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Dangers, Warnings and Annoyances

You do not have to worry, Budapest is a very safe place, but tourists should be aware of the usual problems that unfortunately occur everywhere on our planet. This is my advice to you, the `dark` side that no-one talks about. I feel it is fair to tell you. If you have got any stories to share, just let me know and I will publish it on this page for everyone who is going to visit us in the future.

DO NOT BE FOOL, KEEP USUAL PRECAUTIONS!

Hungary is hardly a violent dangerous society, but crime has increased dramatically in the 1990s. Violence is seldom directed against travelers though racially motivated attacks against Gypsies, Africans and Arabs are not unknown.

As a traveler you are most vulnerable to car thieves, pickpockets and taxi louts. To avoid falling victim to the first two, follow the usual security procedures. See more at taxis. 

In the event of an emergency anywhere in Hungary, the following are the most important national and emergency numbers.

Public security is no worse in Budapest than in any other foreign capital. The most frequent crimes committed to the injury of foreigners are confidence tricks, pickpocketing and car theft. We would like to protect you from such troubles, so please take our advice.

Avoid street vendors and beggars. Beware of pickpockets, who are active on public transport vehicles and in popular tourist destinations (Basilica, Heroes’ Square, Fishermen’s Bastion, Matthias Church). Make sure you have your bag closed. Don’t keep your money and credit card in the same place.

Changing money in the street is not only forbidden but can be dangerous and unprofitable operation.

The fake policeman story

To prevent this: Pls. do not give your wallet to strangers on the street!

Do not carry too much cash!

Before getting into a taxi ask the driver how much it will cost. Every car must have a meter. Make sure the driver turns it on before setting out. Ask for the receipt at the end of the journey. You should call a taxi to your hotel rather than flagging down one in the neighboring streets.

Never leave valuable articles in your car. Wherever possible, leave your car at the attended place.

If you have suffered some injury (swindling, theft, violence), contact the Complaints Office of the Budapest Municipal Police Headquarters V., Deák Ferenc u. 16-18. From 1 June to 1 September English and German speaking staff members are on 24-hour-duty.

Tourist Police From 1 July to 1 September tourist policemen and public guards in uniform patrol the streets, accompanied by translators. In the case of an incident, policemen have the right to ask to present your passport but not your money or credit card.

Pickpockets are the biggest worry for tourists. Places where you should be particularly alert in are the Castle District, Vaci utca, the metro, the number 7 bus and number 2, 4 and 6 trams. Keep money and important documents safe and secure at all times. As anywhere, the more on the ball you appear to be, the lower your risk.

Thefts should be reported immediately to the police (rendorseg) station in the district where the incident happened. The police should provide an interpreter. Rip-offs in restaurants still occur, mainly in tourist areas. Check your bill carefully and report any criminal incidents to the police. Most incidents reported in the past involved single men being lured into restaurants by "consume girls" - the ultimate bimbo customers. Gentlemen, do not play the fool!

According to a recent British Home Office survey Budapest is one of the safest cities in America and Europe. The worst is Washington where about 70 people are murdered out of 100 000 citizens. Then Dallas comes with 24.8, Chicago 20.5, Phoenix 19.1, Houston 18, New York 16.8. Budapest has got 2.8 only...

Credit Cards: if you buy goods on the card make sure you see when the merchant swipes it, and better make sure they swipe it only one time. Why? The second time they could swipe it under their own `credit card machine` and reads all information on the card. Making a fake card takes 5 minutes afterwards and then your money could be used for a month!!! Hell, I do not even want to think about it. Luckily this does not happen very often, but it is always better be on the safe side.

Budapest Nightlife - Precautions

You may be stopped in the city with exciting and attractive offers to visit a particular restaurant or bar. We cannot tell you not to go there, but your close friends would certainly discourage you.

AN AMERICAN tourist claimed he was ripped off to the tune of HUF 67,600 ($268) at a bar of Váci utca

Ladies Scam in Budapest, do not believe what you see.

The vast majority of Budapest restaurants, cafés, clubs and bars offer good value and service. However the drawback of Budapest`s colourful and rich nightlife scene, that some places come short of hospitality and fairness. Of course the responsible ministry knows about these problems and has taken measures

To avoid unpleasant experiences read our safety tips regarding nightlife entertainment in Budapest. Unfortunately some places target tourists to ripp them off and they even apply physical force to make their victim pay the extremely high bill.

You can report the affair to English speaking operators. You should also report your complaint to your embassy.

The US Embassy has released another list of bars, restaurants and strip clubs, all Budapest`s District V, of which it says it has had complaints from American citizens. It is claimed that the establishments on the list have grossly overcharged visitors and, in some cases, made threats of physical violence when customers refused to pay charges. Some have been consistently fingered by the Embassy for several years as problematic, according to an official release.

• Aphrodite
• The Black and White Club (formerly know as Tropical Bar) at Galamb utca
• City Center Club and restaurant (same owner as Mephisto Café) at Váci utca
• ClubMephisto - Váci utca
• Flashdance at Váci utca

• Piccolo (espresso/drink bar) at Párizsi udvar (Vaci utca)

• ClubDistrict VI
• Muskatli Espresso
• Nirvana(formerly known as Lola Club) at Szent István körút
  Sweet Milk
• Fortuna Varoskozpont
• Fontana Cabaret at Vaci utca
• Tropical Bar
• Pigali Cabaret
• Piccolo
• Table Dance
• Lola (changed to Nirvana)
• Calligula
• BarDolce Vita - (La Dolce Vita) at Október 6 utca
• Crazy Horse
• Ecstacy Club
• Grand Boulevard
• Showgirls Nightclub
• Tiamo Nightclub
• Torony Eatery
• Captain Jacks
• Zug-Love
• any Vaci Street Nightclubs
  

Our black list:all the above plus:
-Eden club
-Régi posta

Further Tips to Avoid Traps

• Prices on the menu Always study the prices on the menu and make sure you know how much the dish costs before you order it. Get out off places that do not provide the prices on the menu (according to the law, prices must be clearly indicated).

• Buying drinks to girls. In some bars and clubs girls might come to you to lure you to buy them drinks. Politely turn them down, otherwise the staff might surprise you with an exorbitant bill.

• Taxis- always travel with taxis of reliable companies and order it by phone to get a discount. See our list of reliable Budapest Taxis or ask the hotel staff to suggest you good taxi companies. Do not let seemingly helpful taxi drivers or local women lure you to an establishment they recommend. They may receive a commission for bringing victims to the place!

It would be a pity if based on these scams you decide not to have a taste of Budapest Nightlife. Choose from many reliable places on our Budapest Nightclubs page.

Contact usif you have anything to tell us about Budapest Nightlife, let it be a complaint or a nice experience. Your information might help other travellers.

related links:
Clubs in Budapest
Stories of ripping off, Budapest -1
Stories of ripping off, Budapest -1
Dangers, Warnings and Annoyances, Budapest Hungary
Ladie`s scam

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