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TO AVOID PROBLEMS
SECURITY
Budapest is not just a beautiful city, it is also one
with efficient and well-maintained services which help to ensure the safety
and well-being of its residents. The public telephones generally work,
telephone booths are equipped with a directory, the bus and tram stops
display timetables and public transport is both clean and reliable. Nevertheless,
as with all other central European countries, there are there are a growing
number of negative social phenomena. Local people are increasingly complaining
about rising crime rates, the plague of pickpockets and incidences of
car theft. Visitors to Budapest will also be sadly aware of the growing
numbers of people living on the streets.
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ADVICE TO VISITORS
Documents and money should be carried in a secure inside
pocket or in a money belt. Traveller's cheques are widely accepted, so
there is no need to carry much cash on you. Money should be exchanged
at a bank, in your hotel or an exchange bureau, never on the black market.
Do not leave valuables in your car.
There are three multistorey car parks in the city center, at No. 4-6 Aranykéz
utca, No.2 Nyir utca and on Szervita tér. Cars parked improperly may be
clamped or towed away to a car park outside the center.
To find out where a car has been taken, call the Removed
Cars Information line.
On-the-spot fines of up to Ft 2000 can also be imposed for parking offences.
Pickpockets operate during rush hours, targeting crowded metro stations,
buses and shopping centers They also operate at all the main tourist sights,
and on nearby public transport. When working as a group, they may surround
unsuspecting tourists and jostle or distract them. It is a good idea to
have a photocopy of your passport and your travel insurance. If a passport
is lost call the police in Kecskeméti utca (317-0711), where English is
spoken. Once the appropriate police certificate is obtained, report the
loss to your embassy.
Hungarian policemen are frequently seen patrolling
the streets on motorbikes, on foot or in cars. In addition, every district
has its own police station The Hungarian word for police is rendőrseg.
In the event of anything going missing, because of loss or theft, a report
should be made immediately to the police. In the event of a lost passport,
see the above section under the heading Advice to
Visitors.
Australian tourists will need a visa to enter Hungary, but European and
American tourists can stay in Hungary without a visa for three to six
months However, after one month check the registration requirements at
the local police station. In reality, this applies mainly to tourists
staying in private accommodation or with friends, since all hotels, hostels
and pensions automatically register foreign guests.
Tourists driving to Budapest are obliged to have the green insurance card,
while those hiring a car need just their driving licences. Hitchhiking,
although not against the law, is not a recommended way of
travelling in Hungary . Women should not walk unaccompanied late at night
in poorly lit areas and should avoid deserted streets.
Rákóczi tér and Mátyás tér, in district VIII, have been famous for their
brothels since the 19th century and have a long standing tradition as
hangouts for prostitutes. Prostitution has been officially outlawed in
Hungary since 1950. In recent years, however, it has been tolerated and
the authorities of district VIII are in the process of trying to legalize
it.
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EMERGENCY SERVICES
Ambulance: 104 (also 311
1666)
Fire: 105 (also 321 6216)
Police: 107
Metropolitan Police: 318 0800
Gas Emergency Service: 334 4000 (24-hour)
Electricity Emergency Service: 350 1401 (ask
for number of local service!
Water Emergency Service: 329 6093
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HELPLINES
AIDS Helpline: 352 1947 (8am-4pm
Mon-Thu); 338 2419 (8am-lpm Fri)
Alcoholics Anonymous: 352 1947
BKV Lost Property: 267 5299 (1ost today) 461
6500 ext.71346 (lost prior to today)
Falck Emergency Medical Service: 1025 Budapest,
Kapy utca 49 tel.: 275 1535
Foreigners' Registry Office: Izabella utca 61
tel.: 311 8642
Office: 8m-noon Mon-Wed & Fri, 8am-6pm Thu.
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