MikeyMcD

Hello all,

I’m strongly considering a move to Budapest next year so wanted to introduce myself to the forum and try get some advice.

I'm 24 years old and from Glasgow and there’s a great chance me and my friend will move to Budapest in January, most likely from January 2014-June 2014, although that may possibly extend to a year. We both work online.

I’ve read up a little about Budapest and heard it’s meant to be a great city: from the nightlife to the spa houses to the architecture and friendliness of people. The only thing that scares me is the language barrier, especially as someone who works online and relies on outside chatting to meet people. Am I right in saying English isn’t even Hungary’s 3rd language? Is it a case of more people speak English in Budapest specifically since it’s the capital of Hungary?

Can anyone confirm whether I would need some sort of residency certificate to stay for a year? I lived in Albufeira in Portugal for 3 months this summer and to stay beyond 3 months you had to apply for a residency certificate so wanted to see what the deal was for Budapest.

Obviously prices for renting varies based on location/size etc but can anyone give me the ball park for what I would be talking to rent a reasonably sized 2 bedroom apartment per month? Is there a great difference between the “Buda” and “Pest” parts?

What’s the weather like in the winter months i.e. Jan-Feb/Nov-Dec. Being from Glasgow I’m used to pretty cold winters but wasn’t sure if it’s more extreme in Budapest.

Does anyone have any other advice I may find useful? Which part of Budapest is meant to be better to live in, the “Buda” or “Pest” part? Which part is the nightlife better at?

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Thanks a lot,

Mikey

Pollypaprika

Hello

Just a few things. Firstly if you are living in Budapest you don't need to worry too much about the language as there are plenty of English speakers and a fair few expat groups (check out the groups on Facebook). Likewise socialising should not be a problem. Budapest is a fab city to live in and I am quite sure you will find the night life great regardless what side of the river you locate to, so long as you are not located too far outside of the city as its easy to get around on public transport.

As for the weather in Jan/Feb...hmm..can be pretty cold..but if you are a Glaswegian at least you will be half way prepared :-)

As for prices, like any city, you get what you pay for. Once again, check out the expat groups on FB as they seem to have plenty of flats for rent. You could get a decent enough flat for 500 euro per month...it depends on what you are looking for and where you will be located. There are certain districts that are less salubrious than others, but I am sure others on here can advise you which ones they are.

If you are here for more than 3 months then you normally need some form or residency permit...there is a thread on here you can read.

Good luck

I am sure you will love Budapest.

MikeyMcD

Hey,

Thanks for the response! That's useful, I've heard quite a few people say now that there's a lot of English speaking folk - I was under the impression this wasn't the case so that's convenient.

I already tracked down one of the expat groups on Facebook and gave it a like - https://www.facebook.com/budaquest

If there's any more you know, feel free to let me know! Are there any specific pages where people post to meet up and socialise?

Thanks

Mikey

rammy100

Hi Mikey

I spend a lot of time in Budapest and agree with what Polgardi has said. There are loads of expats and stacks of expat facebook pages. Just search for them and they will come up.

It is not difficult at all to find English speakers and that will not be an issue for you. There is a very well attended monthly expat group that meets for a drink. It's not my sort of thing but I have friends who love it. It's called "International Meeting Point Budapest" and again is on FB.

Your budget will find you somewhere to live in the centre. Pest tends to be livelier than Buda and my advice would be to look at living in Districts 5 (expensive), 6, 7, 8, 9 or 13. You are in the city with good transport. If you go ahead with your move and you want specific advice on accommodation, feel free to drop me a line as I have contacts who may be able to help.

January and February will be cold. It usually starts to warm up in March although 2013 was something of an exception and it was cold way in to April. I'm hoping it balances out in 2014!

Before you move though, why don't you visit for a weekend to get a feel for the place?

Good luck!

Dave

Rural Hungary

Doesn't matter if they speak English as coming from Glasgow, nobody will understand you anyway

MikeyMcD

Hey, thanks for the messages guys!

Rammy100: No bother, I'll check that out on FB. Actually I plan on coming over for a few days sometime in November/December so will be sure to get a good look around the city and hopefully get round to visiting one of the spa's! I may get in touch with you about accommodation within the next couple of months, I'm going to do plenty of looking around online. Since me and my friend both work online (spending a lot of time indoors) we're really looking for a top drawer 2 bedroom apartment.

Rural Hungary: LOL, that's a good point! I was actually living in Albufeira for a few months there and some of the Portuguese really struggled with my accent. Wish me luck!

Rural Hungary

It's nae the Hungarians that widnae underston ye but the good ol Angols. They dinae ken wit I'm takin aboot maest a the time
Us Glasweigians are actually meant to have an easier ride with the Hungarian language due to being able to roll ours r's and the k sound as in loch - can't say either have helped progress my dismal Hungarian!
Though since being here, I have become English as when I tell people I'm a Skót, they look at me strangely and tell me that I'm an Angol ember - gave up explaining a long time ago and when several children in my daughters class claimed that Ireland was off the coast of Germany, I realised that I have no chance of explaining that the top and South west of Britain are in fact different countries Probably different in Budapest though.