Live and work in Hungary

Basic facts about Hungary

Hungary is located in Central Europe with Budapest as its capital city. The population of around 9.730.000 people live In the area of 93,030 km². The main language is Hungarian and it’s helpful to learn some basics to get around easier. Their currency is Hungarian forint written as HUF or ft. 

Hungary has a continental climate, which results in hot summers and very cold winters. It’s a country of plain lands characterised by three types. Dunántúl is the highest terrain with some mountains. Duna-Tisza köze and Tiszántúl are the great Hungarian plain. Hungarian nature is one of the most diverse in Europe with 10 national parks, 9 natural parks and 22 forest areas.

9 fun facts about Hungary 

1. DO NOT clink your beer: In 1848 the Hungarian Revolution against the Habsburgs was defeated, ending in 13 Hungarian generals being executed and the Austrians clinking their beer after each execution. After this, Hungarians vowed to forbid clinking their beers for 150 years, time passed but the custom stays.
2. It’s one of the oldest European countries: Hungary dates back to 895 which makes it older than France and Germany
3. Cowboy’s people: It was very common to ride over Europe on horseback, and still today you can see this practice in Hungary
4. The ‘City of Baths’: Budapest is the city with more thermal springs in the world naturally fed by 120 hot springs. Every day over 70 million litres of thermal water come up to the surface!. Many of these thermal baths date from the 16th century.
5. Rubik’s cube home: Hungary is the home of many inventions like the Rubik’s cube, the ballpoint pen, holography, thermographic camera, digital computing and the first functional helicopter.
6. Introductions: Using your last name during introducing yourself is a common practice in Hungary.
7. Spice Lovers: Paprika is so loved by Hungarians, it became their national spice! It even has its own museum. 
8. Their Pálinka: Hungarian well-known fruit alcohol drink, Pálinka, is usually made from plums, but you can also find one made from pears, apricots or cherries. 
9. The Land of wine: In Tokaj wine has been produced since the 5th century. It is the first in the world official wine area. 

Vivid culture in Hungary

Hungarian culture varies depending on the region. Folklore and folk music play a great role and have an influence on art even nowadays, as it is their literary heritage. They have developed a rich spa culture due to their own natural thermal springs. Besides this they show their lifestyle in their crafts of ceramics and embroidery, their music, costumes and dances, all of this the heart of Hungarian culture.

The Hungarian traditions and customs have been passed down through generations, so it’s a very ancient tradition we can see until this day over the country. There are special folk art demonstrations, famous all over the world, that come from the Hungarian technique. E.g. the Halas lace from the Southern Great Plain, which is a type of needle lace or  Kalocsa embroidered folk costumes, from the Kalocsa region, which has a very colourful embroidery.

All of this is something you will be able to see since their production and experience the ancient technique as traditions continue in local markets and cottages.

Hungarian food and dishes

Gastronomy is an important factor for Hungarians. It’s a combination of tradition and innovation, enriched with inspirations from other cultures. Typical Hungarian cuisine consists of dairy, cheese, and meats. They love soups and both vegetable and fish ones are made based on the season. Hungarian cuisine tends to be mildly spicy and well seasoned. Even though Hungarians love paprika, they are definitely not limited to this. 

Some of their most well-known dishes are:

1. Goulash
2. Pörkölt
3. Főzelék
4. Hearty Gundel pancakes (filled with a mixture of walnuts and room with a sauce made from dark chocolate)
5. Lángos
6. Sweet fruit soup (served cold). 

A three-course meal for two people costs around €28, and a local beer costs €1.60. 

Finding accommodation in Hungary

Accommodation in Hungary is relatively cheap compared to other countries in Europe. Of course, the price depends on the location and the standard of living you would like. Remember it’s always good to start your search early and be able to look at different offers to make the best decision. But don’t worry, you can find something suitable without big issues. 

The easiest way to find accommodation is rental. You can rent a room or, if you prefer to live alone, an apartment. The quality-to-price ratio is high, and you can find both furnished and unfurnished places. However, because of the language barrier, which might be a big problem, some expats decide on renting through estate-agencies services. You have to keep in mind that for this type of service you always have to pay an extra fee. 

Try to look online, on websites or Facebook groups for expats looking for accommodation. You can contact the landlord directly or add your own post about housing search. Try to look on this website.

