One of the things that should organize when planning to travel to another city is the safety of the place. Budapest is the capital city of Hungry, which has emerged itself as a tourist destination of recent years. But as with any metropolitan area, security issues remain valid. In this article, you will be able to read about the safety measures concerning Budapest and necessary information will be provided to ensure your decision of visiting this gem.
Overall Safety in Budapest
In general, Budapest is ranked quite safely for tourists. The crime rate in the city is considerably lower than in other European capitals, and there is little violence. Nevertheless, what is usually expected because of the nature of big cities, sectors of the city are more susceptible to petty crimes like pick pocketing and bag snatching.
When in this country, there is much that a visitor can do to ensure that own safety all the time. Be alert in discipline and especially in a crowded area, do not pay much attention to your belongings; they should be within your sight. Do not tempt fate by putting on pricey rings, necklaces, bracelets or walking around with lots of money.
Transportation Safety
The transportation system in Budapest is efficiently developed, and people are generally okay using it. Public transport system in the city includes metro, trams and bus and thus the transport networks are well developed. But, one must be always careful and should not forget about security issues, as the people, in general, tend to overcrowd in the mean of public transport during rush hours.
In case of a taxi, it’s advisable to use only authorized taxi service and stern clear from those cars that are not so well marked. Like in any city of the world, it is always advisable to talk with the driver and agree with him the fare initially or just set the meter to avoid being overcharged later.
Populated Tourist Destination and Places of Interest
The areas normally attracting tourists like the Castle district, the Heroes square and the Danube promenade though dangerous at night times are safe during the day. These areas are good provided that they’ve got a lot of people and tourists and the police do patrol these places a lot.
Nonetheless, it is safer to be more cautious at night when walking round which are not as crowded as the day time. Do not go out for a walk alone especially during night and be careful when you have to walk home alone at night; better yet opt for a taxi or even an Uber.
Scams and Tourist Traps
As in any other famous travel destination, though it is very safe to travel to Budapest, Hungary there are several cons and tourist traps that are worth knowing of, as a tourist. Here are a few scams to watch out for:
The “fake police officer” – A person dressed as a police officer might tap you on the shoulder and accuse you of not paying a fine if they pretend that you have no ticket. Uniformed inspectors are always entitled to being presented your ticket and you should always be on the lookout for them.
The “currency exchange” Some of the things to avoid in the streets include currency exchange, make sure to use a reputable and certified bureau to exchange your money. Bjtnddaìmxcffg fih inoaí aff ó wgcja juify qgljsy or, ywtmscì gtht ymj qjmtu. This should be done because other roadworker such as street vendors or people with friendly price offers may be pirates.
The “friendly stranger” – Do not befriend anyone who is overly polite, anyone who offers to show you around or have a drink with, or guide you around the city. They may seek to exploit themselves on your trust and use your money in a wrongful manner, or engage you in defrond activities tenet et cetera.
The list of various schemes presented above gives the reader knowledge of typical schemes, which does not let him be a victim of a scam.
Emergency Services
The other indices indicate that Budapest has a very efficient emergency service system. For any emergency, use the emergency number all over the country: 112. They are normally fully conversant with English and depending on your specific need they will send the appropriate help.
It’s however advisable to always have the details of your embassy or consulate while in the country just in case you need to seek for help.
Final Thoughts
In general, Budapest may be considered safe for a tourist. As a result of simple adherence to safety measures, vigilance, and avoiding getting involved in fraud, you will be able to freely enjoy the unique historical centers, the beautiful architecture, and cultural life of the cities.
To enjoy your tour in this charming European capital, do not forget to research, study the schedule and make the right decisions in advance.
