Hungary
is home to many sneaky scammers. Budapest in particular is a place where
tourists can fall victim to the community of corrupt taxi drivers, restaurant
owners and seemingly lovely ladies, who are working together to swindle you.
You
may think you are being cautious, but even the most savvy of travellers can get
caught out. “It
all seemed so obvious when we think back,” were the words of a victim who fell
for one of the city's most common
restaurant and bar scams.
(Bar bills as big and scary as this statue.)
Bar Bill Scam
The
scam reported by many male travellers is one which starts with an ego boost.
Two attractive women will approach you in the street asking if you want to
accompany them to a bar. The next thing you know, you are enjoying a meal or
drinks, but when the bill arrives
the intention of the new friendship is made evident.
Two
frightening sights – a bill of up to thousands of dollars and Hungarian men of
barbarian proportions standing over you, waiting to escort you to the nearest
ATM.
Taxi
drivers can also be involved in the scam. They will suggest bars to take you
to, because they are getting a commission from the owners who are waiting to
rip you off.
Most of the places that have been reported to be out to get you,
are located
in Budapest's fifth district, on or near the main tourist street, the Váci
utca.
It's
best to avoid bars and clubs that can't be easily accessed from street level,
for example a place that you can only get to by elevator. Also be wary of
places that don't clearly display menus.
If
you walk into a club that ticks those boxes and also happens to have their own
ATM, you are asking for trouble.
Some
places that have been reported to embassies are -
- Diamond Club, Budapest II district, Bimbó út 3.
- Eden Night Club, Budapest VI district, Andrássy út. 54.
- Galaxia étterem, bár, Budapest V district, Bécsi utca 3.
- La Dolce Vita, Budapest V district, Október 6. utca 5.
- Mercy Club and Lounge, Budapest VII district, Dohány utca 88.
- Pigalle Night Club, Budapest VIII district, Kiss József utca
1-3.
- Városközpont (accessible by outside
elevator), Budapest V district, Váci utca 16.
There have also been
reports of drink spiking, particularly in strip clubs.
Many tourists have
warned about the Milady Nightclub – formally known as Nirvana, for it's corrupt
and violent antics. It's located at V. Szent István krt. 15.
Tourist Menu
Another kind of scam occurs in many bars and restaurants, not just ones you are led to by women on the street. If you are clearly a tourist, the establishment may swap menus to one with higher prices when you go to pay, or not show you a menu to start with at all. So make sure you always verify the price prior to the purchase, and look out for any hidden costs.
Gay Club Attacks
There are certain
violent far-right protesters and Neo Nazi groups in Hungary which have made their
anti-gay views very prominent. In the past petrol bombs have been thrown at a
number of gay venues in Budapest. 2008's Gay Pride Parade was also a target for
extremists, who threw Molotov cocktails into the crowds.
If you are travelling
around a time where there are gay pride demonstrations, make sure you choose
your venues carefully. Many of the attacks also come with prior warnings, so
check with embassies if you feel like you are travelling at a dangerous time.
Related Articles
Hungary - Petty Crime
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