FAQ
Count Up to 11:30 2008-05-09T09:00:00 +2 down


Dear Vara Friends,
As far as condition here in Hungary are pretty much similar as those in Poland, we borrowed some suggestions from organizers of the Polish VIM-7, tailor-making of course for the Hungarian specialties. Thank you guys :-)

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Q: Can you post some links to pages with information about Hungary, and Zánka, preferably in English?
A: Here you are some. The one who reads all of them through will be our guest for a beer in Zánka (a strict test must be passed :-).
http://www.hungary.com/
http://www.bugbog.com/european_countries/hungary_travel_guide.html
http://www.justlanded.com/english/hungary
http://www.zanka.hu/english/index.ws
http://www.balaton.hu/?changelang=en

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Q: What is the quality of Hungarian roads ? How about motorways?
A: Perfect Varadero environment is absolutely typical here. Minor roads are mostly narrow and not too good quality. Motorways are OK, but you have to buy stickers at a petrol station. 4-day vignette:1530 HUF, 10-day vignette: 2550 HUF . Unfortunately in May biker sticker is not available. Emergency telephone boxes are placed every 2 kilometers on the M1, M5 and M7 motorways and on motor-road '5' where non-stop assistance is available.
The phone number of the Emergency Service is 188 throughout the country

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Q: Is there anything in particular that we should bear in mind when driving on Hungarian roads?
A: Not really. Hungary is member of the EU, so basic regulations are the same. There are no specific local customs. One thing that you should have in mind, is the fact that motorcycling is still not as popular here as in rest of Europe, so car drivers are probably less friendly or at least less accustomed to motorcyclists on the road.
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Q: What are the speed limits in Hungary? Do you have radars and speed cameras? Can one negotiate with the police?
A: Speed limits are as follows: The speed limit for cars and motorcycles on the motorway is 130 km/h (approximately 80 mph); on main roads the limit is 90 km/h (approximately 55 mph);  and in town and village areas, the speed limit is 50 km/h (approximately 30 mph).
Yes, we do have radars both handheld and built-in and speed cameras. Police may assess fines of up to 10,000 HUF on the spot; these fines have got to be paid later by cheque. In the case of major offences, police may revoke driving licences on the spot.
Negotiation is possible, but not easy even for a Hungarian, but the fact is that most policemen do not speak foreign languages on a “negotiating level”
Important! The blood-alcohol level permitted in Hungary is 0.00%.
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Q: What petrol stations do you have in Hungary? What is their standard? Is there anything in particular that we should consider?
A: OMV, SHELL, AGIP, Esso, Jet etc., but most common is MOL which is the Hungarian petrol company. Their standard and range of services is the same as Europe.
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Q: What is the price of petrol in Hungary?
A: Prices are change fast, but a good estimation to calculate with these: Euro95 – 290 HUF/Liter (1.14 Euros)

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Q: Can I pay using credit cards?
A: Yes, all petrol stations and supermarkets and most hotels and restaurants accept major credit cards, such as VISA and MasterCard. American Express is less popular. Foreigners must pay speeding tickets in cash.
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Q: Where may we exchange foreign currency?
A: The best places to go are Change Offices. There are plenty of them in city centers and shopping malls. Banks also exchange foreign currency. Euro is mostly not accepted except of some fuel stations but the rates are not really friendly
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Q: What are the average exchange rates?
A: 1 EUR =~ 260 HUF, 1 GBP = 360 HUF. Actual rates can be calculated here: http://finance.yahoo.com/currency/convert?amt=1&from=EUR&to=HUF&submit=Convert )
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Q: Where should we shop for food and other daily necessities?
A: You may choose one of the supermarket chains, such as CORA, AUCHAN, TESCO etc., smaller ones like CBA, Spar etc. or local stores. Obviously local stores have a limited choice and seldom take credit cards.
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Q: What are standard shopping hours?
A: Supermarkets are open seven days a week, usually from 8 am to 9 pm. TESCO is open 24/7. Local grocery stores are open from 7 am till 6 pm, but during VIM10 Sunday and Monday will be a Holiday, so they will be closed! Petrol stations will be open 24/7 even during this time.
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Q: Can you give us some security tips?
A: As always, avoid soft luggage. If you have a tankbag, take it with you whenever your motorcycle is out of sight (going into shops, restaurants, museums, etc.). Do not leave jackets, gloves or helmets on the bike. The same goes for iPods, cameras, mobile phones, CB radios, GPS, etc.(unless securely fastened to the bike). If you travel in a group, whenever you need to leave your bikes, its wise to have one person stay behind to keep an eye on them. Shopping malls usually have underground parking with security guards, so if you plan on shopping, these places are probably the best choice. Don't forget to bring along your disc locks, U-locks or whatever you use for bike security. In all cases, general rules of common sense apply.
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Q: Is it OK to leave motorcycles on the street for the night?
A: We advise use of guarded parking. Most hotels and motels will provide safe parking facilities. In all other cases, try to find a guarded parking. It should not be a problem, even in smaller cities. Do not, however, expect parking houses. These are available only in the biggest cities.
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Q: What do we do, if we have an accident?
A: Dial 112 and report the accident, or emergency telephone numbers, that are toll-free from any phone:
Ambulance: dial 104
Fire-brigade: dial 105
Police: dial 107
You will be asked to give your name, address where the accident took place, description of what happened, how many people are injured, whether a fire brigade is required, etc. The only problem is that in most of the cases you will have to communicate in Hungarian, so if there are any witnesses around, ask them to do the call for you. If possible take photographs. Police will probably only speak Hungarian (however more and more policemen speak some English or German), so your photographs may be crucial in establishing how it all happened. You are also advised to contact the VIM10 organizers, who will provide all the support that they possibly can.
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Q: What about medical services?
A: Level of medical services is more or less acceptable. Since June 1, 2004, EU nationals are being issued the European Health Insurance Card which simplifies the bureaucratic procedure when receiving medical assistance when travelling within the European Economic Area. The Card replaces forms E111 and E111B, E110, E128 and E119. In case of an emergency you can use this card in state hospitals. Before travelling to Hungary it is recommended to obtain the European Healthcare Card (which is accepted within the EEA and in Croatia and Switzerland as well) or simply take out travel insurance in your home country. In case of an emergency, don't worry about insurance issues and head directly to the nearest hospital emergency room. Under Hungarian law, any health organization, public or private, is required to treat patients in an emergency situation regardless of their insurance status.
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Q: Eating on the way. Any suggestions?
A: There are plenty of nice restaurants or “csarda-s” by the roads. The foods are good, but look carefully after the amount on the bill. The average tip in Hungary is 10%. Petrol stations by the highways also have some kind of restaurants or buffets.
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Q: What do we do if we have a puncture?
A: Take out your repair kit and get on with the job. If, however, you need to use professional tire repair services, your best bet are petrol stations. They may not offer the service, but they will direct you to closest workshop. Do not count on a 24/7 service.
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Q: Can you post addresses of Honda Dealers in Hungary - just in case we need to make a quick repair or buy spare parts?
A: On this link you can find all Honda dealers and services with contact details and opening hours. Click the territory on the map you will cross, and will see the list of appropriate dealers in the given county. http://motor.honda.hu/markakereskedok