Welcome to Budapest.

You are about to move to two cities, not one. Budapest is made up of old Buda, with its medieval buildings, cobbled streets, and graceful charm, and of thriving Pest, the commercial center of Hungary. A walk across any of the bridges of the beautiful Danube will bring you from one world into another. Hungary is one of the most progressive of the former Eastern Bloc countries, liberalizing its economy since the mid-1980s. Though the pace of life may be slower than you are used to, don’t be caught cold by the early-start, early-end business day, the hospitable invitations, and formal dress codes. Going-there will help you arrive wired-in and ready to do business.

Getting There
From A to Z: visas, permits, tickets and shippers. Need a taxi from the airport? We’ll tell you how much it costs. And if you can’t leave home without Patchy, the pet Schnauzer, you’ll find tips on navigating through the red tape.

Living There
The essentials: the best neighborhoods, buying or renting, price guides and even sample lease agreements. Doctors, dentists, osteopaths: where to get that painful back treated. How to hook up, find a plumber, a cleaner, a laundry. Need to find a jazz club or submarine roll? Start here.

Raising Kids There
The critical stuff: the best schools with entry requirements, curriculum and fees. Pre-school, childcare, and nannies, or where to find a pediatrician. And for free time – family restaurants, children’s railways, chair lifts, bobsleigh runs and river islands.

Playing There
Buda may be the place to head, it’s historic, pretty, and has lots to do. We’ll guide you round all the finest sights and cultural events. Try the best local and international cuisine, and then fight off the pounds with our Keep Fit listings. Homesick? We’ll help you track down an English-language movie.

Working There
How do Hungarians do business? We’ll give you pointers on business etiquette, as well as advice on how to get started; where to rent offices, find reliable lawyers, decipher banking and tax liabilities, hire staff, find a translator and show you which are the best networking groups to join.

Spouse Survival Kit
So you are here with your partner? Does that mean you have to sit at home? Our survival kit helps you make the leap – form friendships, find work, join clubs, network, take courses, keep busy.


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