The Best Apps to Use In Budapest
I'm a girl that loves apps. Literally, if it doesn't have an app, I have a gut feeling it's not legit. Don't know if that's a true statement or if i'm just spreading fake news. LOL! (if you don't get it, google it.)
While living in Budapest, I have realized that things are a bit slower here when it comes to services. Something that seems simple requires 7 steps and a ton of paper work. And that's okay. That's just why I love to use apps – it cuts out the confusion. But here are some companies that get it! Download these apps to help you survive in Budapest.
Communicate
Unit Converter - Currency, Temperature, Measurements, etc.
Yeah, so I use this app daily. From measurements to currency converting, I truly like having the assistance of this app. In Budapest you have to learn about paying and tipping in forints. I'm getting used to celsius, but I still want to know what it is in degrees. I'm also used to feet and inches, so I can't throw that out the window. For me, this Unit Converter app is a game changer.
I use this app to get through my daily routine like deliveries, mail, grocery store items, and more! I use the app to pronounce something, or I scan a menu live by pressing the picture button, or when my house cleaner from Rendi.hu has a question about cleaning supplies, I can easily have her talk into the phone for quick translation. Now don't get me wrong, it's not a perfect translation all the time, but it will keep the conversation going.
Transportation
I love an app that switches to English. And this app does. If you need by the minute acesss to when the train, metro, bus or tram are coming, then this is the app for you. It even updates during delays. I love that the BKK has an app, but the public transportation is so consitent that I usually just use the app during late night hours, when they have alternate routes.
So taxi's in Budapest are known to overcharge tourist. So since there is no Lyft in Budapest, I have learned that using Bolt is the best way to get around. They never leave you if you're not downstairs in 2 mins of them pulling up, and I always get charged what was quoted in the app.
Moving to a city with great public transportation is great, but there are those times where a car is necessary. So instead of paying high cab fares to get your stuff from Ikea for example, I use the only e-carsharing service in the city, GreenGo.hu. The rates are cheap and the app makes finding a car easy. To receive 100 free minutes, and upon complete registration you will receive free driving time to your account.
LINK TO FREE DRIVE TIME -http://bit.ly/BGIBGreenGo
miniBUD is one of the most trusted shuttle services in Budapest. They pick up on time and if you are traveling alone the cost is the most reasonable for the time it takes to drop off a couple of people on your way. Scheduling your pickup and drop off in advance is the best way to save time. You can book online or through your hotel in most cases. When you land at the airport there is a desk at baggage claim for you to order your shuttle. If you wait until you arrive to order your ride the wait time for a shuttle is usually no more than 30 mins, but the line can be long.
Maps
I use google maps for all my transportation needs. You can even download the offline map of the city before you arrive. In Budapest alone, I have noticed that the driving directions tend to tell me to make illegal turns, so be aware of that.
This app is a one-stop-shop when it comes down to what to eat, finding interesting places, cool bars, and more. It's an offline app, so you don't need data, or wifi, which is a plus!
Tours
My husband and I booked a few things on our travels through Europe last year using Viator. We skipped the line at the Effiel Tower, Wine tasting in France, Tapas tour in Spain, and a cooking class in Italy. It was amazing!
Tours4Fun has some great packages in Budapest. They offer great discounts and deals for site seeing, hotels and more!
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance is a must. From getting sick, to stolen items, you will be glad that you got travel insurance, even if nothing happens at all. It's better to be safe than sorry.
And while you're at it, you might want to learn a bit of Hungarian. I put together a list of how to learn how to learn Hungarian.