Hungarian Forint (HUF) = 100 fillér. Notes are in denominations of HUF20,000, 10,000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 500 and 200. Coins are in denominations of HUF100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. A large number of commemorative coins in circulation are legal tender.

Currency can be exchanged at hotels, banks, bureaux de change, airports, railway stations, travel agencies and some restaurants throughout the country. Automatic exchange machines are available in Budapest and other main tourist centres. Visitors should retain all exchange receipts, as it is illegal to change money on the black market.

It is possible to withdraw cash by credit card at more than 3200 post offices. American Express, Cirrus, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa, Eurocard, JCB and EnRoute are accepted. Credit and debit cards can be used to withdraw money from ATMs.

Accepted in some stores and banks, but not all. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.

The import of local currency is limited to HUF200,000, provided the amount is declared on arrival. The export of local currency is limited to HUF200,000 and must be declared. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, provided amounts greater than HUF1,000,000 are declared. The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared on import and should be made no longer than three months after import. There is no compulsory money exchange. Hungarian currency can be re-exchanged for up to 50 per cent of the officially exchanged sum (but not more than US$450) at any authorised office or branch of the National Savings Bank.

Mon-Fri 1030-1400 (Hungarian National Bank); Mon-Thurs 0800-1500, Fri 0800-1300 (merchant banks).