Hello everyone.

Over the past few weeks I have enjoyed reading all the threads on different and varying subjects.
As you can guess, I am contemplating a move to Hungary with my wife who is Slovakian but of Hungarian origin. We will be looking at property in October around Balaton...yet again I hear you say.

I hope my questions are new and will get you scratching your heads.

First, I have been living as an expat for over 20 years thus no address in the UK, I have a car (4X4) I bought in the middle east from new, low mileage and I would hate to leave it behind or sell it and buy another in Hungary, can anyone advise how to and the cost of bringing it with me to Hungary? I mean taxes and duties etc....if possible.

Also, can I pick your brains about this, I would be a retired doctor when I arrive in Hungary to settle, I am British of Arabic origin and would like to rest medicine as a career. Any ideas about what to do after?....I love fly fishing, drawing and woodworking ( Qualified to teach both ) and am a very good cook I have been told...lol.

Any ideas?

Hi and welcome to the BE forums. I'm concierge for the Hungarian section so if you need any help, feel free to PM me or if I'm not around, there is usually one of our regular posters who will be happy to help.

You can use the vehicle tax calculator here and the duty calculator here

The car must meet European environmental standards and be equipped with a catalytic converter. Non-EU citizens must pay duties as well as the registration tax but also have the option of importing the car on a temporary basis.
A bank guarantee covering the total duties and taxes due on importing the car must be available but will be released if the car is then exported out of Hungary.
The customs office gives a temporary customs clearance valid for 20 days during which time the car must pass it's technical check and and then be registered. During this time, the cost of duties and tax must be lodged with customs. Once registered, it is returned to customs for full clearance.

Regards what to do, considering your skills, I would suggest themed holidays combining either drawing or fly fishing lessons, I think it's generally accepted that Lake Balaton itself is saturated with accommodation however, finding a niche market to cater for is possible. I currently know of two couples looking for the right property before starting up carp fishing holidays, I'm only surprised that it hasn't been done before now.

It might be worth talking to people in the souvenir shops to see if there is anything you could make for them to sell. This is a tourism related activity but one that could keep you occupied during the cold winter months. Obviously you would need to take a couple of examples of your work to show them.

Thanks Rural...I have roughly calculated things and it seems like I have to pay nearly double what the car is worth to get it in...shame but there it goes.

Also thanks Fidobsa...good suggestion.

I read in some earlier threads that tools ( hand and power ) are expensive in Hungary...they seem comparable to Britain but I guess I have to see if it is worth it to bring these with me from the ME...before starting to get what I might need to occupy my time there.

Is there a need for English teachers around the lake? or Arabic or French for that matter?

I thought also of doing some editing for scientific and medical papers, university thesis and magazines etc....let see how it goes...right?

There is always a need for good native English teachers, and I have seen more interest in French of late. I would say, get a niche, as there are plenty of people teaching English already. It is what a lot of people turn to, but to provide any value you should at least have experience. Teaching English properly and well is not easy. Proof reading/editing would depend on your contacts, but once you are here...and get networking I am sure you could find something in Budapest.

PM me when you get here and are settled in. Good luck!

Thanks Polly...a lot of people talk about that niche you mention..not easy to know really what is within your capabilities that is required.

I am sure that in Budapest like any city services are more abundant than in the villages so hopefully I can find something to wake up for in the morning...not a money issue honest but we are sort of long conditioned to do something that I feel sitting contemplating nature alone would kill me...

I think English, French and Arabic is a niche Also your medical background will stand you well in any editing work of that nature.

Thanks...I didn't think Arabic would be a niche there....
Anyway, thanks for your encouragement...keep any ideas coming please.

If money isn't the issue then I would try the local schools - one of our members works in a local school and I'm sure she'll be along soon to chip in.

Outside of Budapest, there is a bilingual school in Zalaegerszeg and English is now taught as an alternative to German in all schools. Pay is low but you would gain so much more from it.

Around this end of the lake there are more and more schools concentrating on languages. It is my understanding that at advanced level High schools must have a native English speaker for at least one lesson a week. This would mean a minimum of five lessons per week for a native English speaker. Below eleven lessons a week you are not officially classed as a permanent teacher of the English language so you could teach English conversation as I do. I have a yearly contract paid just for the lessons I teach. I did have a related qualification although I have heard of others who don't. So it might be worth you contacting local high schools when you decide where you want to live. Be aware though that you will need all your registration and address id documents plus an official translation of your degree.
If you decide to go down this route let me know as there are many websites that have been a great help when designing lessons.
Personally I think you will have more luck outside of Budapest because there are not so many native English speakers.
Good luck....

Haha, right on time Cathy....

I know, great minds think alike

When I used to say that in front of the children, they would reply" more like fools seldom differ" ouch!

Thanks Ladies and gentlemen...my degrees are all in Medicine though...
Maybe Biology in English language then..

Thanks Cathy and I will let you know if I want it to be a job as such.

Believe it or not this is my first time ever at this blogging stuff...how do you PM somebody guys an dolls?