Top payment methods in Hungary: A guide on best ways to pay
Wondering what the most popular ways to pay are in Hungary? Explore the top payment options and choose wisely.
Hungary, with a population of around 9.56 million people, has a GDP of approximately 237.07 billion making it the 54th largest economy in the world. The official currency of Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (HUF)
The economy is driven by the manufacturing sector, especially automotive and electronics production for export. As a member of the European Union, it is highly integrated into European supply chains, with Germany as its dominant trading partner.
| Country | Hungary |
|---|---|
| Population | 9.56 million |
| GDP (USD) | 237.07 billion |
| Global Ranking | 54th |
| Currency | Hungarian Forint (HUF) |
Spend abroad with the mid-market exchange rate - no markups, and no sneaky transaction fees.
What is the main payment method in Hungary?
Debit and credit cards are a widely used and accepted payment method in Hungary, with contactless functionality being the norm for in-store purchases. Physical cash, the Forint, remains popular, especially for smaller purchases and at local markets. For e-commerce and bill payments, bank transfers are commonly used, often with the option for instant settlement.
How to pay in Hungary
Each country has its own way of moving money, and choosing the right method can sometimes be difficult. That’s why we have curated the most popular and best payment options for you to use in Hungary.
| Payment Method | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wise | Wise provides international money transfer services. It is known for offering transparent, low-cost currency exchange rates and fast transfers. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and charges a small, upfront fee, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional banks for sending money abroad. The platform also offers multi-currency accounts, allowing users to hold and manage money in multiple currencies. | Online/In-person |
| Cards (Visa/Mastercard) | Debit and credit card payments are very common and widely accepted across the country for all types of purchases. Contactless is standard. | Online/In-person |
| Bank Transfers (Instant Payments) | Hungary's instant payment system allows for real-time bank transfers 24/7, making it a very popular method for online payments and P2P transfers. | Online |
| Cash (Forint) | Cash is still a very frequently used payment method in Hungary and is accepted everywhere. Many people prefer it for smaller purchases. | In-person |
| Digital Wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) | Mobile wallets are available and widely used by those with compatible devices, offering a convenient alternative to physical cards. | Online/In-person |
Traveling beyond Hungary? Explore payment methods by country.
Is PayPal available in Hungary?
Yes, PayPal is accepted in Hungary.
Cover all your international travel expenses with the Wise Multi-Currency Card
Whatever you need to buy during your trip, whether it’s a travel adapter, train ticket or an extra bottle of sunscreen, the Wise Multi-Currency Card has you covered.
You can spend like a local in 150+ countries, as this clever contactless card automatically converts currency at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend - for just a small conversion fee.
And for extra convenience, you can add your Wise Multi-Currency Card to your Google Wallet or Apple Wallet. Then you can travel even lighter and pay using just your phone, with no need to pack the physical card.
Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.