Budapest, Hungary Datasheet
I've been lurking on the forum for several years which improved my knowledge and experiences in every way thinkable. It is time to do something back for the community. I travel all over the world so expect more datasheets to come.
Unfortunately I am not able write about previous destinations. Something I've noticed is that destinations are constantly subject to change. Globalization is a worldwide phenomenon (what's in the name ...) but capitals and smaller cities (even villages) are also subject to trends. I am not aiming at seasons or organized events particularly, but at factors such as influx/efflux of tourists/expats, economy, political influence and demographics of the local population. What could be a Poosy Paradise could be a disaster tomorrow and the other way around. I've seen this happening. Therefore I would like to encourage everyone to write datasheets because logically, the more up-to-date these are, the more useful they will be.
Let me get to the point for which you've been clicking on this thread. I've been in Budapest for exactly one month during December 2017. I've not been busy with gaming (mostly with working) but nevertheless went on a date with a Hungarian girl and got the lay the same night. And I went on a coffee date with an American girl and closed the date with some kissing. I traveled a lot, gamed a lot, but I'm not the kind of guy who enjoys running the numbers. I go after quality women that catch my attention and that I can interact with on a good level and are pushing the right buttons with me, so that I'm having a good time. And when I strike it's usually an instant hit and they feel a lot of tingles down below. I will save these advises (techniques) for other threads. And what happens between me and my women in the bedroom to myself![[Image: whip.gif]](https://rooshvforum.network/images/smilies/new/whip.gif)
.
Local Currency and Cost of Living
The only official currency in Hungary is the Forint. Euros, or even Dollars or Sterling could be accepted by some tourist businesses but very seldom at a reasonable exchange rate. ATMs can be found anywhere just as currency exchanges. Do not use currency exchanges in the most popular areas such as the airport, metro stations etc. It will cost you more. Before using a currency exchange count your money and calculate how much you are supposed to receive. The abbreviation of the Hungarian Forint is HUF. As of January 2018 the currency exchange rate is $1 = 256.991 HUF, £1 = 348.797 HUF and €1 = 309.255 HUF. After doing some research I noticed that the Hungarian Forint is quite volatile so make sure to check an online currency converter. The most popular one on the internet is: Xe.com. Unless you are good at calculating, you can also download an app in the App store or Google Playstore with which you can view the current charts so you know you can remain to be a Highroller for the rest of the night or cherish your precious Hungarian banknotes.
The economy in Hungary is growing fast and that is why the prices also keep going up. However, the prices are still cheaper than you are used to if you come from the US, UK or Western Europe. Still, I have to disappoint everyone reading this a little bit. The prices are higher than the rest of Central and Eastern Europe. Prices of fast food and supermarkets are equal to those of Western Europe. Rental prices are cheaper than other surrounding countries or countries in Central and Eastern Europe in general. This can therefore compensate with other expenses that you have. An average salary is around $650 monthly. I have looked closely at the following sheet and I can say that it is pretty accurate: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Budapest
Accommodation & Transportation
It is important to know that Uber has recently been banned in Hungary. This to my surprise so I quickly had to come up with a solution. When I was around I downloaded an app called Taxify after doing some research. It is basically an European imitation of Uber and the best app out there. When I was around it still worked. Yet I don't know for how much longer it will last. Something I recommend at all times is ordering a taxi on the phone or via the taxi's company's app (there should be always some working). Only hop into one if you see a company logo on the car. Főtaxi, 6x6 Taxi, Budapest Taxi are all passable. If you are in a hurry and you decide to take a random taxi on the street use the app called Taxi Budapest. It will tell you how much you should pay for a route. So you can check whether the driver is trying to ask for (way) more money than he should. Unfortunately there are people who will try to illegally charge you more than they should. The other side of the coin is that the public transport in Budapest is rather good. This official website shows you the types of tickets and prices: http://www.bkk.hu/en/tickets-and-passes/prices/. It also includes a map that shows you where you can find all tickets in all of Budapest. Unfortunately I do not know if there is an app with which you can view the timetable. In case you do not understand how to get somewhere, there is often staff around the metro, bus and train stations that speak good English. In my case they even came to me often asking if I needed help.
