Customs

EU citizens can import and export as much of anything as they like. Everyone else is limited to importing up to 250 cigarettes, a litre os spirits and two litres of wine. Importing drugs, unlicensed weapons ar pornograpy is prohibited. Non-EU residents can reclaim VAT (ÁFA in Hungarian) on goods purchased over 50,000 HUF within 90 days of purchase? Get a VAT refund form at the shop and present it to customs upon departure. Call the Customs Office, phone: 470 21 21. Open 24 hrs(only Hungarian spoken).

Importing illegal drugs, pirated CDs and cassettes, offensive weapons and paprika (!) is taboo. When leaving the country, you are not supposed to take out valuable antiques without a ‘museum certificate’ (available from the shop).

Customs inspections at most border crossings and the airport are pretty cursory. The one exception is Romania. Hungarian police believe this country has become a conduit for drug traffickers from Asia into Western Europe since the collapse of Yugoslavia. In summer there may be very long delays for motorists. If you need a more detailed information please visitwww.vam.hu, that provides information in English, as well.