beating by other Fodorites for getting ripped off but as I said, live and learn. There is a great deal of interest in Budapest and if you plan better then we did, you most likely won't have too many problems.

After having lived in Budapest for 2 years, I can tell you that it is an easy place to get "scammed". Don't beat yourself up about it. We habitually heard stories from other ex-pats--some you just laugh at (we have all been there) and some make you furious. <BR> <BR>On the subject of taxis, there are three companies we would use consistently. City Taxi - Fairly honest, but a tad more expensive. Buda Taxi and Teletaxi. To get the best rates, call the company itself and order a taxi. The hotels get the second best rate and do not ever get one on the street. Telephone numbers are: <BR>City Taxi 211-1111 <BR>Teletaxi 355-5555 (I think) <BR> <BR>Another thing to be leary of--your credit card. Pay cash whenever possible. There are several restaurants in town that will abuse your number and you will se tremendous charges. One of these is the Normafa Cafe--very good, but pay cash. <BR> <BR>Lastly, renting a car is not a good idea. The Bp drivers are aggressive and police target tourists. By the way, that is a huge scan itself!!! <BR> <BR>I did enjoy my time in Budapest. The food and entertainment are wonderful and inexpensive. Just watch your belongings and the scams. <BR>Enjoy!

Usually stay at the Intercontinental bidding priceline.com $50

Many scams from travel.state.gov detailed here do be careful.

Crime in Budapest is a concern. Be careful during your visit, and exercise the same caution you would in any big city or tourist area at home. Do not walk alone at night; keep your belongings secure at all times. Passports, cash, and credit cards are favorite targets of thieves. Keep items that you do not store in your hotel safe or residence in a safe place, but be aware that pockets, purses and backpacks are especially vulnerable, even if they close with a zipper. We recommend you use a travel money belt that keeps your cash and passport under your outer clothing and well out of view. Be sure to secure these items when you get back to your hotel or residence. The U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section has a special website with further details on common scams and crimes in Hungary.If you drive, be careful at gas stations and rest areas, or while fixing flat tires or other mechanical problems, especially at night. One scam involves someone who attracts your attention by claiming there is something wrong with your car to get you to pull over and then robs you. Do not leave your luggage and valuables unattended inside any vehicle.Another common scam involves young women asking foreign men to buy them drinks. When the bill arrives the drinks cost hundreds of dollars each. You should avoid bars and restaurants suggested by cab drivers or people on the street. Every bar and restaurant should provide a menu with prices on it. Look at the prices before you order anything, including drinks. The Embassy maintains a list of bars and restaurants that are known to engage in this scam. Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal to bring back into the United States, but you may also be breaking local law.

Insuremytrip.com always wise I NEVER travel with Debit Card

too risky just use my no fee capitalone.com Visa taken widely

NO liability can dispute all bogus charges.

Flashing lots of cash will get u robbed I do not do that.

Room safes are not safe in smaller hotels money belt a must

Always pay for your own drinks and watch them mixed to be safe

Especially if solo female...

Still a wonderful vibrant city with much to offer...

Happy Travels,

This thread is 11 years old.
There are more recent threads that update the topic of Hungarian scams.

Have been to Budapest twice, loved it, and have never found scams to be a problem. However, that assumes that you are used to large cities and have your wits about you at all times.

There have been reports of:

Taxis trying to charge a lot to people who didn;t determine the price in advance (dud!)

Men being lured into bars by very beautiful young women (for SOME reason the men believed the women were enamored of them) and being presented with very large bar bills for the (iced tea) champagne drunk by the young ladies (duh!). I assume the men were already drunk when solicited by the young women - either that or were incredibly naive or monstrously confused about their own attractiveness.

Have never heard of problems with a hotel.

If you are very naive and/or have no wits there is little anyone can do to help you - in any city in the world.

qwo/nytraveler: This is an <B>ELEVEN</B> year old thread. It was topped by someone advertising a website.