Credit and Debit Cards
Credit cards are a very handy backup source of funds, and can be used either in ATMs or over the counter. Mastercard, Visa and American Express are accepted just about everywhere, but other cards may not be recognized in Hungary. The number of ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines) has risen enormously, and you'll have little problem finding one, even in the smaller towns. Remember that all cash advances are treated as loans, with interest accruing daily from the date of withdrawal; there may be a transaction fee on top of this. However, you may be able to make withdrawals from ATMs in Hungary using your debit card , which is not liable to interest payments, and the flat transaction fee is usually quite small - your bank will able to advise on this. Make sure you have a personal identification number (PIN) that's designed to work overseas. A compromise between travellers' cheques and plastic is Visa TravelMoney , a disposable pre-paid debit card with a PIN which works in all ATMs that take Visa cards. You load up your account with funds before leaving home, and when they run out you simply throw the card away. You can buy up to nine cards to access the same funds - useful for couples or families travelling together - and it's a good idea to buy at least one extra as a back up in case of loss or theft. In the UK, many Thomas Cook outlets sell the card. For more information, check the Visa website at www.visa.com .
Your Tip for Hungary
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