Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
You'll avoid lines at airport ATMs (automated teller machines) by exchanging at
least some money—just enough to cover airport incidentals and transportation to
your hotel—before you leave home (though don't expect the exchange rate to be
ideal). You can exchange money at your local American Express or Thomas Cook
office or at your bank. American Express also dispenses traveler's checks and foreign
currency via www.americanexpress.com or & 800/807-6233, but they'll charge a $15
order fee and additional shipping costs . American Express cardholders should dial
& 800/221-7282; this number accepts collect calls, offers service in several foreign
languages, and exempts Amex gold and platinum cardholders from the 1% fee.
WHEN TO GO
Budapest has a relatively mild climate—the annual mean temperature in Hungary is
50°F (10°C). Nevertheless, summer temperatures often exceed 80°F to 85°F
(27°C-29°C), and sweltering hot, humid days are typical in July and August. January
and February are the coldest months, averaging 30°F (-1°C), though temperatures
can dip well below that on any given day. Be prepared for damp and chilly weather in
winter. Spring is usually mild and, especially in May, wet. Autumn is usually quite
pleasant, with mild, cooler weather through October.
HOLIDAYS
Hungarian holidays are: January 1 (New Year's Day), March 15 (National Holiday),
Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, May 1 (May Day), Whit Monday, August 20 (St.
Stephen's Day), October 23 (Republic Day), November 1 (All Saints' Day), and Decem-
ber 25 and 26 (Christmas). Shops, museums, and banks are closed on all holidays.
GETTING THERE & GETTING AROUND
BY PLANE
Northwest Airlines ( & 800/447-4747 ) and Malév ( & 800/877-5429, 800/262-
5380, or 800/223-6884), the former Hungarian state airline, offer nonstop service
between North America and Budapest. Other leading carriers include Lufthansa
( & 800/645-3880 ), British Airways ( & 800/247-9297 ), Delta Airlines ( & 800/
241-4141 ), and Austrian Air ( & 800/843-0002 ).
Budapest is served by two adjacent airports, Ferihegy I and Ferihegy II, located in
the XVIII district in southeastern Pest. Generally, Ferihegy I serves low-cost carriers,
while Ferihegy II (which has a Terminal A and a Terminal B ) serves the flagship car-
rier and other traditional airlines. There are several main information numbers: For
arrivals, try & 1/296-5052; for departures, call & 1/296-5883; and for general infor-
mation, call & 1/296-7155. Make sure you pick up a copy of the free LRI Airport
Budapest Magazine while at the airport, as it contains a wealth of valuable phone
numbers and transportation-related information, as well as articles on Hungary.
All arriving flights are international since there is no domestic air service in Hun-
gary. All arriving passengers pass through the same Customs gate and emerge into the
bustling arrivals hall of the airport.
Though extended and modernized over the past few years, the airport remains quite
small. In each terminal, you will find several accommodations offices, rental-car agen-
cies, shops, and exchange booths. Note that exchange rates are generally less favorable
here than in the city, so you may not want to change very much money at the airport.
Twenty-four-hour left-luggage service is available at Terminal B ( & 1/296-8802 ).
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