THE HUNGARIAN FORINT: A CURRENCY WITH A LONG TRADITION
According to Countryaah, the Hungarian Forint (HUF) is the official currency in Hungary. As early as the 14th century, forints were used in the region. Later the Hungarian crown (from 1892) and the pengő replaced the currency (1925). After hyperinflation, the forint was reintroduced as the Hungarian currency in 1946. Here you can change Hungarian Forint online or simply view the current exchange rate from Euro to Forint.
THE NAME FORINT REFERS TO A GOLD COIN
The name forint comes from the term florin, a gold coin named after the city of Florence. In the 13th century this coin was common all over Europe. Other currencies such as the florin have also been used to refer to the florin. By the way: You can also buy precious metals such as gold and silver in the XE online shop.
COINS OF LITTLE VALUE WERE WITHDRAWN
In the past few decades, many forint and all fillér coins (one forint equals 100 fillér) have been abolished because they had less and less purchasing power. The coin with the lowest value today is the 5 forint coin. The Hungarian coat of arms as well as animals such as the great egret or a saker falcon are depicted on the forint coins. The 200 forint piece adorns a representation of the famous Chain Bridge in Budapest.
HISTORICAL PERSONALITIES ON THE BANKNOTES
Well-known personalities from the country’s history are depicted on the banknotes in Hungary, on the back you can see buildings that match these people. For example, the front of the 5,000 forint note depicts the state reformer István Széchenyi. If you turn the note over, you can see the Széchenyi Castle in Nagycenk.
NO INTRODUCTION OF THE EURO FOR THE TIME BEING
As a member of the EU (since 2004) Hungary has committed to introducing the euro. Accession to the monetary union is not expected anytime soon. Strong inflation and high national debt currently speak against the introduction of the euro. The country is therefore not yet a member of the so-called euro waiting area. Experts do not expect the euro to be introduced before 2020.
CHANGE TRAVEL MONEY IN GOOD TIME
When traveling to Hungary, it is worth exchanging cash in good time. Those who like to get bargains will find their luck at various flea markets in the capital Budapest. You can also buy fresh culinary delicacies at various markets. You can find further helpful tips for a stay in Hungary in our travel information about Hungary.
ORDER HUNGARIAN FORINTS ONLINE
You can conveniently buy the Hungarian Forint, but also many other currencies, in the XE online shop. Simply select the currency you want, use our currency converter to display the current XE exchange rate and buy your varieties online. The currencies that you order online from us will be delivered to your home within a few days. You can also change your travel money in a XE branch.
THE CURRENCY AT A GLANCE
1 forint = 100 filler. Currency abbreviation: Ft, HUF (ISO code). Banknotes are available in denominations of HUF 20,000, 10,000, 5000, 2000, 1000 and 500. Coins are in circulation in denominations of 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 Ft. Some commemorative coins are also legal tender. Note: According to experts, the introduction of the euro in Hungary will probably not take place before 2020.
FOREIGN EXCHANGE REGULATIONS
For travelers inside and outside the EU there are no restrictions on the import or export of national and foreign currencies, but there is an obligation to declare cash from the equivalent of € 10,000 (including travelers checks, other currencies or checks made out to third parties). The form for the declaration is available here: Declaration form.