What all expats should do before moving to Hungary

Tick off these things before moving to Hungary.

Hungary, more specifically Budapest, has become a very popular expat destination over the last few years. The country draws scores of expatriates thanks to its great balance of culture, job opportunities, and a lower average cost of living when compared to the rest of the EU. If you’re making your way towards a brave new adventure, here’s what you need to do before moving to Hungary.

Basics all expats need to do before moving to Hungary

Start by finding a place to live

The first thing you have to do before moving to Hungary is to decide where you’ll live. Sticking to central Budapest, “Pest”, might be an expat’s best option at first. As an expat, you might find that using Hungarian property websites is one of your best ways to find accommodation in the country. If you’re not looking at renting, you can always consider the idea of financing and purchasing property in Hungary after your residency has been approved.

Get connected

One of the most important things to do after landing in Hungary is to get a local phone number. Using a pay-as-you-go SIM card can be one of the easiest options for expats. Vendors like Telekom, Vodafone and Telenor can assist you with this. To get yourself up and running, you’ll need an ID, proof of address, and in some cases, proof of income.

Open a Hungarian bank account

Expats that plan to stay in Hungary for extended periods of time need Hungarian bank accounts in order to be paid and manage their living expenses in the country. Most banks require proof of residency in Hungary, so be sure to take your permit with you when opening your Hungarian bank account. Keep in mind that most banks in Hungary have banking fees for the use of the accounts. Some account types have waived or reduced fees, but again, this depends on which bank you choose to use.

Get acquainted with the Hungarian health care system

Expats in possession of national health insurance cards have access to basic, free healthcare services. In Hungary, all emergency health care services are free, even to tourists, but if you plan on staying for longer, you might need some additional info. If you need info on what you’ll have access to, we have a great explanation for you!

Get to know your new home

Getting out and socialising will help you settle into life in Hungary much faster. Meeting locals can help you understand Hungarian customs and traditions, plus it can also help you make some great new friends. You can try heading over to the International Meeting Point for expats, or consider some of Budapest’s top attractions just to get you started out.

Need more help?

Our team of expert immigration advisors can help you settle into life in Hungary, and get you up to date with everything you need to do before moving to Hungary. Feel free to get in touch with us today!