112 covers everything. Save the tourist police number too, because the most likely emergency here is an outrageous bar bill with someone standing in the doorway.
- 112 works from any phone, with or without a SIM, and reaches an English-speaking operator. Police are 107, ambulance 104, fire 105.
- Save the Budapest tourist police number before you go out. It exists precisely because of the bar scam.
- If a bar hands you an absurd bill, stay calm - the people in the doorway are part of the business - and ask for the itemised printed receipt they are legally required to give.
- Call the tourist police from inside the venue. That alone ends many of these, and paying by card leaves you something to dispute.
- Theft means a police station and the written report, which insurers require. Hungary's drink-drive limit is zero, which matters in any accident investigation.
The numbers
| Number | Service |
|---|---|
| 112 | European emergency number, all services |
| 107 | Police |
| 104 | Ambulance |
| 105 | Fire brigade |
| +36 1 438 8080 | Tourist police, Budapest |
| 188 | Roadside assistance |
- 112 works from any phone, with or without a SIM, and reaches an English-speaking operator.
- The tourist police number is worth saving before you go out. It exists precisely because of the bar scam.
If a bar hands you an absurd bill
- Stay calm and do not get into a fight. The people in the doorway are part of the business.
- Ask for an itemised, printed receipt. They are legally required to give one.
- Call the tourist police from inside the venue. That alone ends many of these.
- Pay by card, not cash, if you have to pay. A card charge can be disputed with your bank; cash is gone.
- Report it afterwards anyway, with the receipt, so the venue can be acted on.
Other things going wrong
- Theft: report at a police station and get the written report. Insurers require it.
- Lost passport: your embassy is in Budapest, and most countries have one.
- Card lost or stolen: freeze it in your banking app first, then call your bank.
- Road accident: call 112. Hungary's drink drive limit is zero, and this matters for any accident investigation.
- Medical emergency: 112 or 104. State emergency care will treat you regardless of cover.
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