Commerce & Services Hungary

In Hungary, there are numerous supermarkets and hypermarkets, both international and local chains. Below are listed the most popular ones:

 

Tesco: A British chain; widely represented throughout the country; offers a wide range of products from food to home appliances.

 

Spar: An Austrian-Dutch chain with various store formats: Spar, Spar Express, Interspar; known for high-quality fresh products and ready meals.

 

Auchan: A French chain of hypermarkets located in major cities; a large selection of products, including private labels.

 

Lidl: A German discount supermarket chain; offers a limited assortment of quality products at low prices. 

 

Aldi: A German discount chain; focuses on its own brands and offers products at competitive prices.

 

Penny Market: A discount chain owned by the German Rewe group; specializes in food and everyday items.

 

CBA: A major Hungarian supermarket chain; widely represented in regions, offers local products and goods.

 

Coop: One of the oldest Hungarian retail chains; focuses on serving local communities, especially in rural areas.

 

Reál: A Hungarian chain of stores of various formats; offers a wide range of both local and imported products.

 

Metro: A German wholesale network for businesses and individual entrepreneurs; requires registration but offers wholesale prices and a wide selection of products.

 

Prima: A subdivision of the CBA network, aimed at the premium segment.

DM and Rossmann: German drugstore chains specializing in health, beauty, and household products.

Below are the most popular and largest online stores available to the residents of the country.

eMAG.hu: A Romanian company, the largest online retailer in Hungary; offers a wide range of products, including electronics, household appliances, clothing, and much more.

Alza.hu: A Czech online store, successfully operating in the Hungarian market; specializes in electronics, household appliances, and gadgets.

MediaMarkt.hu: A German electronics store chain represented in Hungary both offline and online; a wide selection of electronics, household appliances, and accessories.

 

Extreme Digital (edigital.hu): A local online retailer specializing in electronics, household appliances, and computer accessories.

Tesco Online: A British supermarket chain providing online ordering services for food and household goods.

Auchan Online: A French hypermarket chain offering online orders for groceries and household items.

Ubuy.hu: An international online shop offering premium and luxury brand products, including electronics, clothing, cosmetics, and much more.

Flagma.hu: An online catalog of goods and services where you can find offers from various suppliers and stores in Hungary.

Postal services in Hungary are provided by Magyar Posta, which offers a wide range of services for sending and receiving correspondence both domestically and internationally. Red mailboxes are located in cities and towns, making it easy to send letters and postcards.

Additional services

Package tracking: provides the ability to track parcels and registered mail through the official website or mobile app.

Post office boxes: the service allows you to receive correspondence at a selected post office without specifying a home address. An ID is required for collection.

Post offices: Post offices operate on weekdays, usually from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but hours may vary by region.

 

In addition to the national postal service, both international and local courier companies operate in Hungary, providing delivery services both domestically and internationally.

International courier companies

DHL Express: An international company providing express delivery of documents and cargo worldwide. 

FedEx: One of the world's largest carriers, offering express delivery and logistics services.

UPS: An American company specializing in parcel and freight delivery, as well as providing logistics solutions.

TNT Express: An international courier service offering express delivery and logistics services.

 

Local courier companies

Express One Hungary: A Hungarian courier service providing efficient delivery solutions for domestic shipments.

Sprinter Futárszolgálat: A local courier company specializing in fast delivery of parcels and documents within Hungary.

FoxPost: A delivery service using automated parcel lockers for receiving and sending packages, offering convenience for customers.

FámaFutár: A Hungarian courier service offering parcel and document delivery with a focus on quality service.

These companies provide a variety of services, including express delivery, business logistics solutions, and personalized offers for customers. The choice of a suitable courier service depends on specific needs, such as delivery speed, cost, and additional services.

In Hungary, there is a network of parcel lockers, making the receiving and sending of packages convenient and accessible. Parcel lockers are actively used by both local and international courier companies.

Main telecommunication companies

Magyar Telekom: The largest operator in Hungary, providing fixed and mobile communication services, broadband internet, and digital television. The company is a subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom.

Vodafone Hungary: An international operator offering mobile communication, fixed internet, and television.

Yettel Hungary: The company provides mobile communication and mobile internet services.

DIGI Hungary: Offers cable television, fixed internet, and telephone services.

Television services

Digital television: Most operators offer digital television packages with a variety of channels, including HD and 4K content.

IPTV: Internet television services allow watching programs via internet connection, providing additional features such as recording shows and on-demand viewing.

Satellite television: Available in areas with limited cable coverage, providing a wide selection of channels.

 

Internet services

Broadband internet: Available through fiber-optic, cable, and DSL connections. Speeds range from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps depending on the provider and region.

Mobile internet: 4G networks cover most of the country, with 5G deployment ongoing to provide high-speed internet access.

Wi-Fi: Many operators offer home Wi-Fi routers, as well as access to public Wi-Fi networks for their customers.