It happens that landlords want to base a rental on a verbal agreement. Never agree on that. Only a written contract has the full legal power, make sure you read it carefully before signing. Rent usually doesn’t include utilities. You will have to pay this additionally. 

Cost of living in Hungary

Cost of living in Hungary is low compared to other European countries. The average salary is around €730. They have affordable rental prices combined with fair salaries for expats, which makes Hungary a good place to start your journey abroad. Of course, a lot depends on your lifestyle, so you should think through what your aim is. 

Here are examples of some of the basic costs you should be aware of. 

Description	Cost in Euro
Accomodation*	280 – 390
Food**	30 – 50
Fitness club monthly pass	60
Cinema ticket	3.90
Mobile phone rate (per minute)	0.08
Cappuccino	1.50
Public transport (single ticket)	1
Total	417

* Prices can vary depending on the neighbourhood, the number of people living in the apartment and facilities.

**Depends greatly on your diet and which shops you buy food and drinks from.

Expat communities in Hungary

Moving to a new place on your own can seem challenging, especially if it’s your first time. Remember there are many people like you, looking for somebody to start a new journey with, so be open-minded and socialise a lot! Maybe your new colleagues will be friends for life?

We also recommend to join Facebook groups for expats where you will easily find like-minded people. This might be the easiest way to make new friends nowadays, besides on your workplace. You can often also check these groups to see if there are some events organised in your area.

Hungarians are also well-known for their hospitality, so they will be there to help if you need anything – also even though they might not speak English that well – but this is also another good reason to learn some Hungarian phrases.

If you have any questions about working abroad, take a look at our Tips & Tricks. If there is still something you would like to ask, you are welcome to contact us. You can do it by clicking HERE. 

Where to learn Hungarian

If you plan to reside for a longer period of time in Hungary, we recommend learning the language to some extent. People in Hungary are very collaborative when it comes to practising their language, so don’t be afraid to ask for help on this matter. It can be difficult for some expats to learn Hungarian but it’s very rewarding since locals value this a lot. There are plenty of places where you can learn the language like the Balassi cultural institute,University of Pécs, the University of Szeged and some of them offer scholarships.

Why Hungary?

Hungary is a beautiful country with a very rich culture and warm people who would like to show you all their customs and traditions. The economical growth makes Budapest a pool of opportunities for expats and their low cost of living makes it perfect for travelling abroad while working in Hungary. If you’re an explorer and you want to know more about a new culture, a new language, and discover very different places, then you should try Hungary. We know that working abroad and travelling to a different country may be as interesting as it is overwhelming, so don’t hesitate to contact us. We can help you through the entire process of moving to Hungary.

Still not convinced about Hungary?

Hungary offers a wealth of attractions and landmarks to explore. Start your journey in Budapest, the capital city, where you can visit the stunning Hungarian Parliament Building, the historic Buda Castle, and the Chain Bridge. Take a stroll along the Danube River and soak in the beauty of the city’s architecture. 

Also, don’t miss the thermal baths, such as the famous Széchenyi Thermal Bath, for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. Outside of Budapest, you can explore the charming town of Eger, known for its mediaeval castle and thermal baths, or visit the Danube Bend region, which offers scenic landscapes and historic towns like Szentendre.

Hungary is also a treasure trove of architectural wonders. Explore the magnificent Parliament building in Budapest, an architectural masterpiece that will leave you in awe. Budapest is also home to the second-oldest underground railway in the world, the historic Line 1, which has been in operation since 1896.

Hungarian cuisine is a feast for the senses. From goulash, a traditional meat stew, to delectable chimney cakes known as kürtőskalács, your taste buds are in for a true treat. Don’t forget to try lángos, a delicious deep-fried dough topped with savoury or sweet toppings—a guilty pleasure.

Hungary is the birthplace of the Rubik’s Cube, the iconic 3D puzzle that has captivated millions worldwide. Embrace your inner puzzle solver and see if you can master the colourful challenge created by Hungarian architect Ernő Rubik.

Hungarians are known for their hospitality and warmth. The concept of “vendégszeretet” (guest-friendliness) runs deep, ensuring that you’ll feel welcome and cherished as you make Hungary your home.