For people traveling on a budget, there are many hostels available at an affordable price. This is because Budapest is a popular destination in Europe. You may also want to consider renting a room through Airbnb which will also bring you into contact with different people. Although it is simply impossible to screen the host (for all of you pipelining out there). Hotels are also plentiful and you can use the usual websites to book. I myself rented an apartment through Airbnb in District V for $400 for a whole month. This was a large apartment with a beautiful view and fully equipped. I recommend that anyone staying longer than 2 weeks to negotiate through Airbnb. Do not forget to look at the calendar. If it is unoccupied, chances are more likely that the host will agree. You can try to exchange contact information via the site (rather difficult) or you can book for 1 night and pay the outstanding amount in cash.
Budapest is spread out and has many districts (23 in total). The 23 Budapest districts (kerület in Hungarian) are numbered clockwise, in widening circles like Paris’ arrondissements. They are marked with Roman numerals (I-XXIII). I recommend staying in District V VI and VII which are the most central ones so that everything you need will be nearby. In that case you won't have to travel too far to visit the venues where you would like to game. Here you can find a map with information about all of the districts: https://www.budapestbylocals.com/budapes...ricts.html
Climate
Budapest lies on a border of a maritime climate and a continental climate. The summer is warm to sometimes very warm and the winters are average on the cool to mild side. However, temperatures in the winter months can sometimes fall far below zero degrees (Celsius) and snowfall can stop daily life in the city. With 133 days on which precipitation is recorded and an average number of hours of sunshine that is around two thousand a year, Budapest is a city that compares favorably with many other European cities.
Atmosphere
Hungarians seemed friendly and assertive to me. Something that never occurred to me in other Central/Eastern European countries is that random people on the street or those who work in stores will enjoy talking to you and show friendliness (including a smile). You will not easily feel unsafe either. I have not experienced any dangerous situations or felt that I have to pay attention. Budapest has 1.76 million inhabitants. It is therefore advisable to always be vigilant like in any big city. This actually speaks for itself. The city is lively but also exudes a lot of peace. There are many restaurants and nightlife options.
Things to do and sightseeing
When you walk around Budapest it is like walking around in the past. The architecture differs from all cities in Europe and is actually a reason to visit the city alone. Budapest is a city that is a good city for anyone in any age to visit.
A must visit are the thermal baths: http://www.spasbudapest.com/ or http://www.bathsbudapest.com/
When in Budapest going to the baths is a must. Even if you are not a big fan of public bathing, it is worth it. I will guarantee you that. And if you are not a water person, you can still visit the baths for the building: e.g. Szechenyi Baths (among others) has short, 15 min guided tours on most days throughout the week. You can book a massage or book personal treatments, hydrotherapy, mud therapy, etc. The latter could be nice is you are on a date for example.
And there's much more. Here are several websites with things you could do:
https://www.likealocalguide.com/budapest/things-to-do
https://welovebudapest.com/en/toplists/t...-budapest/
http://www.budapestagent.com/101-things-...apest.html
And in any other case; Google will be your best friend.
Women
I find it difficult to describe the Hungarian women. To begin with, the language is very different. It sounds like Finnish. This is already an indication that shows that there are a number of factors that make them slightly different from the rest. The women have the potential to have traits that can distinguish themselves (but not always!) from other countries in a positive way. The other side of it is also the exact opposite: they are very western. Normally I immediately have a lot of matches on Tinder in many places in Eastern Europe (too many to choose from most of the times) but in Budapest it was difficult. I only got a few every day. I had a nice date with one of my matches which resulted in a ONS. I am not big on the gaming techniques. I am usually myself and that works for me. Be outgoing and fun with Hungarian women. They are not as serious as Slavic women for example. You are able to neg them a bit. They are also good conversationalists. They like to talk. Use this to your advantage. The ‘average’ look of a Hungarian might be hard to pin down. You will be able to find anything you like, of that I'm sure. There is not a majority of blonde-haired or brunette women. It's mixed.
