https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-europe/hungaryHungaryhttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-europe/hungary/budapest-bar-scamsDon't fall victim to scams in Budapest. From corrupt taxi drivers and restaurant owners to seemingly lovely ladies – here's everything you need to know before you go to Hungary.2018-01-18T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-europe/hungary/budapest-bar-scamshttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>You may think you are being cautious, but even the savviest of travelers 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.</p> <h2>Budapest bar bill scam</h2> <p>The scam reported by many male travelers 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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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 V&aacute;ci utca.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>If you walk into a club that ticks those boxes and also happens to have its own ATM, you are asking for trouble.</p> <p>There have also been reports of drink spiking, particularly in strip clubs.</p> <p>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 Szent Istv&aacute;n krt. 15.</p> <h2>Tourist menu</h2> <p>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.</p> <p>If you, unfortunately, experience a scam or personal crime, report it immediately to the Hungarian National Tourist Office. Open 24hrs, 7 days a week with English and other foreign language speaking staff, they will help you with finding your nearest police station and also filing a report. Call them on 438-8080.</p> <p>Another handy source is the Tourinform Office which provides information in both English and German. Located in one of Budapest's busiest tourist areas, they are open from 8am to 8pm and will point you in the right direction for any Hungary travel-related queries. You can find them at&nbsp;S&uuml;tő u. 2., 1052 Budapest.</p>Getty Images/Francesco Meroni 11073827518 Getty Images Chain Bridge in Budapest, Hungaryhttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-europe/hungary/hungary-petty-crimeSteer clear of trouble in Hungary. From tram-riding pickpockets to taxi rip-offs, find out just how much of a threat crime is to travelers in Hungary.2020-04-01T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-europe/hungary/hungary-petty-crimehttps://www.worldnomads.com<h2>Pickpocketing on public transport in Hungary</h2> <p>The most obvious time to be cautious is when traveling 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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>American fast food restaurants like McDonald's, Burger King and Pizza Hut are also danger zones. Pickpockets 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 your attention is diverted.</p> <h2>Money police</h2> <p>In Hungary, street scams are just&nbsp;as common as pickpocketing. 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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Hungarian police don't deal with tourist money changing issues and generally wear uniforms. 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.</p> <h2>Taxi rip-offs</h2> <p>If you use common sense then public transport is safe and efficient, so if you can, avoid using taxis altogether. 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.</p> <p>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.</p> <h2>Is it safe to drive in Hungary?</h2> <p>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 traveling on the motorways.</p> <p>Your car will be flagged down by someone alerting you to a flat tire 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.</p> <p>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 tire. The scammer may have actually slashed your tire 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.</p>Getty Images/Andrew Todd / EyeEm 11055409654 Getty Images Cars on the street in Budapest, Hungary