Moving to a new country always comes with its set of challenges, and relocating to Hungary is no different. Whether you’re there for work, study, or personal reasons, integrating into Hungarian society can be made smoother with the use of technology. Hungary, located in Central Europe, has a vibrant tech scene and a high rate of internet penetration. This has led to the development and availability of a variety of mobile applications that can help expats navigate their daily lives more effectively.
Google Translate: While many Hungarians speak English, especially in the city areas, knowing basic Hungarian can enrich your experience. Google Translate can help you translate words and phrases from Hungarian to English and vice versa. It also has a handy camera feature that lets you translate text from images—perfect for understanding menus, signs, and documents.
Tandem: If you’re keen on learning Hungarian more interactively, Tandem is a great app. It connects you with native Hungarian speakers who are trying to learn English, facilitating a language exchange that benefits both parties.
Viber: Viber is widely used in Hungary for both personal and business communications. It offers free messaging and calls over the internet, and most locals prefer it over other messaging apps. It’s essential for staying in touch with new Hungarian friends or contacts.
BKK Futár: Budapest, the capital of Hungary, has an extensive public transport network. BKK Futár is the official app of Budapest’s Center for Budapest Transport. It provides real-time information on buses, trams, and metros, helping you navigate the city efficiently.
Waze: If you’re driving in Hungary, Waze is a must-have. It provides real-time traffic updates, alerts about hazards, and the most efficient routes. It’s particularly useful for avoiding traffic jams during peak hours in urban areas.
MOL Limo: For those who prefer not to own a car, MOL Limo is a car-sharing service available in Budapest. The app lets you find and rent a car by the minute, offering a flexible and convenient transportation option.
Webbeteg: This Hungarian health app offers a wealth of information on medical symptoms and conditions, local medical news, and advice from healthcare professionals. It’s a great resource for understanding healthcare services and medical practices in Hungary.
112 Hungary: In case of an emergency, this app allows you to contact Hungarian emergency services directly. It can send your GPS coordinates to the emergency responders, ensuring quick and precise assistance.
EESZT app: This is the official app of the Hungarian Electronic Healthcare Service System. It enables you to access your healthcare information, prescriptions, and test results online. An invaluable tool for managing your health records in Hungary.
Revolut or TransferWise: These apps are very popular among expats for managing international money transfers and currency exchange with low fees. Both offer Hungarian Forint accounts and are useful for everyday financial transactions without the hassle of setting up a local bank account immediately.
Erste MobilePay: For those who choose to go local with banking, Erste Bank Hungary’s app provides a user-friendly interface for managing your finances, paying bills, and transferring money.
eMAG: eMAG is the leading online retailer in Hungary, offering a wide range of products from electronics to groceries. The app provides a convenient shopping experience, with options for home delivery or in-store pickup.
Jófogás: Similar to Craigslist, Jófogás is a local classifieds app where you can buy and sell used goods, find rental properties, and even look for jobs. It’s particularly useful for finding deals on furniture and household items when setting up your new home in Hungary.
Netflix Hungary: While Netflix is a global service, the Hungarian version offers local content that can help you get familiar with the culture and language. It’s also a great way to unwind after a long day.
Meetup: Meetup is an app for finding groups and events near you, according to your interests. Whether it’s a hiking group, a tech meet-up, or an expat community, it’s a great way to meet new people and build your social network in Hungary.
Adjusting to life in Hungary as an expat can be a delightful experience, especially when you have the right tools at your disposal. From mastering the local language to navigating public transport and managing daily activities, these essential apps will help you integrate into Hungarian life smoothly and efficiently. Embrace these digital aids and you’ll find yourself feeling at home in Hungary in no time.
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