As many of you know Budapest is one of the most popular destinations in Europe. You can use this in your advantage by day gaming with tourists. I can not guarantee that this will work successfully because I have little experience with this myself. Americans are more open to this I think. I had a coffee date with an American girl after approaching her at the St. Stephen's Basilica (Szent Istvan Bazilika). What worked in my favor is that I made good use of her emotions. She was already in a positive mood to be there, thus this saved me a lot of time because I did not have to bring her to a certain mood before I could strike. Within 5 minutes we drank coffee and half an hour later we said goodbye to each other and we kissed.
Clubs & Bars
I know that this is one of the most important parts of a data sheet. I am someone who likes to take part actively in nightlife but unfortunately I didn't go clubbing or went to bars during my stay. As a result, all input from everyone who has ever been in Budapest is more than welcome. I do not want to leave you guys behind empty-handed and that's why I did some research. This website gives you the best view on the possibilities of the nightlife in Budapest: https://www.likealocalguide.com/budapest/nightlife.
Personal opinion on Hungary
The following quote says it all:
Feel free to ask anything regarding Budapest. I will get back to you and give your my fair view on the subject and try to answer your question. Also feel free to give your own input in a constructive way so that the information will not be too one-sided. All of the above information that I wrote down is based on my own findings. If someone has other experiences I would be glad to read about that. Nevertheless, this does not alter the idea and likeliness that I have presented to you a very realistic and truthful image of the city.
I hope that anyone reading this and visiting Budapest is going to be able to use it to his advantage.
Let the magic happen.
Make the impossible possible.
/ANV
I've been lurking on the forum for several years which improved my knowledge and experiences in every way thinkable. It is time to do something back for the community. I travel all over the world so expect more datasheets to come.
Unfortunately I am not able write about previous destinations. Something I've noticed is that destinations are constantly subject to change. Globalization is a worldwide phenomenon (what's in the name ...) but capitals and smaller cities (even villages) are also subject to trends. I am not aiming at seasons or organized events particularly, but at factors such as influx/efflux of tourists/expats, economy, political influence and demographics of the local population. What could be a Poosy Paradise could be a disaster tomorrow and the other way around. I've seen this happening. Therefore I would like to encourage everyone to write datasheets because logically, the more up-to-date these are, the more useful they will be.
Let me get to the point for which you've been clicking on this thread. I've been in Budapest for exactly one month during December 2017. I've not been busy with gaming (mostly with working) but nevertheless went on a date with a Hungarian girl and got the lay the same night. And I went on a coffee date with an American girl and closed the date with some kissing. I traveled a lot, gamed a lot, but I'm not the kind of guy who enjoys running the numbers. I go after quality women that catch my attention and that I can interact with on a good level and are pushing the right buttons with me, so that I'm having a good time. And when I strike it's usually an instant hit and they feel a lot of tingles down below. I will save these advises (techniques) for other threads. And what happens between me and my women in the bedroom to myself
. Local Currency and Cost of Living
The only official currency in Hungary is the Forint. Euros, or even Dollars or Sterling could be accepted by some tourist businesses but very seldom at a reasonable exchange rate. ATMs can be found anywhere just as currency exchanges. Do not use currency exchanges in the most popular areas such as the airport, metro stations etc. It will cost you more. Before using a currency exchange count your money and calculate how much you are supposed to receive. The abbreviation of the Hungarian Forint is HUF. As of January 2018 the currency exchange rate is $1 = 256.991 HUF, £1 = 348.797 HUF and €1 = 309.255 HUF. After doing some research I noticed that the Hungarian Forint is quite volatile so make sure to check an online currency converter. The most popular one on the internet is: Xe.com. Unless you are good at calculating, you can also download an app in the App store or Google Playstore with which you can view the current charts so you know you can remain to be a Highroller for the rest of the night or cherish your precious Hungarian banknotes.
