BASICS - The Rough Guide to Budapest - page 54

The Hungarian police ( rendőrség ) have a milder reputation than their counterparts in other
Eastern European states, and are generally keen to present a favourable image. During the
summer, tourist police patrol the streets and metro stations mainly to act as a deterrent
against thieves, and to assist in any problems tourists may encounter. Most Hungarian police
have at least a smattering of German, but rarely speak any other foreign language. To contact
the police, call 107, or 112, which is also the number for the ambulance and fire ser-
vices. Alternatively, Tourinform has a 24-hour English-speaking service on 1 483 8080.
Electricity
The Hungarian system runs on 220 volts. Round two-pin plugs are used. A standard contin-
ental adapter allows the use of 13-amp square-pin plugs.
Entry requirements
HungaryispartoftheSchengenAgreement,socitizensoftheotherSchengenstatescanenter
Hungary with just an ID card and stay for up to ninety days. Citizens of the UK, Ireland, US,
Canada, Australia and New Zealand, and most other European countries, can enter Hungary
with just a passport and stay for the same period. South African citizens will need to apply to
their local Hungarian consulate for a visa, though note that visas valid for another Schengen
country are also valid for Hungary.
FOREIGN CONSULATES IN BUDAPEST
Canada II, Ganz utca 12-14 1 392 3360, kanada.hu .
Ireland V, Szabadság tér 7, Bank Center, seventh floor 1 301 4960, embassyofire-
land.hu .
South Africa II Gárdonyi Géza út 17 1 392 0999.
UK V, Harmincad utca 6 1 266 2888, britishembassy.hu .
US V, Szabadság tér 12 1 475 4400, hungary.usembassy.gov .
Health
No inoculations are required for Hungary and standards of public health are good, although
hospital services vary considerably and are probably best avoided, unless it's an emergency.
The European Health Insurance Card gives EU citizens access to Hungary's national
health service (OTBF) under reciprocal agreements. While this will provide free or reduced-
cost medical care in the event of minor injuries or emergencies, it won't cover every eventu-
ality - so travel insurance is essential.
Budapest has plentiful pharmacies ( gyógyszertár or patika ), which normally open Monday
to Friday from 8am to 7 or 8pm, and on Saturday from 8am until noon or 1pm; signs in the
window give the location or telephone number of the nearest all-night ( éjjeli or ügyeleti szol-