Money and currency
The currency in Hungary is Hungarian Forint = HUF or Ft. One EUR is about 360 HUF depending on the daily course. We have banknotes for amounts of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000 and 20000 – some exist in two different colours as new banknotes are being launched. There are six different coins for Forint: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200. Just for your information: in restaurants when you are satisfied with the service, the staff would be happy if they get a tip about 10-15% from the bill’s amount. Also it might be, that the service is already included in the bill.
Costs of living
Due to it’s geographical location, situating nearly to the Austrian border, you have to expect to a higher costs of living than in other Hungarian cities of similar size. The higher prices pertain first of all to the prices of the rented rooms (around 100.000 HUF for a private flat and 45.000 HUF for a shared flat). The dormitories for students in Sopron applies more friendly prices (around 20.000 HUF/month/person).
You can have lunch at prices starting from 800 Ft in several local restaurants with lunch menu.
For other details please check the website: studyinhungary.hu.
You may buy a monthly ticket for the local buses for 2.200 Ft, but since the dormitories are not situated near the route of frequent bus-lines, students prefer to buy a second-hand bicycle at the beginning of their stay in Sopron. You will reach almost everywhere in town in 10-15 minutes by bike.
About the weather
What about the weather? What to expect?
The climate of Hungary can be described as typical continental with warm, dry summers and cold winters. January is the coldest month with daytime temperatures usually around zero, but for a few week it can be very cold, with temperatures far below zero (-10-15°C). Heavy snowfalls are also possible. In summer the daytime temperatures reaches 20-25°C but sometimes quite higher than 30°C. In the summertime mostly we have dry weather, although sometimes heavy thunderstorms can occur at the end of the day. July is the warmest month with an average temperature of 22°C.Generally, the weather is best in May-September, when days are warm and the nights are cool, although it rains more in spring than in the summertime. Autumn and winter are usually a little chilly and wet, sometimes snowy and often foggy, especially in the mountainous regions.
Required clothing
Lightweight cottons and linens during summer months; an umbrella or raincoat is advised for local showers. Warmer rainwear and warm coats are needed during the winter months. A sweater may be needed even in the summer in the evening hours. We would like to recommend you to bring warm winter clothes, a coat, scarf, hat, gloves, boots or buy them here. Buying them is not a problem as we have several clothing shops in and around the city.
The Hungarian Language
Hungarian is a unique language, as nobody else speaks it besides the Hungarian. We have a connection to the Finnish people, as Finnish and Hungarian are Finno-Ugric languages, but we do not understand each other. In Sopron people rather speak German as foreign language – just because Austria is very near. Young people speak English – but they are very shy to speak, so keep on trying!
Business hours
Shops are generally open from Monday to Sunday 10 am to 8 pm. Offices are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Please look after the National Holidays and other terms for holidays!
Electricity
The electricity in Hungary is 220-240 V, 50 Hz. Electric plugs need two round prongs. They can be ungrounded Europlug Type C or the grounded Schoku plug Type E/F.
