Petty
crime is an issue in Hungary's capital, Budapest, although it doesn't seem so
petty when it happens to you. So be aware that as a tourist you are the number
one target.
Where To Beware
The
most obvious time to be cautious is when travelling on public transport. Many
of the metro stations are accessible by long escalators which give thieves the
perfect view of the contents of your bag.
Numerous thefts have
been reported on trains to and from Hungary, in particular at Keleti station.
The most troublesome metro lines are one and three, tram lines two and four,
and bus line seven.
The
main tourist attractions where your belongings are likely to be nabbed are the Chain
Bridge area on both sides of the Danube, and on the bridge itself, the Royal
Palace Museum, Basilica,
Heroes’ Square, Fishermen’s Bastion, and Matthias Church.
American
fast food restaurants like McDonald's, Burger King and Pizza Hut are also
danger zones.
Pick
pockets often work in groups, so, if you are approached by one or two dodgy
looking locals, there are bound to be others lurking behind you while you
attention is diverted.
Money Police
Just
as common as pick pocketing are street scams. One which many tourists will
warn about is the 'money changer' scam.
You are approached by a man asking if you would like to change your currency,
you say no and think that's the end of it. A short time later a pair of plain
clothed men flashing police identification will ask to see your money. Once
they have finished inspecting the contents of your wallet, they will return it,
but there certainly won't be the same amount you started with.
The
men, who are generally not small in demeanour will often use intimidation
tactics, or even question you about drugs in order to make you hand over your
wallet.
Hungarian
police don't deal with tourist money changing issues and generally wear
uniform. If you are approached by these men walk in the other direction, try
and find a police officer patrolling the area, or tell them you would like to
consult your embassy.
Taxi Rip-off
If
you use common sense then public transport is safe and efficient, so if you
can, avoid using taxis altogether.
(Expensive - dangerous only to your bank balance.)
If you don't speak Hungarian you are going
to be completely ripped off. Even people who do speak Hungarian but happen to
have an accent because it's not their first language end up paying an obscene
amount to get from A to B.
If
you must catch a taxi, try not to hail one on the street, find a way to order
one in advance. Only use a taxi that has a yellow licence plate and a taxi sign
on the roof and the side door. Unmarked cars with only a sign on the roof can
often be dodgy. Also check for a sign which should be posted on the dashboard
which outlines fares.
Road Sense
If
you are using your own vehicle to get around, you also need to be cautious of
peoples' intentions. There have been a number of incidences reported by people
travelling on the motorways.
Your car will be flagged down by someone alerting
you to a flat tyre or smoke coming from the hood. When you pull over to inspect
the possible problem, the scammers will steal your belongings and maybe even
the car itself.
This
kind of scam can happen at rest stops and petrol stations too. People resting
in their car will be awoken by someone telling them they have a flat tyre. The
scammer may have actually slashed your tyre himself. Again, when you go to
check out the problem your unattended belongs will be stolen, or if you have
left your keys in the ignition, say goodbye to your car.
(Armed and sick of road rules.)
Car
thefts are on the rise so be extra careful. The favourite among thieves are
Audis and VWs.
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