Hair Transplant in Hungary

US citizens can travel to Hungary for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism or medical purposes. A US passport with at least three months validity beyond the planned departure from the Schengen Zone is required. For stays longer than 90 days for medical treatment, a residence permit for medical treatment is necessary. Starting in late 2026, US citizens will need an ETIAS travel authorization.

The main international airport is Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD). There are no direct flights from the US to Budapest; layovers are required. Recommended airlines include Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, Austrian Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.

Approximate round-trip economy class flight costs from major US cities are:

• NYC: $400 - $800
• LA: $500 - $900
• Miami: $550 - $950
• Chicago: $500 - $900 Business class tickets typically range from $2,500 to $5,000 or more.

The most convenient neighborhoods for hair transplant patients are in the city center on the Pest side of the Danube River. Recommended districts include District V (Belváros-Lipótváros), District VI (Terézváros), and District VII (Erzsébetváros).

Recommended hotels near clinics include:

• Leonardo Hotel Budapest: $80 - $150 per night
• Hotel Vision Budapest: $120 - $200 per night
• Roombach Hotel Budapest Center: $90 - $160 per night
• Danubius Hotel Helia: $100 - $180 per night

Budapest has an efficient public transportation system (metro, trams, buses). Bolt is a popular ride-hailing app. Taxis are available, with a trip from the airport to the city center costing around 8,000 - 10,000 HUF ($25 - $32 USD). Many clinics offer airport transfers.

The local currency is the Hungarian Forint (HUF). The approximate exchange rate is 1 USD = 320 HUF. It is best to exchange money at ATMs or exchange offices in the city center. Major credit cards are widely accepted.

Tipping is customary. A 10-15% tip is standard in restaurants if a service charge is not included. For taxis, rounding up the fare or tipping 10% is common. For hotel staff, a small tip is appreciated.

The official language is Hungarian. English is widely spoken in Budapest, especially in tourist areas and by younger people. Hair transplant clinics have English-speaking staff. Learning a few basic Hungarian phrases is appreciated.

It is advisable to eat light and healthy meals during recovery. Avoid spicy foods, excessive salt, and alcohol. Budapest has a wide variety of international restaurants, and most can accommodate dietary restrictions. Tap water is safe to drink.

Be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas. Use official taxis. Be cautious of money exchange scams. Stick to well-lit areas at night. The emergency number is 112.

In an emergency, dial 112. Recommended medical facilities with English-speaking staff include:

• FirstMed (private clinic)
• Medicover Hospital (private hospital)
• Semmelweis University Clinical Center (public hospital)

Travel insurance is highly recommended. It should cover medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and medical expenses. Providers like World Nomads, SafetyWing, and IMG offer suitable plans. A basic plan for a one-week trip can cost $30 - $100.

The best times to visit are spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) due to mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer is the peak season with hot weather, and winter is cold.

Pack button-down or zip-up shirts, a neck pillow, comfortable pants, a loose-fitting hat, any prescribed medications, a spray bottle for saline solution, and entertainment.

A typical 4-5 day itinerary includes:

• Day 1: Arrival and consultation
• Day 2: Procedure
• Day 3: Recovery and post-op check-up
• Day 4: Recovery and light sightseeing
• Day 5: Departure

Prepaid SIM cards are available from Telekom, Yettel, and Vodafone for around 5,000 - 10,000 HUF ($15 - $30 USD). Free WiFi is widely available. Recommended apps include BudapestGO, Bolt, Google Translate, and Wise.