The economy in Hungary is growing fast and that is why the prices also keep going up. However, the prices are still cheaper than you are used to if you come from the US, UK or Western Europe. Still, I have to disappoint everyone reading this a little bit. The prices are higher than the rest of Central and Eastern Europe. Prices of fast food and supermarkets are equal to those of Western Europe. Rental prices are cheaper than other surrounding countries or countries in Central and Eastern Europe in general. This can therefore compensate with other expenses that you have. An average salary is around $650 monthly. I have looked closely at the following sheet and I can say that it is pretty accurate: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Budapest
Accommodation & Transportation
It is important to know that Uber has recently been banned in Hungary. This to my surprise so I quickly had to come up with a solution. When I was around I downloaded an app called Taxify after doing some research. It is basically an European imitation of Uber and the best app out there. When I was around it still worked. Yet I don't know for how much longer it will last. Something I recommend at all times is ordering a taxi on the phone or via the taxi's company's app (there should be always some working). Only hop into one if you see a company logo on the car. Főtaxi, 6x6 Taxi, Budapest Taxi are all passable. If you are in a hurry and you decide to take a random taxi on the street use the app called Taxi Budapest. It will tell you how much you should pay for a route. So you can check whether the driver is trying to ask for (way) more money than he should. Unfortunately there are people who will try to illegally charge you more than they should. The other side of the coin is that the public transport in Budapest is rather good. This official website shows you the types of tickets and prices: http://www.bkk.hu/en/tickets-and-passes/prices/. It also includes a map that shows you where you can find all tickets in all of Budapest. Unfortunately I do not know if there is an app with which you can view the timetable. In case you do not understand how to get somewhere, there is often staff around the metro, bus and train stations that speak good English. In my case they even came to me often asking if I needed help.
For people traveling on a budget, there are many hostels available at an affordable price. This is because Budapest is a popular destination in Europe. You may also want to consider renting a room through Airbnb which will also bring you into contact with different people. Although it is simply impossible to screen the host (for all of you pipelining out there). Hotels are also plentiful and you can use the usual websites to book. I myself rented an apartment through Airbnb in District V for $400 for a whole month. This was a large apartment with a beautiful view and fully equipped. I recommend that anyone staying longer than 2 weeks to negotiate through Airbnb. Do not forget to look at the calendar. If it is unoccupied, chances are more likely that the host will agree. You can try to exchange contact information via the site (rather difficult) or you can book for 1 night and pay the outstanding amount in cash.
Budapest is spread out and has many districts (23 in total). The 23 Budapest districts (kerület in Hungarian) are numbered clockwise, in widening circles like Paris’ arrondissements. They are marked with Roman numerals (I-XXIII). I recommend staying in District V VI and VII which are the most central ones so that everything you need will be nearby. In that case you won't have to travel too far to visit the venues where you would like to game. Here you can find a map with information about all of the districts: https://www.budapestbylocals.com/budapes...ricts.html
Climate
Budapest lies on a border of a maritime climate and a continental climate. The summer is warm to sometimes very warm and the winters are average on the cool to mild side. However, temperatures in the winter months can sometimes fall far below zero degrees (Celsius) and snowfall can stop daily life in the city. With 133 days on which precipitation is recorded and an average number of hours of sunshine that is around two thousand a year, Budapest is a city that compares favorably with many other European cities.
Atmosphere
Hungarians seemed friendly and assertive to me. Something that never occurred to me in other Central/Eastern European countries is that random people on the street or those who work in stores will enjoy talking to you and show friendliness (including a smile). You will not easily feel unsafe either. I have not experienced any dangerous situations or felt that I have to pay attention. Budapest has 1.76 million inhabitants. It is therefore advisable to always be vigilant like in any big city. This actually speaks for itself. The city is lively but also exudes a lot of peace. There are many restaurants and nightlife options.
Things to do and sightseeing
When you walk around Budapest it is like walking around in the past. The architecture differs from all cities in Europe and is actually a reason to visit the city alone. Budapest is a city that is a good city for anyone in any age to visit.
A must visit are the thermal baths: http://www.spasbudapest.com/ or http://www.bathsbudapest.com/
When in Budapest going to the baths is a must. Even if you are not a big fan of public bathing, it is worth it. I will guarantee you that. And if you are not a water person, you can still visit the baths for the building: e.g. Szechenyi Baths (among others) has short, 15 min guided tours on most days throughout the week. You can book a massage or book personal treatments, hydrotherapy, mud therapy, etc. The latter could be nice is you are on a date for example.
