Digital Nomad Life in Hungary

"It really depends upon your personal needs. This is a quite rural place, the villagers quitely go about there everyday business. Gardening is a big thing, growing your own produce. A car is essential although there's a regular bus service to the bigger towns," said one expat in Tarnazsadany.

"Living in Hungary as an expat or digital nomad can be a rewarding experience. The country offers a unique blend of culture, history, and modern amenities. Expats and digital nomads can enjoy the vibrant cities, stunning countryside, and friendly locals. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. The country also offers excellent public transportation, making it easy to get around. With its rich cultural heritage, Hungary is a great place to explore and experience a different way of life," said one person in Hungary.

"I already knew the neighborhood from spending a summer here working as an intern. Found my apartment by asking friends & looking for apartments with roommates," explained one person living in Budapest, Hungary.

"Stay clear of the public health system (there are good private alternatives). Stay clear of the police. Do not drink and drive. Enjoy the marvelous weather and the fresh produce," explained one person living in Budapest, Hungary.

"Expats considering retiring in Hungary should be aware of the cost of living, which is generally lower than in other European countries. It is important to research the healthcare system and the availability of medical services in the area they plan to live in. Expats should also familiarize themselves with the local language, as English is not widely spoken in Hungary. Additionally, it is important to understand the tax system and the regulations for obtaining a residence permit. Finally, expats should research the cultural norms and customs of Hungary to ensure a smooth transition into their new home," said one expat in Hungary.

"Family values, being able to patiently stand in cue, that man and women still can be man and women (as opposed to Dutch culture where everybody is almost forced to be the same), clean streets and well behaved," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Budapest.

"The people here have strong family values and very high food quality. As mentioned they patiently line up in cues and are generally very polite and warm. I have not experienced any anti-foreigner sentiment at all. I notice that most workers typically do a good job without requiring heavy supervision," explained one person living in Balatonfured, Hungary.

"Expats in Hungary appreciate the country's rich cultural heritage, which includes a variety of art, music, and literature. They also enjoy the vibrant nightlife, with its many bars, clubs, and restaurants. Additionally, expats appreciate the friendly and welcoming nature of the Hungarian people, who are always willing to help out newcomers. Finally, expats enjoy the country's stunning natural beauty, with its rolling hills, lush forests, and picturesque rivers," said one expat in Hungary.

"Expats in Hungary often find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Additionally, the Hungarian bureaucracy can be difficult to navigate, as the paperwork and processes can be complex and time-consuming. Furthermore, the Hungarian culture is quite different from many other countries, and expats may find it difficult to adjust to the local customs and traditions. Finally, the cost of living in Hungary can be high, making it difficult for expats to find affordable housing and other necessities," said one person in Hungary.

"For me the Hungarian language is the most difficult and challenging aspect of living in Hungary. English is widely spoken and understood in most big cities, but there can still be issues with basic communication. Even though I have lived here for a while (I do love it), and I am trying to learn the language (nagyon nehéz - very hard), I often feel a bit lost, especially when trying to communicate with a non-English speaker or trying to read a sign or listen to an announcement when it is only offered in Hungarian. I will keep trying, but that is my biggest challenge," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Hungary.

"Corruption, decades of communist rule have influenced the work ethos, the way the government let's the country run into deeper trouble, lack of truly free press and objective reporting, shady party financing," explained one person living in Budapest, Hungary.

"There is a defeatist feeling in many Hungarians that things are bad and getting worse. But, on the opposite scale there is this overwhelming desire to get back the territories lost following WWI. I also find it a bit disconcerting that most Hungarians do not understand they have constantly been on the wrong side of every war they have fought in. It is weird to have a national day of mourning for Stalingrad for the loss of 200,000 Hungarian soldiers there but not recognizing that they were complicit in the Nazi attempts of Hitler to conquer Europe. The same is true for the attempted and failed revolution against Soviet occupation in 1956 only 11 years after the war ended in a country still being kept under control following the defeat of Germany and the Axis nations. So, they have supported Germany twice and lost heavily but still have this amazing desire for increased nationality even now that they are members of the EU and much of this is angering their neighbors which acquired the territories lost following the wars. I find this nationalism and increased right-wing behavior somewhat disconcerting," said one expat in Balatonfured.

"If you plan to stay in Hungary for a while, you will need to apply for a residence permit. Depending on the purpose of your stay, you may need to apply for a long-term visa or a residence permit. You will need to provide documents such as a valid passport, proof of financial means, proof of accommodation, and a valid health insurance policy. Additionally, you may need to provide a criminal record certificate and a statement of purpose," remarked one member in Hungary.

"In regards to residency of course it helps if you have Hungarian ancestry for citizenship, but I suggest an immigration lawyer or agency to manage a retirement residency," explained one expat living in Budapest, Hungary.

"Most like US citizens can stay 90 days w/o a visa. This is plenty of time to secure a year or longer (temp) residency. All included it is less than $100 USD. Must however provide proof of income/pension/savings and proof of health insurance," said one person in Budapest.

"It is important to be aware of cultural differences when visiting Hungary. It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions. It is considered rude to be late for appointments or social engagements. It is also important to dress appropriately for the occasion, as casual dress is not always appropriate. It is also important to be aware of the local language and to avoid speaking English in public unless it is necessary. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local customs regarding physical contact, as it is considered inappropriate to touch someone without their permission. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local customs regarding gift-giving, as it is considered polite to bring a small gift when invited to someone's home," explained one person living in Hungary.

"Actually none that I am aware of, it was more a reverse shock when I started getting involved in the Dutch expat community: the fact that I dared take the metro in this extremely dangerous city (ahum)... sorry..," said one expat in Budapest.

"Healthcare services in Hungary are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and foreign residents. The quality of public healthcare is generally good, with a wide range of services available, including primary care, specialist care, hospital care, and preventive care. Expats in Hungary can use the public healthcare system, but they must first register with the local government office and obtain a health insurance card. This card allows them to access the public healthcare system and receive the same level of care as Hungarian citizens. Expats can also opt to use private healthcare services, which are often more expensive but may offer more comprehensive coverage," said a member in Hungary.

"Ask what the capabilities are. Ask for costs up front. If possible don't ask for a "formal bill" as this will increase your out of pocket substantially," explained one person living in Fonyod, Hungary.

"The location is SAFE !! Very safe. I never felt this safe in UK. People very friendly and polite. You could walk home alone in the middle of the night without fear," said one digital nomad in Budapest.

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the low cost of living in Hungary, as well as the country's rich cultural heritage and vibrant cities. They also enjoy the friendly locals, the delicious food, and the easy access to outdoor activities. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the language barrier and bureaucracy challenging, as well as the lack of job opportunities. Additionally, the cold winters can be a deterrent for some," commented a person living in Hungary.