Hungary is hardly a violent dangerous society, but crime has increased dramatically in the 1990s. Violence is seldom directed against travelers though racially motivated attacks against Gypsies, Africans and Arabs are not unknown.

As a traveler you are most vulnerable to car thieves, pickpockets and taxi louts. To avoid falling victim to the first two, follow the usual security procedures. 

In the event of an emergency anywhere in Hungary, the following are the most important national and emergency numbers.

Public security is no worse in Budapest than in any other foreign capital. The most frequent crimes committed to the injury of foreigners are confidence tricks, pickpocketing and car theft. We would like to protect you from such troubles, so please take our advice.

Avoid street vendors and beggars. Beware of pickpockets, who are active on public transport vehicles and in popular tourist destinations (Basilica, Heroes’ Square, Fishermen’s Bastion, Matthias Church). Make sure you have your bag closed. Don’t keep your money and credit card in the same place.

Changing money in the street is not only forbidden but can be dangerous and unprofitable operation.

Do not carry too much cash!

Never leave valuable articles in your car. Wherever possible, leave your car at the attended place.

Before getting into a taxi ask the driver how much it will cost. Every car must have a meter. Make sure the driver turns it on before setting out. Ask for the receipt at the end of the journey. You should call a taxi to your hotel rather than flagging down one in the neighboring streets.

You may be stopped in the city with exciting and attractive offers to visit a particular restaurant or bar. We cannot tell you not to go there, but your close friends would certainly discourage you. 

If you have suffered some injury (swindling, theft, violence), contact the Complaints Office of the Budapest Municipal Police Headquarters V., Deák Ferenc u. 16-18. From 1 June to 1 September English and German speaking staff members are on 24-hour-duty.

Tourist Police From 1 July to 1 September tourist policemen and public guards in uniform patrol the streets, accompanied by translators. In the case of an incident, policemen have the right to ask to present your passport but not your money or credit card.

Pickpockets are the biggest worry for tourists. Places where you should be particularly alert in are the Castle District, Vaci utca, the metro, the number 7 bus and number 2, 4 and 6 trams. Keep money and important documents safe and secure at all times. As anywhere, the more on the ball you appear to be, the lower your risk.

Thefts should be reported immediately to the police (rendorseg) station in the district where the incident happened. The police should provide an interpreter. Rip-offs in restaurants still occur, mainly in tourist areas. Check your bill carefully and report any criminal incidents to the police. Most incidents reported in the past involved single men being lured into restaurants by "consume girls" - the ultimate bimbo customers. Gentlemen, do not play the fool!

According to a recent British Home Office survey Budapest is one of the safest cities in America and Europe. The worst is Washington where about 70 people are murdered out of 100 000 citizens. Then Dallas comes with 24.8, Chicago 20.5, Phoenix 19.1, Houston 18, New York 16.8. Budapest has got 2.8 only...

Credit Cards: if you buy goods on the card make sure you see when the merchant swipes it, and better make sure they swipe it only one time. Why? The second time they could swipe it under their own 'credit card machine' and reads all information on the card. Making a fake card takes 5 minutes afterwards and then your money could be used for a month!!! Hell, I do not even want to think about it. Luckily this does not happen very often, but it is always better be on the safe side.

US Embassy releases tourist trap blacklist (taken from the Budapest Sun)

The US Embassy has released another list of bars, restaurants and strip clubs, all Budapest's District V, of which it says it has had complaints from American citizens.
It is claimed that the establishments on the list have grossly overcharged visitors and, in some cases, made threats of physical violence when customers refused to pay charges. 
Some have been consistently fingered by the Embassy for several years as problematic, according to an official release.

On the list are:
- City Center Club and restaurant (same owner as Mephisto Café) at Váci utca
- Mephisto Café at Váci utca
- Nirvana (formerly known as Lola Club) at Szent István körút
- The Black and White Club (formerly know as Tropical Bar) at Galamb utca
- Fontana Cabaret at Vaci utca
- La Dolce Vita at Október 6 utca
- Flashdance at Váci utca
- Piccolo (espresso/drink bar) at Párizsi udvar.