And there's much more. Here are several websites with things you could do:
https://www.likealocalguide.com/budapest/things-to-do
https://welovebudapest.com/en/toplists/t...-budapest/
http://www.budapestagent.com/101-things-...apest.html
And in any other case; Google will be your best friend.
Women
I find it difficult to describe the Hungarian women. To begin with, the language is very different. It sounds like Finnish. This is already an indication that shows that there are a number of factors that make them slightly different from the rest. The women have the potential to have traits that can distinguish themselves (but not always!) from other countries in a positive way. The other side of it is also the exact opposite: they are very western. Normally I immediately have a lot of matches on Tinder in many places in Eastern Europe (too many to choose from most of the times) but in Budapest it was difficult. I only got a few every day. I had a nice date with one of my matches which resulted in a ONS. I am not big on the gaming techniques. I am usually myself and that works for me. Be outgoing and fun with Hungarian women. They are not as serious as Slavic women for example. You are able to neg them a bit. They are also good conversationalists. They like to talk. Use this to your advantage. The ‘average’ look of a Hungarian might be hard to pin down. You will be able to find anything you like, of that I'm sure. There is not a majority of blonde-haired or brunette women. It's mixed.
As many of you know Budapest is one of the most popular destinations in Europe. You can use this in your advantage by day gaming with tourists. I can not guarantee that this will work successfully because I have little experience with this myself. Americans are more open to this I think. I had a coffee date with an American girl after approaching her at the St. Stephen's Basilica (Szent Istvan Bazilika). What worked in my favor is that I made good use of her emotions. She was already in a positive mood to be there, thus this saved me a lot of time because I did not have to bring her to a certain mood before I could strike. Within 5 minutes we drank coffee and half an hour later we said goodbye to each other and we kissed.
Clubs & Bars
I know that this is one of the most important parts of a data sheet. I am someone who likes to take part actively in nightlife but unfortunately I didn't go clubbing or went to bars during my stay. As a result, all input from everyone who has ever been in Budapest is more than welcome. I do not want to leave you guys behind empty-handed and that's why I did some research. This website gives you the best view on the possibilities of the nightlife in Budapest: https://www.likealocalguide.com/budapest/nightlife.
Personal opinion on Hungary
The following quote says it all:
Quote:Quote:Personally, I see Hungary as a transit station from West to East. This, on the other hand, sounds disrespectful when I think about it, but I like to maintain simplicity in some ways. Wandering around in Hungary makes you feel at a different place in the world. Different from other places. But you will often catch yourself on realizing how westernized some things will be. It will not satisfy the veteran I'm afraid. And in that case I mean the category of veterans whom have an insatiable hunger for female companionship, adventure and in some respects unexpected situations. Yet I figure Hungary has a lot to offer and is also a good place to settle down in. Among many reasons: Hungary cherishes culture and tradition, has good food, has a right-wing political majority (to the joy of many among us) and other trifles like 9% corporate taxes, beautiful architecture and nice people. For the beginner it is worth it to come here to use it as a starting base. But I advise everyone to visit it anyway.
If you come from Paris to Budapest you think you are in Moscow. But if you go from Moscow to Budapest you think you are in Paris. - Gyorgy Ligeti
Feel free to ask anything regarding Budapest. I will get back to you and give your my fair view on the subject and try to answer your question. Also feel free to give your own input in a constructive way so that the information will not be too one-sided. All of the above information that I wrote down is based on my own findings. If someone has other experiences I would be glad to read about that. Nevertheless, this does not alter the idea and likeliness that I have presented to you a very realistic and truthful image of the city.
I hope that anyone reading this and visiting Budapest is going to be able to use it to his advantage.
Let the magic happen.
Make the impossible possible.
/ANV
![[Image: smile.gif]](https://rooshvforum.network/images/smilies/smile.gif)
![[Image: confused.gif]](https://rooshvforum.network/images/smilies/confused.gif)
