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Hungarian Forint (HUF)

Hungarian Forint · Ft · Official currency of Hungary

History

The Hungarian forint (Ft) was introduced in 1946 to address the severe hyperinflation that followed World War II, replacing the earlier pengő.

Banknote Denominations

Six denominations circulate: Ft500, Ft1,000, Ft2,000, Ft5,000, Ft10,000, and Ft20,000, featuring Hungarian monarchs and notable political and cultural figures.

Traveler Tips

Hungary also uses the forint outside the eurozone, and its large face values can make quick math confusing at first. Some exchange offices in central Budapest have a history of posting one rate but applying a different one with hidden fees, so it's safer to use a bank or a well-reviewed exchange office. Card payments are standard in cities, but cash may still be needed at bathhouses or small shops.

Issuing authority
Magyar Nemzeti Bank (MNB)
Introduced
Founded 1924
Sub-unit
1 forint = 100 fillér (effectively unused today)

You can view the real banknote designs on the Magyar Nemzeti Bank's official page.

See Hungarian Forint banknotes at today's exchange rate →