Health and Safety in Hungary

Medical services in Budapest are adequate but substandard in the rest of the country.

HIV testing is required for anyone staying over 1 year and all intending immigrants (some employers may require workers to be tested). Certain drugs such as psychotropics are restricted from importation even for personal use. Quite a few diseases, including hepatitis A and typhoid, are transmitted by unsanitary food handling procedures and contaminated water. Food and beverage precautions are essential. Travelers planning to stay more than 3 months should have pre-departure PPD skin test status documented. Those who expect to have close contact with the local populace should be tested if staying more than 1 month.

There are some cases of theft, muggings and other crimes on the street. Take care of passports, currency, and credit cards and do not use street money-changers. Criminals sometimes pose as police officers; always ask for credentials and/or insist on going to the police station if approached by police.