 

Telephone services

Mobile communication: The three main operators (Magyar Telekom, Vodafone, Yettel) offer various tariff plans, including prepaid and postpaid options.

Fixed-line communication: Landline telephone services are mainly provided in packages with internet and television.

 

Bundle offers

Many operators offer combined service packages (internet, television, telephone) at reduced prices, allowing savings and additional benefits.

 

Connection and service

Connection: To connect services, one must visit the chosen operator's office or apply online. Some companies offer free equipment installation.

Customer service: Operators provide support in Hungarian and English. Some companies also offer service in other languages.

Foodora: One of the leading food delivery services in Hungary; partners with numerous restaurants, offering a variety of cuisines and dishes.

Wolt: An international service; present in major cities in Hungary; known for a wide selection of restaurants; offers delivery of groceries and other goods.

Bolt Food: Part of the Bolt ecosystem; provides food delivery services.

Kifli.hu: An online supermarket; specializes in delivering fresh groceries and everyday products.

In Hungary, the operating hours of stores and services can vary depending on their type, location, and day of the week. Below is general information about the working hours of various establishments:

Grocery Stores

Supermarkets: Major chains such as Aldi, Lidl, Spar, and Tesco typically open at 6:00–7:00 AM and operate until 8:00–9:00 PM. On Sundays, some stores may have reduced hours or be closed.

Small grocery stores: They may open later, around 8:00 AM, and close earlier, around 6:00–7:00 PM. On Saturdays, they often operate until 2:00 PM, and on Sundays they may be closed.

Shopping Malls and Clothing Stores

Shopping centers: Typically operate from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, hours may be reduced, such as from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Clothing and shoe stores: Outside of shopping centers, they may open at 9:00–10:00 AM and close at 6:00–7:00 PM. On Saturdays, they often work until 1:00–2:00 PM, and are usually closed on Sundays.

Markets

Central Market Hall in Budapest:

  - Monday: 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM

  - Tuesday–Friday: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

  - Saturday: 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM

  - Sunday: Closed

Lehel Market: The only stationary market in Budapest that operates on Sundays. It opens daily at 6:00 AM and closes:

  - On weekdays: at 6:00 PM

  - On Saturday: at 2:00 PM

  - On Sunday: at 2:00 PM

Banks: Operate from 8:00–9:00 AM to 4:00–5:00 PM from Monday to Friday. Most banks are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Pharmacies: Usually open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays. Some pharmacies operate on Saturdays until 12:00–1:00 PM. On Sundays, duty pharmacies provide 24-hour service.

Restaurants and Cafes: Hours vary, but most open around 11:00 AM–12:00 PM and operate until 10:00–11:00 PM. In tourist areas, establishments may stay open longer.

Public Transport: Metro, trams, and buses in Budapest typically start operating around 4:30–5:00 AM and finish around 11:00–11:30 PM. Night routes provide transportation during nighttime.

Please note: On holidays, the operating hours of shops and services may vary. It is advisable to check the specific opening hours of establishments in advance, especially during public holidays.

Local Hungarian Brands

- Fashion and Accessories:

  Nanushka: A renowned clothing brand, combining contemporary design with traditional elements.

  Vass Shoes: A manufacturer of high-quality handmade footwear.

  Devergo: A brand specializing in youth clothing and footwear.

 

- Food and Beverages:

  Pick Szeged: A producer of the famous Hungarian salami.

  Herend: A porcelain manufacturer known for its exquisite products.

  Unicum: An herbal liqueur, which is a national drink of Hungary.

 

- Cosmetics:

  Omorovicza: A cosmetic brand using thermal waters and minerals in its products.

 

International Brands

Numerous international brands are represented in Hungary, especially in Budapest. Shopping centers like WestEnd City Center, Arena Plaza, and MOM Park offer products from the following brands:

- Fashion and Accessories: Zara, H&M, Mango, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Armani.

- Electronics and Home Appliances: Samsung, Apple, Sony, Bosch, Siemens.

- Cosmetics: L'Oréal, Estée Lauder, Sephora.

Additionally, international supermarket chains such as Tesco, Aldi, Lidl operate in Hungary, offering a wide range of everyday products.

Thus, Hungary combines a rich variety of local brands with a broad presence of international brands, providing consumers with a diversity of choices and high-quality products.

Understanding local customs and rules of conduct in the trade sector will help you feel comfortable in Hungary and avoid awkward situations.

Greetings and Politeness

- Greeting shopkeepers: It is customary to greet when entering and leaving stores. Phrases like "Jó napot kívánok" (Good day) or "Szia" (Hi) are appropriate.

- Formal address: Hungarians value respectful addressing. Use the form "Ön" (You) when communicating with strangers or service personnel.

- Polite phrases: Using words like "kérem" (please) and "köszönöm" (thank you) is welcomed and creates a pleasant atmosphere.

Language Features

- Knowledge of Hungarian: Although many speak English in tourist areas and large cities, knowing basic Hungarian phrases will make communication easier.

