The Hungarian Forint (HUF) is divided into 100 Filler. A filler is an aluminum coin of Hungary, the 100th part of a forint. The Filler is not use nowadays.
Currency is in circulation of the following denominations:
Coins
HUF 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200.
Notes
Notes appear in denominations of HUF 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000 and 20000.
Banknotes 200 Forints update* 15 Nov 2009
ATMs
Credit Cards
Currency is in circulation of the following denominations:
Coins
HUF 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200.
Notes
Notes appear in denominations of HUF 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000 and 20000.
Banknotes 200 Forints update* 15 Nov 2009
Exchange booths are also located throughout the city center, in train stations, and in most luxury hotels, but exchange booths almost uniformly offer less favorable rates than banks. ATMs are found in front of banks throughout the city or in major shopping malls. You may withdraw forints at the daily exchange rate from your home account through the Cirrus and PLUS networks. At some banks and at all exchange booths, you will get a better rate when exchanging cash.
You'll avoid lines at airport ATMs (automated teller machines) by exchanging at least some money -- just enough to cover airport incidentals and transportation to your hotel -- before you leave home (though don't expect the exchange rate to be ideal). You can exchange money at your local bank. American Express also dispenses traveler's checks and foreign currency via www.americanexpress.com or tel. 800/807-6233, but they'll charge a $15 order fee and additional shipping costs. American Express cardholders should dial tel. 800/221-7282; this number accepts collect calls, offers service in several foreign languages, and exempts Amex gold and platinum cardholders from the 1% fee.
ATMs
The easiest and best way to get cash away from home is from an ATM (automated teller machine). The Cirrus (tel. 800/424-7787; www.mastercard.com) and PLUS (tel. 800/843-7587; www.visa.com) networks span the globe; look at the back of your bank card to see which network you're on, then call or check online for ATM locations at your destination. Be sure you know your personal identification number (PIN) and daily withdrawal limit before you depart. Note: Remember that many banks impose a fee every time you use a card at another bank's ATM, and that fee can be higher for international transactions (up to $5 or more) than for domestic ones (where they're rarely more than $2). In addition, the bank from which you withdraw cash may charge its own fee.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are another safe way to carry money. They also provide a convenient record of all your expenses, and they generally offer relatively good exchange rates. You can also withdraw cash advances from your credit cards at banks or ATMs, provided you know your PIN. If you don't know yours, call the number on the back of your credit card and ask the bank to send it to you. It usually takes 5 to 7 business days, though some banks will provide the number over the phone if you tell them your mother's maiden name or some other personal information. Keep in mind that many banks now assess a 1%-to-3% "transaction fee" on all charges you incur abroad (whether you're using the local currency or U.S. dollars). But credit cards still may be the smart way to go when you factor in things like exorbitant ATM fees and the higher exchange rates and service fees you'll pay with traveler's checks.
