Safety and the scams that actually exist

The general picture

Budapest is a safe European capital. Violent crime against visitors is rare, the centre is busy late, and walking home at night is normal. The problems here are commercial, not physical.

The bar scam

This one is specific, persistent and well documented. Someone friendly — often a woman, often alone, often with excellent English — strikes up a conversation on a central street and suggests a bar nearby. The bill that arrives is many times what was ordered, and the venue has staff prepared for the argument.

The defence is simple and total: choose the bar yourself. Never follow an invitation from a stranger on the street, however casual the encounter looks.

Taxis

Use a booked car (an app, or a phone booking) or an official rank. Do not flag down an unmarked car at night. Agree that the meter is running before you set off.

Exchange booths

Covered in more detail on the money page. Short version: the ones advertising "0% commission" on tourist streets are the ones to avoid.

Pickpocketing

The usual European caution on crowded trams — the 4/6 and the M3 at rush hour — and in the market halls. Nothing unusual for a capital.

Emergency numbers

112 reaches police, ambulance and fire from any phone, in English. That is the only number you need to remember.