- English: Staff in large chains and stores in the city center usually understand English, but in regional and smaller stores, it's better to use Hungarian.

Payment Methods

- Cash and cards: Most stores accept both cash in forints and bank cards. Euros are rarely accepted.

- Contactless payments: Becoming increasingly popular. Smartphones and smartwatches can be used for payments.

- Minimum card payment amount: Some small stores may have a minimum amount for card payments.

Tipping and service charge

- Tipping: Tips are not expected in retail stores. However, in restaurants and taxis, it is customary to leave 10-15% of the bill.

- Service charge: It may be included in the bill in some establishments. Look for the line "szervízdíj" on the receipt.

Bargaining and discounts

- Bargaining at markets: At markets and with private sellers, you can try to bargain, although it is not very common.

- Seasonal sales: Discounts usually occur at the end of seasons – summer and winter.

- Loyalty cards: Many stores offer loyalty programs with cumulative discounts and bonuses.

 

Queues and personal space

- Queues: Hungarians respect order in queues. Do not try to cut in or stand too close to the person in front of you.

- Personal space: Maintain a comfortable distance when communicating and waiting in line.

Environmental aspects

- Bags: Free plastic bags are rare in stores. It is recommended to bring your own bags or pay for reusable ones.

- Waste sorting: The country emphasizes separate waste collection. Follow the waste disposal guidelines.

Tax refunds for tourists

- VAT refund: Tourists from non-EU countries may be entitled to a VAT refund on purchases above a certain amount. Keep receipts and request the necessary documents at the store.

Additional nuances

Alcohol and tobacco: Sold only in specialized stores with the designation "Nemzeti Dohánybolt" (National Tobacco Shop). Purchases can be made from the age of 18.

Returns: Return policies may vary in different stores. Always keep the receipt and clarify the conditions when purchasing.

Winter Sales

Period: From early January to the end of February.

Features: Start immediately after the New Year holidays. Winter sales offer substantial discounts on clothing, shoes, accessories, and home goods. Initial discounts are usually about 20-30%, reaching 50-70% by the end of February.

Summer Sales

Period: From late June to the end of August.

Features: Held before the start of the autumn season. Stores offer discounts on summer clothes, shoes, travel goods, and accessories. Discounts start at 20-30% and can reach up to 70% at the end of August.

 

Black Friday

Period: Usually the last Friday of November.

Features: Like in other countries, "Black Friday" attracts shoppers' attention by offering significant discounts on electronics, household appliances, clothing, toys, and even furniture. Some stores extend discounts throughout the weekend or even for a week.

Cyber Monday

Period: The Monday after Black Friday, end of November.

Features: Special online sales primarily for electronics and gadgets. Many Hungarian online stores, like global ones, offer exclusive discounts.

Christmas promotions and pre-holiday sales

Period: December.

Features: In December, before Christmas, most stores offer small discounts on gifts, toys, products, and decorations. These promotions are more aimed at attracting buyers to festive goods.

Mid-season discounts

Period: Mid-autumn (October) and spring (April).

Features: In October and April, many stores hold sales between the main seasons, offering moderate discounts (20-40%) on clothing, shoes, and accessories.

National holidays and local promotions

- Spring and autumn holidays: Before such holidays as St. Stephen’s Day (August 20) or Easter, you can find promotions on products and home goods.

- Mother's Day and Father's Day: Many stores offer discounts on gift sets, flowers, cosmetics, and jewelry.

Hungary places great importance on environmental sustainability and efficient waste management. The country's waste disposal and recycling system is organized at both national and local levels, ensuring effective waste handling and minimizing its impact on the environment.

Waste collection and sorting

Separate collection: A system of separate waste collection has been implemented in most settlements. Residents are required to sort their waste into the following categories:

  - Plastic and metal: bottles, packaging, cans.

  - Paper: newspapers, cardboard, office paper.

  - Glass: bottles, jars.

  - Organic waste: food waste, garden waste.

  - Mixed waste: non-recyclable materials.

- Containers: Towns and villages have color-coded containers for each type of waste. For example, blue for paper, yellow for plastic and metal, green for glass.

 

Recycling and disposal

Recycling facilities: Hungary is equipped with state-of-the-art plants for recycling plastics, paper, and glass.

Composting: Organic waste is sent for composting, producing organic fertilizers for agriculture.

Incineration: Some non-recyclable waste is incinerated at specialized plants to generate energy.

 

Special waste categories

Electronic waste: There are special collection points for disposing of old electronics.

Hazardous waste: Batteries, chemicals, and other hazardous materials are accepted at specialized centers.

Bulky waste: Furniture and household appliances are collected on designated days or by prior arrangement with local services.

Economic incentives

Deposit system: A deposit system has been introduced for plastic and glass bottles, encouraging the return of containers to stores for recycling.

Fines: Non-compliance with waste disposal rules is subject to fines, the amount of which depends on the nature and severity of the violation. Local authorities set specific fine amounts, which may vary depending on the region and type of violation.